How to Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy
If you’re an adventurous couple who dreams of tying the knot with a beautiful Mediterranean landscape as your backdrop, you should definitely consider a Destination Wedding in Italy.
If you’re contemplating a destination wedding in Italy, whether it’s an elopement in Lake Como, an intimate beach ceremony in Positano, or a chic celebration in Rome. I would like to help guide your planning, and maybe even inspire your future nuptials’ location. As a wedding photographer, I’ve experienced more and more couples choosing a destination celebration, over a local ceremony recently. And Italy is forever on the lips of the clients I talk to, with good reason! I’ve already mentioned some classically romantic locations, but this stunning country is full of so many other wonderful places to tie the knot. Plus, the people are charming, the cuisine is obviously incredible, and services on offer can compete with the best in the world!
To help you determine the right destination wedding venue in Italy for you, and how to navigate the process of getting married abroad, I’ve rounded up everything you should need to get the ball rolling.
Destination Wedding Planning Tips for Italy
Make sure your dream Italian destination lives up to your wedding planning ambitions with these handy tips.
Seek Local Assistance
When planning a destination wedding abroad, be it Italy, or anywhere in the world. It’s always useful to have someone local guiding you. Especially as it’s more than likely you won’t be around to supervise things. Someone should be present in the country you’re marrying in, as the various vendors will need to be checked in on from time to time.
A local wedding planner will be able to gift you their knowledge of the language, local customs, and the best people to work with in the area. They will also be invaluable if you want to get legally married in Italy, and not just have a symbolic ceremony, as the legalities of this can often be perplexing.
Choose the Time of Year Wisely
Any destination wedding photographer will tell you, crowds can ruin the perfect shot. Having passers-by or random people passing through the background of your big day photography can be a nightmare. However, it can be avoided by choosing the right time to travel. Tourists tend to visit Italy between June and August, which are the warmest months. So if you’re planning to have your destination wedding in a popular town or city in Italy, think twice about booking it for a summertime slot, if you want to avoid the crowds.
May or September would be a better choice of wedding month, as the weather is still warm, but there are much fewer crowds.
Don’t Travel with Your Guests, Get there First!
Give yourself time to settle in to your destination by arriving in Italy well ahead of your wedding guests. This will also give you the chance to care of any last-minute wedding details, and maybe even do some sightseeing!
Amazing Places in Italy to Get Married in
Venice
It doesn’t get much more romantic than Venice! Therefore, it could be the perfect place for your dream destination wedding in Italy. Ok, the transportation can be a little tricky, and it receives more tourists per year than Disneyland Paris, but… it’s Venice! The romance and charm of this destination is unmistakable, and your wedding photographer will find it effortless to find a beautiful backdrop for your portraits there.
The Amalfi Coast
If it’s good enough for celebrities like Lizzy Caplan, then why not choose the Amalfi Coast in Italy as your wedding destination of choice! This stunning area is much easier to navigate than Venice, and offers some breathtaking scenery. Alongside centuries old cliffside buildings that will give your nuptials timeless style.
Tuscany
There’s no denying the popularity of Tuscany, and how it is the dream destination for so many couples looking to tie the knot in Italy. And it’s obvious why. The scenery is stunning, the area is easy to travel around, and with major airports nearby, your guests will not find it difficult to be a part of your celebrations.
How to Legally Get Married in Italy
As a non-Italian citizen getting married to another non-Italian citizen, you will need to jump through a few hoops before you can tie the knot in the country officially. However, the tasks you need to perform will depend on the nationality of both you and your partner. As well as the type of ceremony you wish to have.
Due to the complexities of marrying abroad, most US and Canadian citizens opt to have their legal civil ceremony in their home state before flying out. By doing this, you’ll make the whole process a lot smoother, and allow yourself the energy and money to concentrate on creating your dream destination wedding in Italy.
If you want to have a legal wedding ceremony in Italy, you will need proof of identity. You’ll also need a Nulla Osta‘, which may also be called an affidavit. This is released by the Canadian Consulate in Rome, and is legalized with an Apostille Atto Notorio‘ at the Italian Consulate in Canada/US or by an Italian court. This process can certainly take some time, up to two months occasionally. So don’t leave anything to the last minute, and make sure you arrive in the country at least a week before your wedding date.
Check out all the documentation you’ll need as a Canadian Citizen marrying in Italy here.
Book a Photographer you trust for Your Destination Wedding in Italy
The photography of your wedding will be the single greatest keepsake you’ll take away from your big day, so it’s important to get it right. If you can book the services of a talented destination wedding photographer in Canada, and have them travel out for your big day, you’ll be guaranteeing the perfect photo album. Because you’ll get to properly meet them, get to know their style and understand whether they are really right for you – way before the big day!
As an experienced wedding photographer, I would love the opportunity to capture your destination wedding in Italy. And use my journalistic style to create an album that shares all the raw, authentic beauty I will witness on your special day.
You are welcome to browse my portfolio, and if you like what you see, take a look at my wedding photography investment packages. Please do get in touch if you have any questions about my work or services via my contact page.