Getting married in Rome? 5 things to consider

If you're considering a destination wedding in Italy, Rome is high on the list of stunning locations. Steeped in history with stunning ancient architecture, incredible food and wonderful iconic sights for you and your guests to explore, Rome makes for an unforgettable wedding destination.

One of our favourite venues is Villa Clara. Located in the heart of the city, it's a sumptuous historic villa that sets a new standard for luxury. Reimagined in Art Deco style, the extravagant interiors will dazzle lovers of opulent style. Over 1,000 square meters of marble, semiprecious stone surfaces, including rare amethyst wall panels, and a vast art collection are hidden behind the historical 1920s facade. Considering tying the knot in the Eternal City? Here's what you need to consider.

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Religious or civil ceremony

If you don't speak the language, an Italian wedding planner will be invaluable to guide you through the process of arranging your ceremony. Catholic wedding ceremonies can be celebrated in any of the beautiful Roman Catholic churches.

A civil ceremony in Rome can be celebrated in Campidoglio wedding hall, Caracalla wedding hall or Villa Lais Wedding Hall, and myriad private venues. Protestant, Jewish and Orthodox weddings can be celebrated in Protestant churches, Jewish synagogues and Orthodox churches. Couples who prefer a symbolic wedding ceremony can celebrate wherever they choose, such as a lush private garden or the rooftop of an elegant villa such as Villa Clara.

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Marriage documents

To request and obtain banns of matrimony, certain documents must be shown to the Municipal officer, including an ID document (passport will usually suffice); birth certificate and a certification of no marriage impediment, the so-called nulla òsta. 'Marriage impediment' means all those facts or circumstances that may hinder the marriage itself. For example, if the bride or the groom are not old enough to get married in Italy, or if family relationships exist between the two parties, or if there is any other element that breaks the Italian Civil Code.

At the time of writing, travellers to Italy must have received their second dose of the Covid 19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to travel and must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within the 48 hours before arrival in Italy.

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Hire an interpreter

Not speaking Italian is no barrier to a destination wedding in Rome, but it will help to have an interpreter as some key moments. A wedding planner may be able to assist with this, or recommend someone who can. An interpreter must be present when you ask for matrimonial banns; when you sign the marriage report (if you're non-residents), and during the official part of the ceremony.

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Time to celebrate

After the marriage formalities, it's time to celebrate your love in the Eternal City. There is no shortage of gorgeous locations to celebrate, from Michelin star restaurants, sleek hotels, ancient castles and elegant villa's like Villa Clara. With four luxurious suites, each designed individually by the renowned interior decorator Jacques Garcia, you'll find rich fabrics, marble bathrooms, delicate artworks, authentic period furniture and vintage pieces.

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Choose a great planner

If you've not realised it yet, a great Italian wedding planner is vital to get married in Rome, particularly if you don't speak the language or have the time to frequently travel there. A good planner will research the options that best suit your wishes, from venue and accommodation to florist and rentals, carrying out site visits and allocating your budget avoid to avoid unnecessary costs. They will also guide you through the bureaucracy and ensure you have all the right documents. You can find our recommended destination wedding planners in the Fine Art Curation.

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