The civil ceremony
With the introduction of the Bassanini law, Presidential Decree no. 445 of 28 December 2000, the paperwork for applying to marry has become much simpler. Thanks to self-certification, in fact, the municipality will obtain all the documentation itself. This doesn't mean you can turn up at the town hall or church a couple of days beforehand and ask to be married: you obviously need to get moving in good time, because there's still some paperwork to sort out.
Here are 5 things you need to know
Where to apply?
You need to go to the Marriage Office of the municipal civil registry with your identity documents. There, once the officials have confirmed that you are both free from any previous marriages and that you are both fully aware of your decision, they will prepare all the documentation needed for the banns.
Can I delegate?
Between commitments and work there's never enough time, and let's be honest, many of us are a little allergic to offices and tend to delegate. But can you delegate the application for a civil ceremony? The answer is yes! You don't both need to go: just one of the engaged couple is enough, with a delegation to request the banns written on plain paper and signed by the absent partner, plus a copy of their identity document. A third person can even go, with a delegation to request the banns signed by both future spouses and copies of both their identity documents.
The banns
I object! How many times have we seen someone object to a wedding at the altar in films? Well, in Italy objections are regulated like this: the banns are displayed to make the couple's intention to marry known to all, so that anyone with grounds can object, if, of course, there are impediments they are aware of or other serious reasons provided for by law. They are displayed for 8 days at the town hall of each partner.
Certificate of no impediment
When is the certificate of no impediment issued? It is issued 3 days after the banns period ends: if no objection has been filed, the civil registrar issues the "nulla osta" (certificate of no impediment) for the marriage, declaring that there are no civil impediments to the ceremony and that the couple may celebrate their wedding within 180 days of the end of the banns, after which the documents lose their validity.
Costs
Let's see how much it costs to apply for a civil ceremony.
- Banns: if both spouses are residents, 1 revenue stamp of 16 euros.
- Banns: if one of the two is not a resident, 2 revenue stamps of 16 euros.
- To request a wedding in another municipality, 1 revenue stamp of 16 euros
Frequently asked questions
Where do you apply for a civil wedding ceremony?
At the Civil Registry Office of the municipality where one of the couple is resident, where you request the marriage banns.
Can you have a civil ceremony at a private venue?
Yes, if the municipality has recognised that venue as an official satellite location for civil weddings. It's worth asking the town hall which venues are authorised.
How far in advance should you start arranging a civil ceremony?
At least a few months ahead: you need the banns and the municipality's availability for your chosen date. Exact timings and documents should be checked with your own municipality.
