Thinking of a Tuscan wedding?
Picture tying the knot in a charming historic town or on a picturesque beach surrounded by loved ones. Tuscany offers numerous reasons to choose it as your destination wedding, from beautiful locations and pre-made honeymoons to exquisite food and wine.
If you've been dreaming of a destination wedding in this beautiful part of the world and have been browsing the wonderful array wedding villas in Tuscany that we offer here at Tuscany Villas, but you’re not sure where to start with the planning, here are key things you need to do and facts that you need to keep in mind...
1. You should contact your home country's consulate in Tuscany for specific information and support regarding getting married in your chosen location.
2. You must submit your declaration of intent to marry to the local marriage office at least three weeks before your wedding. Check with the consulate and local town hall for exact details.
3. It is necessary to arrange for a translator to attend the civil ceremony, even if you speak Italian. A wedding planner who speaks your language can also simplify the process.
4. Do keep in mind that while Italy recognises religious weddings from various faiths and can incorporate a civil ceremony for legal validity, same-sex marriages are not yet legally recognised in Italy. Civil unions are but not marriages, so same sex couples will, unfortunately be unable to legally marry in Italy. Symbolic ceremonies are possible and you can still have a legal marriage in your home country, if that is possible.
5. Catholicism is prominent in Italy, and most charming churches are Catholic. If you want to get married in one of these, almost all will require both partners to be of the Catholic faith, you’ll have to conform to the rules of both your local parish and the parish in which you intend to marry, and you will need to submit all religious documents no later than seven weeks prior to your wedding date. These documents will then be processed by both the consulate and local Bishop. We suggest getting in touch with both your parish and the one in which you intend to marry to get all of the relevant information.
6. Civil ceremonies, meanwhile, are typically held in town halls, but approved venues like villas, castles, and gardens can be arranged. Outdoor weddings that are not in pre-approved spots like gardens usually cannot be arranged. An interpreter and two witnesses over 18 are necessary.
7. You must prepare the required paperwork. This includes: valid passports, birth certificates, divorce or death certificates (if applicable), affidavits, and declarations of intent to marry. For exact requirements, again, it is best to check with the local authorities to make sure you have everything right.
8. For a Catholic wedding, additional documents such as baptism and confirmation certificates, a letter of no impediment, proof of premarital course attendance, and permission from the local bishop are also needed.
9. Various fees will be incurred for processing documents, revenue stamps, applications, and potential local charges. Confirm with your chosen venue for any additional costs.
10. Finally, to avoid a lot of the paperwork and complications, if may be best to consider a symbolic wedding for greater flexibility and personalisation instead, allowing you to handle legalities in your home country and focus merely on having a lovely destination wedding in Tuscany.
If you’ve been imagining your dream Italian wedding in Tuscany, it’s totally possible as long as you keep all of the above in mind. Explore our selection of luxury wedding villas in Tuscany for a venue that matches your desires and find both accommodation and a stunning wedding location, all in one place. Contact us for any help you might need in finding this dream venue and anything else you might be wondering about ahead of your big day.