Choosing the Best Option for Your Destination Wedding or Elopement
Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world — from the hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice, couples dream of getting married here. But before you book a villa or walk into a church, it’s important to understand the difference between a legal wedding and a symbolic ceremony in Italy.
Each has its process, timeline, and emotional meaning, and choosing the right one depends on your priorities.
💍 What Is a Legal Ceremony in Italy?
A legal wedding in Italy means your marriage will be officially recognized by the Italian government and (if handled correctly) in your home country.
To make that happen, you’ll need:
- Valid passports and birth certificates
- Atto Notorio (a sworn statement)
- Nulla Osta (permission to marry)
- Translations, notarizations, and in-person meetings
- A recognized officiant (civil or religious)
- Ceremony held in a licensed venue (like a town hall or Catholic church)
⏳ Processing time: 2–3+ months
📄 Documents must be translated and apostilled
👥 Witnesses and sometimes interpreters required
Legal weddings are possible, especially for couples from the EU or with help from a planner, but they require logistical preparation and time.
🕊 What Is a Symbolic Ceremony?
A symbolic ceremony is not legally binding, but emotionally, it’s just as real.
You can:
- Say your vows anywhere: a villa, vineyard, boat, beach, or forest
- Write your script and rituals
- Have a friend or celebrant perform it
- Get legally married before or after, back home or in Denmark
Symbolic weddings give you total creative freedom — and zero paperwork stress.
For 90% of our destination couples, this is the better choice.
📦 We offer symbolic ceremony support as part of our packages → View Packages
🇮🇹 So, Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a legal wedding in Italy if:
- You want to be officially married on Italian soil
- You're prepared for extra admin, translations, and scheduling
- You're working with a local planner to handle documents
Choose a symbolic ceremony if:
- You want flexibility, beauty, and less pressure
- You're eloping or planning a small wedding
- You value emotion over legal formality
- You want your ceremony in a non-licensed location (like a vineyard or mountaintop)
🎥 How We Work With Both
Whether legal or symbolic, we capture your ceremony with the same care:
- High-quality audio
- Natural visuals and ambient sound
- Focus on emotion, connection, and your story
You might be saying “I do” in front of a mayor or under an olive tree — either way, it’s real.
And your film will reflect that.
💭 Final Thought
Italy is made for romance, and your wedding should reflect your rhythm, not bureaucracy.
Whether you go legal or symbolic, the most important thing is what it means to you.
We'll be there to document the moment — quietly, honestly, and beautifully.
📩 Still unsure which option is right for you? → Contact us
🎥 See how we capture ceremonies across Europe → View Portfolio