Questions couples ask

Yes. A civil ceremony conducted by the registrar is a legal marriage, entered in the Italian civil register. The UK, Ireland and the US recognise it because it was validly made under Italian law, and there is nothing to register at home.

The wedding. We advise you on where and when to marry, arrange everything with the comune (the local council), book the venue it offers and organise what the day needs, from flowers and chairs to a photographer. On the day we are there making sure it all runs smoothly, and we interpret the ceremony as Italian law requires. The paperwork and the interpreting are part of it, and they are what make your marriage legal at home. What we don't do as standard is organise a celebration afterwards, book private venues such as villas or hotels, or provide full wedding planning; however, we can quote for those separately. For a fully planned wedding in Sicily, see our sister site. Married in Sicily

Because the venues are not ours. A legal wedding takes place in the comune's own rooms and gardens, or at a villa or hotel the comune has approved, and each comune sets its own places, dates and fees. Let us know where in Italy you are picturing and we will show you what is available there.

No. There is no residency requirement. You need to be there a day or two before the wedding for the declaration before the registrar, and for the ceremony; American couples allow a few days, for the consulate appointment first. A few comuni ask to see you earlier.

The registrar leads the ceremony in Italian, reading the articles of the Civil Code on marriage before you each say sì, and we interpret every word into English. Many comuni also welcome a reading, music or a few words of your own, so we ask yours.

Yes, rings are exchanged as part of the ceremony.

Whatever feels like you: a wedding dress, a simple dress or a suit. Comuni have no dress code for the couple.

In Italy you each keep your own surname, so your Italian marriage certificate shows you both under your birth names. If you would like to take your husband's surname at home, the certificate with our English translation is what you show, for example for your passport.

Usually, yes. Most comuni let you film and photograph the ceremony, so family at home can join on a video call or watch it afterwards. We check your comune's rules.

Most ceremonies are indoors. If you choose an outdoor setting, we agree an indoor alternative with the comune in advance.

Children, of course. Dogs depend on the comune and the venue, so we ask.

It depends on your nationality. British couples need a certificate of no impediment each, a bilingual sworn declaration before a solicitor or notary, and apostilles. Irish citizens need a certificate of freedom to marry from the Department of Foreign Affairs. American couples need an atto notorio at an Italian consulate and a sworn declaration before a US consular officer in Italy. The Italian translations are in our fee. The documents, by nationality, with the official sources

Allow three months or so for British couples, and four to six months for Irish and American couples, ideally more. Italian offices slow down in August, and popular venues book well ahead.

Sometimes. A couple who do not live in Italy, and where neither is Italian, do not need a public notice of the wedding or a waiting period, so the time goes on the paperwork. Tell us your date and we will tell you what is possible.

Our fee is £1,950 for British couples, €2,250 for Irish couples and $3,400 for American couples, fixed. It covers arranging your wedding with the comune, organising the day and being with you on it, and everything needed to make the marriage legal in Italy, including the sworn translations, the stamp duty paid in Italy, the interpreter and your marriage certificate afterwards. Separately, you pay the comune's fee, which runs from nothing in office hours at some comuni to several hundred euros for a historic site, and €1,000 or more in the big cities and the most famous venues, your paperwork costs at home, and the cost of what you choose for the day, such as flowers or a photographer. The service

The registrar conducts everything in Italian, and the law requires an interpreter at the declaration and the ceremony where either of you does not understand it. The interpreter swears an oath and signs the marriage record, so neither of you can do it, however fluent. We interpret for you.

Two adults with valid ID. They do not have to be Italian. If it is just the two of you, we can arrange them; witnesses are not part of our fee, so any cost for their time is agreed with you first.

Yes. A micro wedding with family and friends works the same way; how many fit depends on the venue the comune offers.

Only where the comune has authorised that place for weddings, which can include some villas, hotels and gardens.

Yes, as a civil union, which Italian law provides for same-sex couples and the UK recognises as a civil partnership. The comune's procedure is longer, so allow more time. Ireland does not recognise civil unions made abroad after 16 May 2016, so Irish couples should talk to us first.

Usually not. An Italian citizen has to give public notice of the wedding through the consulate, and checks that any earlier marriage or divorce abroad is registered in Italy. It is manageable, but it changes the timeline, so tell us early. The Italian partner cannot interpret at their own wedding.