U.S. CITIZENS
According to the Italian Law, Us citizens planning to marry in Venice must present specific documents to get a marriage license. The process involves visits to some public offices. All documents issued out of Italy must be translated into Italian. Remember that all documents and translations must be legalized for use in Italy with an "Apostille" stamp. The stamp is usually placed by the Secretary of State in the State where documents are issued. Note that in Italy all public documents are considered valid only six months from the date of issue. Here is a list of the paperwork required:
- Valid Us passport for a civilian. In case the Bride or the Groom is serving a Military Corp, they can present their ID card, along with the permission to marry issued by Commander from the Military
- Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
- If applicable, evidence of the termination of any previous marriage, such as final divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate
- In Us the Bride and the Groom must get an ATTO NOTORIO. It is a declaration, in which, according to the US law, it is stated that there is no obstacle to the citizens' marriage. This declaration is to be sworn by two witnesses (they must be over 18 with proper identification) before an Italian Consul outside of Italy or in Italy before a Court Official, after arranging an appointment in advance. A fee is charged.
There are other two documents that are to be required in Italy:
- AFFIDAVIT, declaration sworn to by the Us citizen before a Us Consul commissioned in Italy stating that there is no legal impediment to his/her marriage. In Italy this sworn is usually called "NULLA OSTA". Your legal status must be such that you can legally marry under Italian and Us law. After obtaining the declaration from the Consulate, it must be taken to the Prefecture to be authenticated and legalized.
- A woman whose previous marriage was terminated within the last 300 days must obtain a waiver from the Procura della Repubblica (District Attorney), which is issued on presentation of a medical certificate that she is not pregnant.
BRITISH CITIZENS
To celebrate their marriage in Italy, British citizens must obtain a Nulla Osta from the British Consulate in Italy. To get the Nulla Osta they are required to produce the following documentation:
- If both parties are British they must give notice of marriage to a Uk Superintending Registrar in the district where they are resident. After 23 days, the Banns are published, the registry office releases a Cerificate of No Impediment to the marriage. Note that they need two different certificates: one for the Bride and one for the Groom.
- Full birth certificate (showing parents' names)
- Valid British passport (photocopy of data page)
- If applicable evidence of termination of any prevoius marriage (i.e. death certificate or Divorce Decree Absolute) together with the previous marriage certificate. According to the Italian law, 300 days must pass from the date of the divorce before a woman/man can re-marry.
- Once ready, all these documents will be sent to the British Consulate in Italy (this can also be done via correspondence) and after a couple of days the NULLA OSTA will be obtained. A consular fee is charged. Local authorities need this certificate at least 2 months before the ceremony.
CANADIAN CITIZENS
Non-Italians wishing to be married in Italy are asked to present a "Nulla Osta" (Certificate of Non-Impediment) or equivalent documentation. The Canadian Government does not issue "Nulla Osta". However, the Canadian Embassy in Italy releases a declaration containing the necessary information. Requests for the declaration can be made by appointment or by email.
At the Canadian Embassy in Italy, the Bride and the Groom must complete and swear an Affidavit to the effect that there is no impediment to the proposed marriage. The engaged couple must fill out the Affidavit Form, bring and present the following documents:
- Valid Canadian passport
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (Canadian birth certificate, Canadian citizenship certificate)
- Final Divorce Decree or death certificate of previous spouse (if divorced or widowed)
- Complete details of the future spouse (full name, parents' names, date and place of birth, residence)
- Parents' consent if under marriageable age.
- Document issued by the competent Provincial Vital Statisics authorities in Canada confirming that no registration of marriage appears in their records.
Fees are charged for the declaration and Affidavit as well.
The Affidavit can also be sworn in front of a notary puplic in Canada or a Consular Official at Canadian Embassies or Consulates in other Countries. In this case the original Affidavit and the certified true copies of the documents are to be sent to the Embassy in Italy.
- According to the Italian law a woman whose previous marriage was terminated within the last 300 days must obtain a waiver from the competent Procura della Repubblica (Court). This is issued on presentation of medical evidence that she is not pregnant.
The declaration issued by the Embassy must be presented by the applicant to the Prefettura (Law Court), Ufficcio Legalizzazioni, to be formally authenticated.
Once all paperwork has been obtained and legalized, it will be presented to the Marriage Office of Venice (which I do for you).
AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS
Australian citizens planning to marry in Venice must produce the following documentation:
- Before leaving Australia, I strongly recommend to obtain an ATTO NOTORIO (sworn declaration) from the Italian Embassy or Consulate in the State of residence. The declaration states that there is no obstacle to the citizens' marriage. The Atto Notorio has to be sworn by two witnesses (they must be over 18 with proper identification). An appointment has to be arranged in advance. A fee is charged.
- Valid Australian passport
- Birth Certificate (original or certified copy)
- If applicable, evidence of the termination of any prevoius marriage, such as final divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate
- According to the Italian law a woman whose previous marriage was terminated within the last 300 days must obtain a waiver from the competent Procura della Repubblica (Court). This is issued on presentation of medical evidence that she is not pregnant.
- In addition to the Atto Notorio, Australian citizens intending to get married in Italy will need to make a sworn declaration (NULLA OSTA). It has to be signed in the presence of an Australian Consular Officer at the Australian Embassy in Italy. It states that there are no impediments to his/her marriage. Your legal status must be such that you can legally marry under Italian and Australian law. After obtaining the declaration (which is valid for six months) from the Consulate, it must be taken to the Prececture to be authenticated and legalized. Fees are charged.