Italy is regarded as one of the most romantic places in the world, so it is a perfect place to tie the knot!

A place rich with culture, history, fabulous food & wine and not to mention passionate people.

Some ideas to help you get started

In an old palace overlooking St Marks SquareIn a traditional Venetian Gondola

A wedding on the terrace of the Positano Town Hall overlooking the sea and the town of Positano.

A religious ceremony in a private chapel within the grounds of a Tuscan villa or in an Italian church.

In the gardens of a villa overlooking the countryside.

In a hot-air balloon or on a private boat cruising the Northern lakes or the southern Mediterranean sea.

Wedding Ceremony - The Red Tape

The easiest way to organise everything so you actually have a legal ceremony with an English speaking minister is to go through a reputable company who specialises in the co-ordination.

The First Step:

  • Firstly you must apply for a certificate of no impediment to marriage in Australia which takes approximately three weeks. You can do this at your Department of Foreign Affairs or in front of Justice of the Peace.
  • Once you have this, you send it to your wedding co-ordinator, along with a clear copy of your Australian passports, your original birth certificate and original divorce or widow decrees (if any). The wedding co-orinators will take care of having the necessary documentation issued by the Australian authorities in Italy.

On Arrival:

  • On arrival, approximately three days prior to the wedding, you must do a declaration in front of the Italian authorities. Your wedding co-ordinator can set up the appointment for this and provide the interpreter and two witnesses if required.
  • If you are having a religious wedding, you must do a declaration in the town hall in the area where you are marrying, again with an interpreter and two witnesses.

Other details you should know

Accommodation: Accommodation options in Italy are also widely spread, from private guesthouse stays and hotels to apartments in art cities or villa estates which give the added benefit of having the ceremony and wedding breakfast on the villa grounds. This is very popular amongst a small to large group of family and friends. It also allows for bonding time for both families during the wedding week.

Transport: The main airport for international arrivals are Rome or Malpensa (north-west of Milan). This is ideal as you will need to visit the Australian Embassy to sign the Nulla Osta. From here you can choose to fly, travel by train or car.

Wedding Dress: Unlike in Australia, hiring formalwear is not a popular request…you are in the fashion capital of the world!!! So finding what you want can be tricky. Your best bet is in major cities, although the selection will be limited. Either take a dress with you or give yourself enough time to find one.  If you are taking your clothes from Australia, ask, beg, plead or bribe to have your dress taken with you on the plane. Nothing would be worse than finding out your dress has turned up somewhere in Heathrow airport!!

 article supplied by i-do.com.au                         www.i-do.com.au