Wedding Document and Information

In Italy, you can have a valid civil or religious wedding or a Symbolic Blessing. For legally recognised weddings, you must present documents to the local authorities. The paperwork will vary depending on the nationality of the bride and groom and the type of ceremony required.

THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS ARE LINKS TO INFORMATION THAT WILL ASSIST YOU IN DECIDING THE TYPE OF WEDDING CEREMONY & RECEPTION YOU REQUIRE, BUT ALSO OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION WHEN PLANNING A WEDDING CEREMONY IN ITALY.


These links are:
Civil Ceremony – Where, How & Legal Requirements
Catholic Ceremony – Where, How & Legal Requirements
Ideas to personalize your civil wedding
Etiquette and customs for an Italian Wedding
The Reception – Catering

CIVIL CEREMONY - WHERE, HOW & LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

If you love Tuscany, Cortona is the epitome of everything there is to love about this region of Italy and all of that combines to create the most breathtaking area for your special, dream- fulfilling event. The Palazzo Comunale of Cortona stands in the picturesque Piazza della Republica in the heart of Cortona.
Civil Weddings in Cortona take place in a magnificent XIII century Palace. The façade is very impressive with its old-stone staircase and bell tower that dominates the Piazza. Ceremonies are conducted in the charming “Sala del Consiglio” that has served as a venue for weddings for many centuries. The grandeur to the Hall is breathtaking, with walls exquisitely frescoed, Gothic styled furniture, two medieval chandeliers and an authentic stone fireplace.
The Mayor or his substitute will perform the Civil Ceremony in Italian and and this is simultaneously translated by an interpreter. Upon request it is possible to personalize your ceremony with readings and poems. Civil Ceremonies take place on Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 1pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm, and on a Sunday morning between 9.30 am to midday. The cost of the ceremony is approximately €500,00.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom sign the Wedding Certificate in the presence of two witnesses.
Civil Ceremonies in Italy are legally binding and are recognised is most countries of the world. All those planning a civil wedding in Italy must be aware of the following specific requirements to comply with Italian Law:
• You must be 18 years or over
• Any previous marriage must have been terminated at least 300 days before the new marriage.
• You must be of opposite sex. According to Italian regulations, people of the same sex are not able to marry.
In addition to the above requirements, the following documents will need to be presented – and these apply to foreign citizens who do not reside in Italy:-
• Nulla Osta Certificate. This is a Consular Certificate of “No Impediment”, and this certificate is obtained as follows:
Both parties must give notice of Marriage to a UK Superintending Registrar. After 23 days of the publication of banns, the registry office releases the Certificate, which must be then presented to the Consular office in whose district the marriage will take place, together with the following:
• Valid Passports
• Original Birth Certificates (long form) confirming the names of parents.
• Evidence of termination of any previous marriage – such as a Decree Absolute of divorce or Death Certificate if the previous spouse is deceased
• UK Certificate of No Impediment (when the banns are published in the UK)
After a few days, the Consulate will release a NULLA OSTA to be submitted to the Registry office where the marriage will take place
The above information is only in relation to British Nationals non-resident in Italy. The above paperwork requirements and procedures differ if:
• Both parties are resident in Italy
• Both parties originate from different countries or nationalities.


CATHOLIC CEREMONY – Where, How & Legal Requirements

Foreign citizens can be married in Italy according to the Catholic rites. In this case, the ceremony must take place in a Catholic Church.
The city of Cortona is again perfect for a Roman Catholic Wedding. The Cathedral and its ancient churches are available, however you are recommended to contact well in advance the choice of location to secure the required date for your Wedding.
The Cathedral of Cortona is 47 metres in length, with a width of 18 metres and very impressive. There are two rows of monolithic columns in dark grey stone that support arches bearing the central walls of the nave, which rises to 16 metres in height. The columns and arches divide the Cathedral into six bays. A series of windows along the two walls above the arches, between the upper part of the cornice and the trussed wooden ceiling, illuminate the interior. The design of the Cathedral is reminiscent of the work of Brunelleschi.
Catholic Weddings in Italy are legally binding. Foreign citizens who wish to celebrate a Catholic Wedding must provide all the documents required for a Civil Ceremony (as stated above) and the following documents as specifically required by Catholic authorities:
• Written permission from your parish priest
• Written permission from your parish bishop
• Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation Certificates.
• Pre-Nuptial Enquiry Form. This is a questionnaire completed by you and your local priest confirming general information such as names, dates of birth, and then sealed by your local bishop
All those planning a Catholic wedding in Italy must also comply with the following specific requirements:
• Bride and Groom must have attended Pre-cana classes
• Bride and Groom must have never been married in the Catholic Church before. Persons divorced will only be admitted if the previous wedding has been officially annulled.
• If one of the parties is from a different religion, then further paperwork will be required.

IDEAS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR WEDDING
With thanks to our geographical position, our location being between Cortona, Montepulciano and the Lake of Trasimeno, “the Linonaia” at the Relais Alla Corte del Sole represents the ideal setting for creating a wedding reception into a really unforgettable experience.

This is a brand new facility, which has been specifically designed for the hosting of events such as Weddings, Congresses, Conferences and National and International Banquets.

The Limonaia - is in natural and peaceful surroundings with views of the stunning Tuscan countryside. The main banqueting room is bright, but with charming warmth that gives you the feeling that you have entered an XVII century ballroom, with glass chandeliers, high ceilings, tasteful artworks and period furnishings.

The Limonaia – the hall itself is approximately 3650 square feet in size with an adjacent Victorian veranda of 1830 square feet. There is also an outside patio with a large water fountain with views over the gardens and framed by ancient olive trees and flowers. There are also bars located both internally and externally.

The Limonaia - the complex has the capacity to accommodate up to 450 guests with a large private parking facility with a maximum of 150 parking spaces.

Our high level of professionalism and extensive experience acquired through years of organizing wedding ceremonies and receptions for foreigners in Italy means that you are putting this important task in very capable hands. Our vast knowledge and good relations with various organizations and authorities allows us to offer a rich variety of select partners. We offer a highly professional staff – first class chefs, cooks and waiters combined with a Menu based on both Italian and international gourmet traditions, with plenty of variety resulting from creative research and experience.
Whether you decide on a religious wedding, civil ceremony or an intimate blessing, the Relais Alla Corte del Sole can host your after-ceremony reception either in our Restaurant “the Essence” or in our banqueting Suite “the Limonaia” with outside terraces and flowered gardens.
Menu printing, wine lists and seating arrangements in our perfect setting are just some of the details involved in selecting a reception. Regardless of whether you decide on a simple champagne luncheon or have your heart set on a magnificent banquet in our breathtaking gardens and banqueting suite, our staff will work with you on:
- Table arrangements and settings
- Colour schemes
- Centrepieces
- Menu printing and Menu selection
- Wine List
- Deciding on the right venue
We have an in-house team of people, all professionals in their own particular fields who will devote their time and expertise in ensuring that your dream of a unique and perfect wedding, banquet or ceremony are completely fulfilled. Our team are experienced in floral design, photography and video, firework choreographer, technical sound and lighting, balloon artistry and music.

Whatever you decide, our service will be tailored to suit all your personal requirements to personalize and create your wedding as you had imagined. In addition to wedding receptions, our services also include the exclusive use of the Relais for pre-wedding events such as welcome drinks, informal barbecues, cocktail parties, wine tasting and traditional Tuscan dinners. Together with us, you will find the answers to your questions and, above all, assistance in making your wedding in Italy a smoothly run and high-class event. You will find advice, suggestions, ideas, information, examples and interesting solutions. Step by step we will embark on a journey together for your wonderful wedding in Italy, just the way you have always dreamed and we will add a personal touch to your wedding. We will plan every detail of your required reception by combining modern efficiency with the charm of Italian tradition, in order to make your wedding in Italy unique and unforgettable – a dream come true.


CATERING
For the catering of large events, the gastronomic service is provided by the first class chefs and staff from the world famous Restaurant “Tonino” of Cortona. Tonino is prestigious, experienced and provides an impeccable service of reliability and professionalism.


Please send us an email to this address info@cortedelsole.com including your personal details and type of request to receive further information, or come to visit us for a unforgettable stay.

ITALIAN WEDDING TRADITIONS
Italian tradition calls for the bride to have five things with her on her wedding day – one more than Anglo-Saxon tradition.
• Something old : this symbolizes the life she is leaving behind and the importance of the past, which must not be forgotten in her transition to her new life.
• Something new : this symbolizes the new life that is about to begin, representing new goals and the changes she will bring with her
• Something borrowed : this represents the love of the people dear to her, who will be by her side as she moves from her old life in her new one.
• Something blue : in ancient times, blue was the colour of purity, and it was also the colour of wedding gowns.
• Something she has received as a gift : this is to remind her of the people she loves
The Wedding Ring
The customs of wearing a ring on the left ring finger dates back to the ancient Egyptians. This ancient population believed there was a vein that comes from the left ring finger straight to the heart. They were convinced that this was the vein through which sentiments flowed. Binding the ring finger with a ring thus guarantees fidelity.
To crown the seal of union between the bride and groom, the ancient Romans exchanged iron rings. In ancient Hebrew law, rings were even more important. It was thought that the wedding was valid only if rings were exchanged.
In some regions of Italy, the wedding band is also referred to as “vera” that means “fidelity”. It is customary to engrave the date of the wedding inside the ring, adding the bride’s name inside the groom’s ring and his name inside her ring.
As tradition would have it, the groom pays for the rings and keeps them until they are exchanged, but often the best man and maid of honour are the ones to give the couple the rings. Ring-bearers then bring them to the altar to be blessed.
The Wedding Gown
The tradition of a white wedding gown dates back to the nineteenth century, and it represents virginity and purity.
In ancient Rome, brides instead wore yellow and orange veils.
In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, wedding gowns were very colourful, and could thus also be worn later for special celebrations. The most common colour was red, because it was thought to ensure fertility.
Today, white, cream or beige are the most popular colours.
The Wedding Veil
During Roman times, weddings were often contracted between families for political or financial reasons, and the betrothed couple never laid eyes on each other until their wedding day.
Consequently, the bride would cover her face until the end of the ceremony to prevent the groom from seeing her – and perhaps stopping the rites!
In several regions of Italy, it is tradition to hand down the wedding veil from generation to generation.
Confetti (Candied Almonds)
By tradition, in ancient times these delicacies were bundled in precious little bags of lace for the wedding day. They had to be white and always come in odd numbers (generally five) to represent the qualities that must always be part of the life of the new couple – these being
• Health
• Fertility
• Longevity
• Happiness
• Wealth

Tradition calls for the couple to walk amidst the tables after the cake has been cut. The groom holds a silver tray with the confetti and the bride uses a silver spoon to offer them to the guests – always distributing an odd number.

Wedding Favours
According to tradition, classic favours are made of crystal, silver or porcelain. More importantly, everyone must receive the same wedding favour : symbolizing that no friend or relative are considered more important than the other.
Rice
During pagan times, rice would be thrown at the couple to symbolize a shower of fertility.
The Bouquet
According to tradition, the bouquet is the last gift a groom would give to his promised bride, thus ending the betrothal stage. The groom customarily sends it to the bride’s house on the morning of the wedding, although often it is the bride who chooses it to match her wedding gown. In some countries, the bouquet is a gift from the future mother-in-law. At the end of the reception, the bride tosses the bouquet to a group of all the unmarried girls and the one who catches the bouquet will marry within a year.
The Bridesmaids
The ancient Egyptians believed that on the wedding day evil spirits would gather where the marriage was being celebrated in order to ruin the happy atmosphere. Therefore, the bride’s girlfriends would dress in opulent gowns and follow the bride in order to confuse the evil spirits, thus being unable to recognise the bride, these spirits could not wish any misfortune to fall on her.
The Honeymoon
In ancient Rome, the bridal couple would eat honey for the duration of “one moon” after the wedding. This has led to the custom of using the term “honeymoon” to refer to the beginning of the newlyweds’ life together.
And more…

The tradition of carrying the bride across the threshold also comes from ancient Rome. It was done to prevent the bride from tripping, which was a sign of misfortune as it meant that the gods did not want to welcome her.
By tradition, the bride and groom must not see or speak with each other before the wedding ceremony.
Orange blossom symbolizes purity and virginity. The groom is supposed to give his betrothed a small bouquet tied with a white ribbon.