Weddings in Italy: A Mystical Land of Romance, Art, History and Culture

Many couples use the services of a wedding planner or reputable travel company who specialises in such events to arrange their weddings in Italy. Nevertheless, if your budget will not stretch that far it is quite possible to arrange the wedding yourself. Of course, making the arrangements will be much easier if you can speak Italian, or manage to find an English speaking Town Clerk.

As with any other country, laws and protocol specific to the country in which you intend to marry and not your country of origin will have to be respected and adhered to. In essence, this means that you will need to provide specific documentation to the Town Clerk before he will perform the ceremony. You must ensure, however, that you have all the documentation the Town Clerk requests, because if just one document is missing, they can and in most cases will, refuse to perform the ceremony. 

For couples who want a religious ceremony the process is slightly different, and also depends on the denomination of the couple. If you do intend to marry in Italy and have decided to plan this special day yourself, you will need to research the documentation required, and also how to proceed with the Italian Consulate in your country of origin prior to the wedding. Fortunately, there are several books which outline the process in detail, such as the books illustrated beneath, which will ensure that you have the correct information and that your magical day goes, exactly, according to plan.

"You may have the Universe if I may have Italy" Giuseppe Verdi

Choosing the region and venue for your wedding might initially seem like an insurmountable task. Why, you might ask? Because Italy's beauty, culture, history and traditions cannot be rivaled, the sheer number of stunning regions and unique wedding venues, could, without some guidance, overwhelm you.

Nevertheless, once you have decided on the type of location you want for that special day in your life; countryside, beech, mountains or city, the selection process becomes much easier.

In Italy most civil ceremonies take place within the town halls, religious ceremonies, of course, will be performed in the church or synagogue of your choice. 

"Rome is the city of echoes, the city of illusions, and the city of yearning."  Giotto di Bondone.

The iconic city of Rome, also known as the eternal city, has to be one of the most breathtaking locations on the planet. There are no fewer than 900 churches and an array of museums, fountains, theaters, baths and monuments, and that's before you're even touched on the city's renowned landmarks such as the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Lovers of architecture will be treated to a visual feast; an eclectic mix of Renaissance, Etruscan, Medieval, Baroque and Christian influences. 

Should you decide that you want to tie the proverbial knot in this magnificent city, a civil ceremony would take place in one of the two town halls and be performed by the Ufficiale di Stato Civile. You must bear in mind however, that this is Rome, and the two town halls are no ordinary Spaces. 

The very beautiful and ornate Salla Rossa is located in the main town hall and can accommodate up to 90 guests. Terme di Caracalla, a former convent constructed from stone, is slightly larger and can accommodate up to 140 guests. Both venues are not only historically important, but aesthetically pleasing. After the nuptials have taken place, the reception can be held at either venue or, if you prefer, there are an array of hotels and private houses which cater for weddings. The choice is yours.

Visitors from the UK can access Eyewitness Travel Guides: Rome and City Secrets Rome using the highlighted links.

"A realist, in Venice, would become a romantic by mere faithfulness of what he saw before him." Arthur Symons.

Venice, or the city of love as it is so named, allures thousands of couples who are planning  weddings in Italy, each and every year. This city of love, in true Italian style, offers romance, beauty, art, history, superb dining, stunning architecture, and of course gondolas!

Just as with other regions in Italy, a civil ceremony in Venice will take place at the town hall. However, should you wish, an open air symbolic ceremony can take place after the 'official' nuptials. And in Venice there are no shortage of iconic and beautiful spaces in which to profess your love and commitment.

Getting married at the town hall in Venice, the Palazzo Cavalli however, is no bland affair. In true Venetian style you will travel to your wedding venue by gondola and pose for your wedding photographs by the Rialto Bridge. When it comes to the wedding reception, you will find a myriad of hotels and high end establishments overlooking the amazing Grand Canal, who can not only cater to your every need, but provide the most stunning backdrop for your celebrations.

Visitors from the UK can access Eyewitness Travel Guide: Venice and the Veneto and Rick Steve's Venice 2013 using the highlighted links.

"Travelling is the ruin of all happiness! There's no looking at a building after seeing Italy." Fanny Burney.

If you have been dreaming about uttering the words "I do" against a backdrop of lush green countryside and sprawling vineyards, then it's highly likely that you'll find your ideal wedding location in the picturesque region that is Tuscany. 

The town halls in Tuscany are impressive to say the least. In fact, many of Tuscany's town halls not only contain magnificent and priceless works of art, but are also beautifully decorated with elaborate frescoed ceilings. You will also find that due to their historical and artistic value, the town halls themselves actually belong to the Beautiful Arts Association.

When it comes to the wedding reception, Tuscany offers a plethora venues which are both unique and also provide the essential ingredient for weddings in Italy; the 'wow' factor. Perhaps you see yourself dancing the night away in a Medieval castle, a quaint and pretty farmhouse in the Chianti region, a country mansion, or how about the Botanical gardens? Tuscany has it all!

Visitors from the UK can access Rick Steves Florence and Tuscany and Eyewitness Travel Florence and Tuscany using the highlighted links.

"Everything about Florence seems to be coloured with a mild violet, like diluted wine." Henry James.

One cannot talk about Tuscany without mentioning it's regional capital and birthplace of the Italian Renaissance; Florence. This vibrant and bustling city is one of many contrasts. On the one hand, the grandiose architecture of yesteryear dominates the skyline; Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, for example, the magnificent domed cathedral, stands as the epitome of Renaissance art and architecture. Yet, the city also exudes cosmopolitan chic- super fast trains and modern, boutique hotels. An intoxicating fusion of old and new.

Civil weddings are performed in Florence's city hall, the Palazzo Vecchio, which can be found in the city's famous square, the Piazza della Signoria. This majestic and spectacular building lies in the heart of the city, and as such, provides some jaw dropping and iconic monuments for newlyweds to pose for those all important wedding photographs.

Again you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the wedding reception; chose from a lavish affair held at a Renaissance Palace, or a more laid back and informal occasion at one of Florence's many fine hotels and restaurants. Decisions, decisions! 

Visitors from the UK can access Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture and The Italian Renaissance by clicking on the highlighted links.

"Italy is a dream that keeps returning for the rest of your life." Anna Akhmatova.

Just south of Naples, and described by National Geographic as 'paradise found', lies a beautiful stretch of golden coast, the Amalfi Coast. The intoxicating blend of rugged, mountainous terrain, sparkling, golden sands and the deep turquoise Mediterranean Sea have to be seen to be fully appreciated. Along the coastline lies some of the most pretty, enchanting villages imaginable; houses, churches and other historical buildings in the Moorish style. A charming location for your wedding.

In true Italian style the region is filled with interesting historical artifacts, impressive museums and the local cuisine is world renowned. 

There are so many possibilities when it comes to the venue for your Amalfi Coast wedding; elegant and charming town halls nestle within the shadows of  imposing mountain ranges, or overlooking one of the many pretty harbors. You can literally take your pick between the two, or combine the two. 

And that's not all, the region is renowned for it's magnificent mix of hotels; from the small and quaint, to the grandiose and opulent. All of which can provide the most stunning and unique venue for your wedding celebrations.

Visitors form the UK can access Rick Steves Naples and the Amalfi Coast and Eyewitness Travel Naples and the Amalfi Coast by clicking on the highlighted links.

"Thou paradise of exiles, Italy." Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Less than 30 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Milan lies the tranquil and spectacular Lake Como. If you have envisaged that your special day will take place in a romantic, haven of tranquility by the lakeside, surrounded by snow capped alpine peaks, then Lake Como is for you.

There are a selection of pretty town halls standing right by the lake to chose from; just imagine professing your love whilst gazing across this vast expanse of shimmering water. The nearby towns and villages are charming and quaint, with cobbled streets and inviting eateries, and of course a wealth of history.

When it comes to the venues for your reception and celebrations, Lake Como does not disappoint. The establishments in the region are world class, as you'd expect from a world class location. Lovers of nature and the outdoors will surely wish to make their vows by the beautiful Lake Como. 

Visitors from the UK can access Frommer's Northern Italy and Eyewitness Top Ten Italian Lakes by clicking on the highlighted links.