How To Elope In Italy: A Complete Guide  

With its rich history, beloved cuisine, and wide range of site seeing, it’s no surprise if you are thinking about how you can elope in Italy.

From coastlines to mountain ranges, this beautiful country has you covered. While eloping in Italy may sound like a no-brainer, the logistics of getting married in a different county can sometimes be confusing. 

If you have no idea where to start, don’t panic, we are here to help. In this article, we will guide you through the entire process of how to elope in Italy. 

Best Places To Elope In Italy

Homemade pasta, wine, and Mediterranean views are just some of the luxuries Italy has to offer. If you and your partner have been dreaming up an elopement in Italy, it’s time to make it a reality. 

This is a great place to extend your stay and enjoy your honeymoon as Italy’s fast and extensive railway system makes the major cities easily accessible. 

To avoid the humid weather or cloudy days, the most optimal time to visit Italy is in the spring (March to May) or the fall (September to November). 

If you’re not sure what you want in a venue, try answering these questions to get a better idea. 

• Do you want to be in the center of excitement or off the beaten path?
• Do you prefer natural landscapes or historical architecture?
• Will this be accessible for all of my guests?

If you’re planning to have a handful of guests, an intimate gondola ride may not be the best option. No need to worry, Italy offers a vast list of magical destinations. 

Read on to discover where to elope in Italy. 

1. Amalfi Coast

With its rich heritage and meditation landscapes, The Amalfi Coast will quickly capture your attention. Known for romantic weddings and breathtaking views, this has become a popular destination for tourists. 

With its growing popularity, this location may increase your budget, but it might be well worth it with the picturesque scenery. 

Some of the most popular venues include:

• Villa Eva 
• Palazzo Avino
• Belmond Hotel Caruso 
• Villa Treville
• Hotel Palazzo Murat
• Le Sirenuse Hotel
• Grand Hotel Convento di Amalfi

2. Venice

If you have been dreaming of sailing off in a gondola with your partner after you say I do, Venice may be your perfect elopement destination. 

This northern Italian city is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, with over 100 islands that can be reached through the canals. 

This is an excellent destination if you want to indulge in the city’s vast Italian culture and history. 

Some of the best locations include:

• Saint Giorgio Island
• In a Gondola
• Ponte Dei Sospiri

3. Rome

Rome is a paradise for art, history, and culture lovers. While you won’t have a coastal view, you’ll be immersed in historical architecture and delicious food.

As Italy’s capital, Rome has a gravitational pull. If you’re looking to be close to the excitement, this is an excellent option for your special day. 

If you would rather have a private, more intimate ceremony, add this famous city to the honeymoon portion of your trip. 

While you have a wide range of unique wedding venues in Rome, two popular locations are:

• Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Villa Borghese

4. Tuscany

Another prominent location for renowned art and architecture. Tuscany’s diverse landscapes and vast history give you the best of both worlds. 

Enjoy a private oasis along the mountains one, day and galavant through art museums the next.

While there is a wide range of venues, some of our favorites include: 

• Villa Cora
• Castello di Montegufoni
• The Lazy Olive Villa
• Relais La Suvera
• Mugello Valley

5. The Dolomites

If vast mountain ranges and adventure are what excite you, then the Dolomites may be the perfect place to elope in Italy. Immerse yourself in nature in one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. 

The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy, forming a portion of the Southern Limestone Alps. 

If you are looking for the perfect setting, you’ll want to check out Lago Di Braies. With crystal waters and a jaw-dropping background, your partner won’t be the only thing taking your breath away. 

Some of the best towns and villages to stay in include:

• Cortina D’Ampezzo
• Val di Funes
• Val di Fassa
• Val Gardena
• Alta Badia

How To Elope In Italy

While the location may have come as a no-brainer to you, it’s time to figure out the logistics. The majority of nationalities will have no problem eloping in Italy as there is no legal residency requirement for marriage. 

You will, however, need to bring/complete a bit of paperwork.

You’ll find what you need below.

• Passport: If you are a US citizen active in the military, your military ID will be an acceptable form of identification (for marriage papers, not country entry).
• Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy.
• Termination of Previous Marriage: Proper evidence includes the final divorce decree, annulment decree, and death certificate of the former spouse. The rules slightly change here if you are a female. If your marriage has been terminated within 300 days you must obtain a waiver that is issued after a medical examination proving you are not pregnant.
• Affidavit or “Dichiarazione Giurata”: States there are no legal impediments (circumstances that would hinder the marriage from being legal). This must be sworn before the US (or your country citizenship) consular officer accredited in Italy.
• Atto Notorio: This is a declaration that states there are no obstacles in the marriage between you and your partner. You must have two witnesses swear to this document. The witnesses can not be the family of either party and you will need two revenue stamps to apply for Atto Notorio.
• Declaration of Intention to Marry: You must present all of the appropriate documents to the town hall in the city you plan to be married. You will not be able to set a date until after this is completed.

The total cost of these documents will be around €82 or $117 USD. 

Once you have the proper paperwork completed, you can move on with the planning process. 

Make sure to take a look at your home country’s embassy or consulate for additional information. 

Civil Vs Religious Ceremony

When eloping in Italy, you’ll have your choice of a civil or religious ceremony. Both ceremonies require that you have two witnesses and an interpreter if you or your partner are not fluent in Italian. 

The interpreter cannot serve as a witness and vice versa. However, your witness can be of any citizenship as long as they have a valid ID with them that proves they are over the age of 18. 

A civil wedding will be conducted by the mayor or one of his deputies. You will be required to pay a rental fee for your location.

The rental fee can typically range anywhere from €500 to €9,200 ($525 to $9,663 USD). 

As Roman Catholic is the prominent religion in Italy, it may appeal to have a religious ceremony in one of the many beautiful churches. If you decide to go this route, you will need an extra bit of paperwork. 

What you will need for a religious ceremony:

• Certificate of baptism 
• Certificate of first communion 
• Certificate of confirmation 
• Proof of premarital course attendance 
• Declaration or formal letter with your local bishop’s permission to marry abroad 
• Original prenuptial inquiry form 

Please note this can change from church to church, so it is best to check with the pastor or priest who will be conducting your wedding. 

Symbolic Ceremony

While civil and religious ceremonies are the only two options for legally binding marriages, you may have heard of a symbolic ceremony. This allows you to vow your love and commitment to one another without it being legally recognized. 

This is a great option if you would like to avoid some of the logistics of getting legally wed in another country but would still like the elopement of your dreams. 

Italy Elopement Packages

While planning may be second nature to some of us, it can be a bit overwhelming to others. If you’re reading this article and think you have this elopement handled, great! We are happy we can be of help. 

If that’s not the case for you, there is no need to worry.

There are plenty of agencies that will help you with the entire process from start to finish. Peach Perfect Weddings is one of them. 

They will set you up with a wedding planner that will hold your hand throughout the entire process, as well as someone who will handle onsite coordination.

You can also add a range of requirements to your package, such as a photographer, hair and makeup for the bride, assistance in location search/booking, music, and more. These packages range from around €5,000 to €15,000 ( $5,253 to $15,758 USD). 

Final Thoughts On Eloping In Italy

Whether you decide on coastal views, mountain ranges, or historical cities, Italy has a bit of something to offer everyone. 

If you decide to Elope in Italy, you will not be disappointed; just make sure to double-check with your embassy to ensure you have completed all of the correct paperwork. 

Visiting Italy soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Italy bucket list
• Rome travel itinerary
• How many days in Venice