A wedding in Italy – just the thought of it makes many hearts beat faster. Gentle hills, cypress avenues, historic villas, the light of the golden evening sun. But what if two Germans want to fulfill this very dream? The good news: it is possible – and with a little planning, it is even surprisingly uncomplicated.
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Getting married in Italy as a German – Everything you need for your dream wedding
Your love under the Italian sun
Getting married in Italy – a dream for many German couples. But what legal steps are necessary to officially seal your love under the Italian sun? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about civil or church weddings in Italy, what documents are required, and why Italy is the perfect wedding destination for Germans, even if they don't live there. Be inspired and plan your very own dream wedding in southern Europe with confidence and anticipation.
Getting married in Italy as a German: What you need to know
A wedding in Italy – just the thought of it makes many hearts beat faster. Gentle hills, cypress avenues, historic villas, the light of the golden evening sun. But what if two Germans want to fulfill this very dream? The good news: it is possible – and with a little planning, it is even surprisingly uncomplicated.
Where can German couples get married?
In principle, any Italian municipality can marry foreign couples. Regions such as Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, and Lake Garda have particularly extensive experience in this area. Whether you want to get married in a small mountain village or a big city, the choice is huge. Many people think that you have to be a resident of Italy to get married there. That is not true. As a US citizen, you have the option of getting legally married without being a resident of Italy – provided that the preparations are right.
Civil ceremony or church wedding?
As German citizens, you have a choice: you can get married in a civil ceremony or a church ceremony. It is important that the wedding is performed by an official Italian authority—i.e., an Italian registry office or a recognized church. It is not possible to get married through the German embassy or consulate in Italy.
Which documents do you need?
For your marriage in Italy, you will need:
A valid passport or ID card
An international birth certificate
A certificate of no impediment to marriage
If applicable, a final divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse
The birth certificate must be international.
Make sure that your birth certificate complies with the Vienna Convention of 1976. It must therefore be multilingual and issued in international format. The registry office of your place of birth is responsible for this.
The birth certificate must be international
Make sure that your birth certificate complies with the Vienna Convention of 1976. It must therefore be multilingual and issued in international format. The registry office of your place of birth is responsible for this.
The certificate of no impediment to marriage – your most important document
The most important document for German citizens is the certificate of no impediment to marriage. It certifies that there are no obstacles to the marriage. If both partners are German, a single certificate is sufficient. The registry office of your last place of residence in Germany is responsible for issuing this certificate.
Have you never had a place of residence in Germany? Then contact the Registry Office I in Berlin.
The certificate of no impediment to marriage is issued on an international form and is multilingual.
The document is subject to a fee and is valid for six months – your wedding must therefore take place within this period.
Language is not a barrier
Don't speak Italian? No problem. All you need to do is bring an interpreter to the wedding ceremony. This can be a friend with good language skills – it doesn't have to be a sworn translator.
Church marriage – the concordat marriage
If you are planning a Catholic wedding, a so-called concordat marriage is possible in Italy. This is recognized by both the church and the state. Please contact the relevant parish in good time, as special requirements apply here.
What about Protestant marriage?
A Protestant wedding in Italy can either be legally valid when performed by a pastor or celebrated as a religious blessing. Certain documents are required for this, which are specified by Italian law. The ceremony usually includes a welcome greeting, the reading of a Bible passage, personal vows, the exchange of rings, the Lord's Prayer, and the signing of the documents. It can be arranged flexibly. The location is also freely selectable: whether a church, villa, garden, or castle—the Protestant wedding ceremony can take place exactly where the bride and groom wish.
The most important information
No Marriage Banns Required
In Italy, foreign couples without residency are not required to publish marriage banns – a practical organizational relief.
Two Witnesses Are Mandatory
For a valid marriage, you need two adult witnesses. You decide who they are – family members or friends are both possible.
Will the Marriage Be Recognized in Germany?
Yes. Your marriage will be recognized in Germany as long as it is legally valid under Italian law. You may also register it with the German registry office, but this is not mandatory.
Do You Need an Apostille?
Legalization is not necessary – unless you require the marriage certificate for other countries.
Name Law: No Automatic Shared Surname
In Italy, each spouse keeps their current surname. If you wish to have a common family name, you must declare this after the marriage at the German registry office or a German consulate.
Nationality Remains Unchanged
Marriage does not affect your German nationality. Legally, nothing changes.
No Automatic Residence Right
Even if you marry in Italy, this does not automatically grant you a residence permit. You must apply for this separately if needed.
Same-Sex Partnerships
Since 2016, Italy recognizes the "Unione Civile." This form of registered partnership is also available for foreign couples. If you want an official marriage, you must do so in Germany and can plan a symbolic ceremony in Italy.
Early Registration Is Wise
Your marriage should be registered at least eight weeks before the desired date – even earlier is better, as popular locations often book up quickly.
What Does a Wedding in Italy Cost?
Costs vary greatly. Some municipalities charge additional fees, especially for ceremonies at historic locations or outside regular office hours. Early coordination helps avoid surprises.
Tuscany: A place straight out of a picture book
Cypress avenues, olive groves, and charming villages—Tuscany is the dream destination for many German couples. Here you will find the perfect blend of nature and elegance.
Locations with history and charm
Whether you're looking for a romantic villa, a rustic country estate, or a small castle, Italy offers countless stylish venues for your wedding ceremony.
Florence – a classic destination for weddings
This city combines art, history, and beauty. Weddings overlooking the Arno River or in a villa in the hills above the city are particularly popular.
Allow sufficient planning time
Allow for at least twelve months' lead time. Especially when guests are coming or a large celebration is planned, it pays to plan early.
Which months are ideal?
May to September are particularly popular. The weather is stable, the days are long, and Italy shows itself from its most beautiful side.
Support from a wedding planner
An experienced local wedding planner can take a lot of the work off your hands—from obtaining documents to choosing a venue.
Consider holidays
Find out about Italian public holidays to avoid unnecessary delays at government offices or service providers.
Camilla Poesio: Your wedding planner in Italy
With good planning, a wedding in Italy is not only possible for German citizens, but also wonderfully beautiful. Be inspired by la dolce vita—and enjoy your love under the Italian sun.
Hochzeitsfotos vom Profi
Fotograf:innen vor Ort wissen genau, wann das Licht am besten ist. So entstehen Erinnerungen, die euch für immer begleiten.
Liebevolle Dekoration
Italienische Floristen arbeiten gern mit Lavendel, Olivenzweigen und saisonalen Blumen – für einen authentischen Look. Mehr zu Blumendekorationen und den Kosten findet ihr in meinem Blogartikel „Warum kosten Blumen für eine Hochzeit in Italien so viel?“.
Musik für Stimmung
Ob Streichquartett, Sängerin oder DJ – Musik sorgt für Atmosphäre und begleitet euren Tag emotional.
Italienische Küche genießen
Ein mehrgängiges Menü mit lokalen Spezialitäten ist ein Highlight jeder Hochzeit in Italien – von Antipasti bis Tiramisu.
Die süße Krönung: Millefoglie
Statt Sahnetorte gibt es in Italien oft Millefoglie – eine köstliche Blätterteig-Kreation, frisch zubereitet und himmlisch leicht.
Auch an die Kleinen denken
Mit professioneller Kinderbetreuung wird die Hochzeit für Eltern und Kinder entspannt – und ihr könnt feiern, ohne Sorgen.
Budget mit Augenmaß planen
Ob exklusiv oder bodenständig – legt euer Budget realistisch fest und kalkuliert Reserven für Unerwartetes ein.
Ein klarer Ablaufplan
Ein gut durchdachter Zeitplan hilft, den Überblick zu behalten und sorgt für eine entspannte Feier.
Zeit zu zweit nicht vergessen
Plant bewusst Momente nur für euch ein – für Blicke, Gespräche und stille Dankbarkeit.
Flitterwochen gleich in Italien?
Warum nicht einfach in Italien bleiben? Ob an der Küste wie der Amalfiküste oder im sonnigen Sizilien, in den Bergen in Südtirol oder bei den wunderschönen Seen wie dem Gardasee, dem Comer See oder dem Lago Maggiore, in Kunststädten wie Florenz, Venedig, Siena, Pisa, Neapel, Rom oder Turin – das perfekte Ziel für die Flitterwochen liegt ganz in der Nähe.
