Is it legal for Americans to get married in Italy?
Yes, but it can be complicated. Many American couples choose to legally marry in the U.S. before traveling to Italy, then have a symbolic ceremony there. It's often simpler, less stressful, and gives you more flexibility on your elopement/wedding day.
Where do I start to research getting married in Italy as an American?
- Visit the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Italy website.
- If you've already hired a wedding planner, ask them to walk you through the legal requirements.
- Once you've chosen where in Italy you'll be getting married, double-check the requirements for that specific location.
A quick note! I'm a wedding photographer, not a lawyer or wedding planner. The legal requirements for getting married in Italy can change and may vary depending on where you're getting married, so I always recommend doing your own research and checking with your planner or the local Italian authorities for the most up-to-date information.
The couples I've photographed have chosen a different route—making things legal in the U.S. before heading to Italy—so that's the experience I'm sharing throughout this post.
If you decide not to tackle all the paperwork to legally get married in Italy, here are a few of my favorite ways to make getting married in America before your Italian wedding or adventure elopement just as special (and honestly... really fun).
Why many couples choose a symbolic ceremony instead!
The longer I've been a wedding photographer, the more I see couples writing their own rules... and honestly, I am SO here for it.
This past year, I've had quite a few American couples -- for all kinds of different reasons -- choose to make things legal before heading off for their wedding or elopement. And honestly? I'm a huge fan.
There are so many ways this can look!
Maybe you hop over to your local courthouse, bring a couple of witnesses, and spend the day saying "I do" with just the two of you. Some couples totally glamorize it with flowers, champagne, and photos, while others keep it as their own little secret. I seriously love both.
Or maybe you want your closest people involved. Have a small ceremony or dinner before you leave, make things legal with an officiant, celebrate with everyone at home... and then head off for your elopement or destination wedding in Italy knowing all that's left to do is soak it all in.
Our sweet couple, J & B, did exactly that...
but with the most amazing twist.
The week before their romantic Tuscan adventure elopement, they hosted a send-off party back home in Tennessee. Everyone thought they were just coming over to celebrate before the trip. Halfway through the evening, the bride disappeared, came back out in her wedding dress, and completely surprised everyone. Then the groom's dad officiated their legal ceremony.
It was one of those moments that you know you wont forget. Their closest family and friends got to be part of this incredible surprise, celebrate this huge milestone with them, and then a few days later they were off to have the adventure and symbolic wedding ceremony in Italy they had been dreaming about.
Now... enough of me talking. 🤍
I wanted to share some more of my favorite candid and editorial moments from J & B's Tuscany adventure elopement because they're just too good not to. I hope these photos leave you feeling inspired, and if you're dreaming up your own wedding in Italy, I'd absolutely love to be the one documenting it.
Let's Plan Something Incredible
If you're dreaming of a destination wedding or adventure elopement in Italy, I'd be honored to document it. Tell me all about your plans.
