WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER ITALY

THE LEGALITIES OF GETTING MARRIED IN Italy

Many couples planning a destination wedding choose to get legally married at home and hold a symbolic ceremony on their wedding day because the legalities of getting married abroad can be a little complicated and time consuming. Having said that, here’s what you need to know about getting married in Italy.

• Both civil and religious wedding ceremonies are legally binding in Italy.
• Sadly, although civil unions for same-sex couples are officially recognised in Italy, that’s not the case for same-sex marriage (at as I’m writing this blogpost in January 2021).
• Foreigners can get married in Italy because there’s no residency requirement but you will still need to present some paperwork.

What paperwork will you need?

Always make sure you do your research and check with the local authorities but here are the basics:

• A valid passport/valid proof of ID
• Certificate of capacity to marry as proof that there’s no legal impediment to your marriage.
• Declaration of intent to marry, known in England is “giving notice”.
• Birth Certificate
• Divorce paper
• Two witnesses

What’s the process?

You will need to submit a declaration of intent to marry, otherwise known as “giving notice”, at least three weeks in advance of your wedding. If neither of you is an Italian citizen or resident, you might be able to waive this requirement by contacting the marriage office.

Don’t forget that you will need two witnesses at your civil ceremony. 

The best way to get started is to contact your home country’s consulate. If you’ve booked a destination wedding planner, they should also be able to help you.

Have a romantic wedding in Tuscany, Italy –

Say your vows in an olive grove with a view over endless rolling hills in the warm summer air. The next day, head for a dip in the swimming pool to you have breakfast with your guests surrounded by the aroma of lavender.

Tuscany is a region in central Italy that is home to wonderful artisanal products, romantic landscapes with rolling hills, medieval villages, mountain ranges and beautiful coastline. Florence, the capital is a stunning city filled with art and history.

This is the perfect destination for your wedding if you’re a gourmet couple who enjoy authentic food and wine. Did you know that some Roman amphitheatre and traditional Italian theatres in Tuscany can now be booked for your wedding? Florence has also many wonderful wedding venues to offer and you’ll find Tuscany is full of beautiful villas.

How to get there

You can choose to fly to Pisa or Florence since they both have international airports and then rent a car to explore the region.

Dream coastal wedding in Capri, Italy –

A romantic paradise of rugged landscape, dramatic coastline and elegant villas surrounded by a gorgeous blue sea. This is a dream destination for a chic coastal wedding with a relaxed vibe.

Once in Capri, you can get legally married at the Town Hall for free or arrange for the ceremony to take place at one of the many scenic venues. You can also hold a symbolic ceremony if you prefer to do the legal ceremony back home.

Faraglioni – a coastal, oceanic rock formation eroded by waves that emerge from the sea – will make a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding photos.

How to get there

The nearest airport is Naples (NAP). You can take a  ferry to the island from Naples or Sorrento. During the summer months, you can also take a ferry from Positano, Salerno or Ischia. Only residents are allowed cars on the island.

Get married in style in Lake Como, Italy –

Imagine emerald green waters surrounded by snowy peaks as the backdrop for your outdoor ceremony followed by some delicious wine and amazing food to toast with your guests. Looking to make an entrance before the ceremony? No problem, arrive aboard a speed boat with the sunlight shimmering in your hair.

When it comes to perfect backdrops, Lake Como is one of the top choices for a destination wedding.

Breathtaking views and authentic charm, narrow lakeside towns and luxurious neoclassical villas surround the lake. If you’re planning to make a holiday out of it for you and your guests there are many activities to choose from that will make your wedding unforgettable. If you’re considering getting married in Lake Como then please take me with you, will you?

Lake Como’s shores are lined with attractive, picturesque villages, each with their own personality. Below you’ll find a shortlist of the most popular villages to get your wedding venue search started.

How to get there

The city of Como is a 1.5hs drive from Milan, or if you decide to head there by train it should take you roughly the same amount of time. From the station in Como, you can get a bus to another village or take a short walk to the ferry pier. Adventure awaits!

BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS FOR YOUR WEDDING IN LAKE COMO, ITALY

Wedding in Bellagio – Lake Como

For a luxurious and glamorous wedding. Located at the intersection of the lake’s three branches, this is probably the most famous village. Here you’ll find cobbled lanes, elegant buildings and a stunning 18th Century terraced garden with gorgeous lake views.

Wedding in Varenna – Lake Como

For a romantic wedding filled with understated elegance. With its narrow lanes, cute waterfront and fishermen’s houses, Varenna still retains an air of authenticity and ancient charm. Don’t miss the Castello di Vezio with panoramic views over Varenna and the lake.

Wedding in Menaggio – Lake Como

This one is for adventurous couples looking to have an intimate, romantic wedding. Dramatic mountain views, a pretty lakeshore lined with trees and flowers, cobbled stone lanes and an array of outdoor activities to choose from.

Time passes faster than you think and your wedding day goes by in a blur. I believe that you deserve photos that capture who you are, the emotions and your love story in a truthful, effortless way so that you never forget your wedding or the way you felt.

Weddings are a collection of moments that represent your life together and all the days that have led you here. They’re a celebration of love, friendship and all the values that are important to you. Your love is unique and I believe that you deserve meaningful wedding photos that honour your story and capture who you are.

The Answer Is Simple: to get beautiful, natural wedding photos you need a photographer who cares and who will take the time to get to know you BEFORE your wedding. It’s my job to create a space where you feel comfortable and you can be yourselves, unapologetically. This is why I exclusively photograph 20 weddings per year.

Although these aren’t necessarily specific to France, this is the best advice I can give you as a destination wedding photographer: 

1. Choose a photographer you trust and whose work you love.

As a wedding photographer, I truly believe everyone can look great in photos as long as they’re comfortable and having a good time. Your wedding photographer will be with you all day and your wedding photos will forever be attached to the way you felt so it’s important you choose someone whose personality you like. Have a chat with your photographer before booking, whether it’s in person or via video call. This will give you a good idea of whether you’re a good fit or not.

2. Consider the light.

The light sets the mood. If you’ve booked a great wedding photographer, I’m sure they will have already thought of this and perhaps even mentioned it to you. When planning your wedding timeline take into account the sunrise and sunset time as well as when the sun will be at its highest as this will vary depending on the location and time of year. If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, consider having it a little later in the day, this will make for softer light on the photos which is always more flattering. 

3. Golden hour.

I always ask my couples to set aside ten to fifteen minutes for couple portraits around one hour before sunset on their wedding day. I do this not only because this is the best light for photos but also because usually by this point you’ll be more relaxed. It’s also a great time to sneak away from everyone and spend some time together to reconnect. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

4. Explore the surrounding area.

It can be really nice on your wedding day to escape for a little while to spend some time just the two of you, this is also a great time for your photographer to tag along and do couple portraits. If there’s any unusual landmark or stunning view near the venue, it might be worth heading over there for the couple portraits as it will allow your photographer to capture beautiful wedding photos, unique to you.

4. Late afternoon ceremony.

When getting married in sunnier countries like Italy, it’s also worth holding your wedding ceremony later in the day. This will not only mean the light will be softer and you’ll get better wedding photos but it’s also a good way of avoiding your guests getting heatstroke!

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