How to Elope in Italy | Destination Italian Elopement

Hey, friends! Thinking about eloping in Italy? Elopements in Italy are full of romance and layered with a sense of history and grandeur. The beauty alone makes the many steps well worth the trouble. However, the added stress of completing all these documents and visiting all these places can be a lot on top of planning the whole elopement in the first place. For that reason, some couples choose to do a purely symbolic ceremony and get their marriage certificate at home. That’s totally okay!

However, if you’d like your Italian elopement to be legally binding, there are a few steps to get everything in order:

First and most obvious, get your legal documents in order: valid IDs, passports, and birth certificates. You’ll also need documents specific to Italy, first of which is an Atto Notario which is easiest to get while you’re still in the states by visiting an Italian consulate locally. For us Vegas folks, that’s in Los Angeles. Heads-up: you’ll need to bring a few witnesses to get this affidavit! If you’re divorced or widowed, you’ll also need your original divorce decree or death certificate to prove you aren’t still legally married.

Once you get to Italy, you’ll visit a US Embassy or consulate in Italy to get a Nulla Osta or Certificate of No Impediment. Make an appointment at least 30 days in advance to obtain this once you arrive—it states that there is no legal reason your marriage can’t be completed. Once you get this document, you’ll have to have it confirmed at a local government office called a Prefettura.

Once you have all these documents in order, it’s time to declare your intent to marry. Head to the Marriage Office (Ufficio Matrimoni) at the town hall of the city where your ceremony is (bring an interpreter if you don’t speak Italian), then you’re all set and it’s time to do the thing! Soon enough, you’ll be picking up your marriage certificate and heading home!

I hope this quick guide gave you a good idea of what eloping in Italy looks like on the business end of things. If you have more questions, hit me up and I’ll be happy to point you in the right direction!

Amber is a Destination Elopement Photographer who is available for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.