Key Takeaways
- eloping in Italy provides a romantic backdrop of rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming cities.
- Many wedding planners and services specialize in elopements in Italy. They ensure that couples receive expert guidance and assistance throughout the process.
- Whether it’s exchanging vows in the Italian Alps ‘Dolomites,’ a historic castle in central Italy, enjoying a romantic gondola ride in Venice, or savoring a candlelit dinner overlooking the Amalfi Coast, the experiences surrounding an Italian elopement can be truly extraordinary.
- Italy offers abundant honeymoon options, allowing couples to seamlessly transition from their wedding ceremony to a romantic getaway.
Planning to say ‘I do’ in one of the world’s most romantic places but without the wedding day stress? Eloping in Italy is just what you need, far away from a traditional wedding and closer to your dreams.
Italy is home to picturesque villages, historical landmarks, delectable cuisine, sandy beaches, and snow-capped mountains that will make stunning wedding venue backdrops. It is also home to the Italian wedding planner that will make your Italian elopement a wish granted.
If you’re looking to elope in Italy, this guide covers all the details you should know before choosing your wedding date and the perfect elopement destination and beginning your wedding planning.
From an idyllic beach setting along the Mediterranean to a lakeside venue in Lake Como flanked by lush mountains, this eloping-in-Italy guide will help you bring your dreams to life!
How To Elope in Italy
Before all the nitty-gritty details, let’s first discuss the Italy eloping process. Similar to when you elope in Greece, you do not need to reside in Italy to marry there. You only need to visit Italy, have your papers in order — and pay a small fee.
Documents you need to elope in Italy:
- A valid passport
- Birth certificate
- An affidavit (Atto Notorio)
- Certificate of the capacity to marry (Nulla Osta)
Other things you need to elope in Italy:
- Two witnesses (of any nationality and both over the age of 18)
- A translator
You can get married in Italy through a religious, symbolic, or civil ceremony, with or without a Roman Catholic priest.
We suggest you familiarize yourself with the guidelines for getting married in Italy . It is also advisable to contact the Italian consulate of your country before eloping, as these will help you avoid delays.
Best Places To Elope in Italy
There are lots of places you can elope in Italy. The country has 20 regions, 93 provinces, and over 800 villages, towns, and cities.
That’s a lot of options, but to make deciding where to elope in Italy a little easier. Here’s a list of the best places to elope.
Eloping in Venice
Venice is one of the most beautiful places to elope in Italy and is favored for most couples holidays in Italy.
Not to mention that a honeymoon in Venice is one of the most sought-after experiences in the world, as Venice is one of the best places in Italy for a honeymoon and varies Italian honeymoon costs.
The city is built along gorgeous winding canals dotted with pastel Gothic buildings, gondolas, and world-famous landmarks that will make stunning backdrops.
You can host your elopement ceremony in Venice at the Palazzo Cavalli, where a lot of civil marriages have been celebrated since 1990.
For a religious ceremony, you can get married in one of Venice’s many beautiful churches, like the Santa Maria dei Miracoli.
Summer is an enjoyable time to visit and elope in Venice, but it attracts a lot of tourists, and the weather can be quite brutal.
You’ll want to have your ceremony in May, early June, or September, as the weather will still be pleasant and the prices of the most romantic hotels in Venice are still reasonable.
Eloping in The Dolomites
The Dolomites are one of Italy’s most iconic natural attractions. If you’re looking to elope in the mountains, tying the knot in the Italian Dolomites will be an experience of a lifetime.
Immerse yourself among jagged mountain peaks, rolling hills, wildflowers, and alpine lakes.
Getting legally married in the Dolomites may be a bit challenging, considering you’ll need an officiant and notary. Hence it’s better to have a civil or religious ceremony in a city nearby before heading off into the mountains.
Lake Braies, Seceda, and the Three Peaks offer incredible views of the Dolomites and make gorgeous wedding venues for your elopement.
Summer is a great time to have your elopement ceremony in the Dolomites. Temperatures will be slightly warmer, and the days a bit longer, so there will be more time for taking wedding pictures.
Eloping in the Amalfi Coast
Amalfi Coast is arguably the most gorgeous seaside getaway in Italy. It boasts colorful cliffside mansions, turquoise waters, and gorgeous gardens that will make your heart melt.
Whether you’d like your Italy elopement to be in a church, a private villa, one of the best honeymoon resorts in Italy, or a garden, Amalfi Coast has it all.
You can have your elopement ceremony on the Amalfi Coast on a Turkish caique, a sailing boat, or even on one of the stunning sea view terraces across the city.
Amalfi Coast also has an abundance of resorts and al fresco restaurants that will gladly host your elopement year-round. Not to mention that it is close to Naples, and a honeymoon in Naples is always a good idea!
Eloping in Rome
With the exception of the Cyclades in Greece, which is also one of the best places for a wedding proposal in Greece, and a few European cities like Paris and Prague, Rome is the most romantic place to elope.
The Italian capital is dazzling with historical monuments, vibrant piazzas, fountains, and narrow cobblestone streets right out of a storybook.
Photos of your elopement can feature some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Some of the best are the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps.
You can get an elopement package that takes care of all the logistics or just get married at the town hall. Hire a photographer to take your wedding pictures anywhere around the city.
You can also indulge in a honeymoon in Rome and experience the city through rose-colored glasses.
Read on: 15 Romantic Things to Do in Rome That Will Melt Your Heart
Best Time To Elope in Italy
Have a look at this breakdown of Italy’s four seasons to help you decide on the best time to elope in Italy:
- Spring (March – May) – This is the best time to elope in Italy, especially in May and April. These months have the most pleasant weather and the most gorgeous scenery, from lush meadows to cascading waterfalls and colorful wildflowers.
- Summer (June – August) – The weather can get really hot, especially during the daytime. This season also draws in the most tourists, so attractions get crowded, and hotel and venue prices go up.
- Fall (September – November) – The weather is enjoyable, and although there are crowds, they aren’t as bad as in summer. This is also a good time to elope if you want colorful landscapes. Note that November is Italy’s rainiest month.
- Winter (December – February) – This is the ideal time to elope in Italy if you’re a snow lover. Northern regions offer stunning alpine scenery and epic winter sports.
Final Thoughts on Eloping in Italy
A wedding day is one of the most magical experiences you’ll ever get the pleasure of being a part of, and one of the top reasons to visit Greece and Italy.
Who doesn’t love a destination wedding, after all? The country boasts various settings, each with its own unique flare and gorgeous scenery.
Whether it’s getting married among snow-capped mountains or some of the most iconic landmarks in the works, Italy has all you need for a memorable elopement. Now you have all the Italy elopement inspiration you need. When you’re finished planning your ceremony, start deciding between the best places for a honeymoon in Italy. You could choose from a honeymoon in Tuscany or look at the best places to visit in southern Italy.
All you have to do is choose among the elopement packages from our luxury travel agency and choose the Italy elopement package that is right for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Legally Elope in Italy?
Yes. You can legally get married in Italy as long as you have the relevant paperwork listed in the guide above.
You’ll also need to submit a declaration of intent to marry to the Town Hall.
Can Two Foreigners Get Married in Italy?
Absolutely. You can get married in Italy without being a permanent resident.
You and your spouse will be obligated to submit a declaration of no marriage impediments.
This will declare that both of you are not currently married or unable to marry for some other reason.
How Many Days Do You Need To Be in Italy Before Getting Married?
You need at least 2-3 days in Italy before you can legally marry. Although there are no residency requirements, this period can vary up to 10 days, depending on your country of origin and the city’s Town Hall schedule.