The Catholic Wedding 💒
To have a Catholic wedding in Italy, you must fulfill both legal and religious requirements, including starting the process in your home parish at least 6-8 months in advance to gather religious documents like baptism, communion, and confirmation certificates, and attending a pre-marriage course.
You will also need civil documents, such as birth certificates and a Certificate of No Impediment ( Nulla Osta), and ensure at least one partner is Catholic and that any prior marriages have been annulled.
Start at Home (6-8 Months Before)
1. Contact Your Parish:
Begin your religious paperwork through your local parish priest.
2. Complete Pre-Cana:
Attend the pre-marriage (Pre-Cana) classes required by the Catholic Church.
3. Gather Religious Certificates:
Obtain originals of your Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates.
4. Obtain Letters:
Your local priest or pastoral advisor will provide a formal Declaration letter of permission to marry in Italy and an "Attestation" or "Nihil Obstat" letter from the Bishop of your diocese, which is the official "no impediment" letter.
5. Address Previous Marriages:
If either of you has been married before, a Decree of Nullity (annulment) must be obtained.
Civil & Other Requirements
1. Civil Documentation:
Gather valid passports, birth certificates (which may need translation and legalization with an Apostille), and a "No Impediment" certificate.
2. Atto Notorio:
You will also need an Atto Notorio, a formal declaration signed by two witnesses, stating you are free to marry.
During the Process
English or Italian:
Your ceremony can be in English, or with an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
Legally Binding:
A Catholic wedding in Italy is legally binding, incorporating a civil element into the ceremony, so a separate civil ceremony may not be necessary.
Wedding Dress Etiquette:
Consider wearing a dress that is sensitive to local customs, such as avoiding bare shoulders.
You will also need civil documents, such as birth certificates and a Certificate of No Impediment ( Nulla Osta), and ensure at least one partner is Catholic and that any prior marriages have been annulled.
Start at Home (6-8 Months Before)
1. Contact Your Parish:
Begin your religious paperwork through your local parish priest.
2. Complete Pre-Cana:
Attend the pre-marriage (Pre-Cana) classes required by the Catholic Church.
3. Gather Religious Certificates:
Obtain originals of your Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates.
4. Obtain Letters:
Your local priest or pastoral advisor will provide a formal Declaration letter of permission to marry in Italy and an "Attestation" or "Nihil Obstat" letter from the Bishop of your diocese, which is the official "no impediment" letter.
5. Address Previous Marriages:
If either of you has been married before, a Decree of Nullity (annulment) must be obtained.
Civil & Other Requirements
1. Civil Documentation:
Gather valid passports, birth certificates (which may need translation and legalization with an Apostille), and a "No Impediment" certificate.
2. Atto Notorio:
You will also need an Atto Notorio, a formal declaration signed by two witnesses, stating you are free to marry.
During the Process
English or Italian:
Your ceremony can be in English, or with an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
Legally Binding:
A Catholic wedding in Italy is legally binding, incorporating a civil element into the ceremony, so a separate civil ceremony may not be necessary.
Wedding Dress Etiquette:
Consider wearing a dress that is sensitive to local customs, such as avoiding bare shoulders.
26-30, F
