At Weddings in Sicily we can arrange a valid civil marriage, a religious wedding, a symbolic ceremony or a renew of vows. The local authorities require documents for all legal weddings.
These documents vary according to the nationality of the bride and groom and the type of ceremony requested. At Weddings in Sicily we can assist you in the preparation of all the pertinent documents.
Civil Ceremonies
Ceremonies with civil validity may be celebrated in City Halls of every Sicilian city. A civil wedding in Sicily, is a memorable and unique experience, thanks to the beauty of some Sicilian Town Halls. There are different rules regarding procedures for civil weddings, depending on the country of origin of the couple. For some nationalities, the wedding planner will have provided the Town Hall with all the required documents. Those couples only need to bring their valid passports with them. For other nationalities, where part of the documents must be prepared in the couple’s country, the couple must bring those specific papers along with their passports. A declaration must be presented to the Town Hall prior to the wedding. This usually takes place one or two days, in advance of the wedding. On the day of the declaration, the wedding planner will meet the couple at their hotel, or in front of the Town Hall. The declaration is made in front of a Registrar, who reads it in Italian. Then it is translated by the interpreter, who has sworn to fulfill her task “well and faithfully”. The text is very simple. It confirms the will of the betrothed to be married in a Town Hall (without banns, since they do not reside in Italy). The particular data of the bride and groom are on it. At that time the document is checked for accuracy and spelling. Spelling is very important. Names must correspond to those on the passports, including middle names, since they will be copied on to the final wedding certificate. The city of residence is also indicated there, as well as the date and place of birth of the couple.
Last but not least, the couple affirms that there are no impediments to their marrying. These “articles of law” are read aloud and translated, and you must attest to such things as not being close blood relatives, having no mental illness, etc! At this point, the certificate will be signed by all present. It takes less than half an hour. It is a moment of great excitement, because the big event is getting closer! The planner/interpreter accompanies the couple to an informal room inside the Town Hall, where the details are handled. No need to be dressed up yet!
The day of the wedding arrives! The bride and groom make their way to the Town Hall. Usually, the groom and guests are there 15 to 20 minutes in advance. They meet the wedding planner/interpreter outside and head up to the Hall where the ceremony will take place. The Mayor or another officer, who represents the Mayor, will be present, in official dress. After the bride has made her entrance, the three articles of law from the Civil Code of the Republic of Italy, (with the translation of the interpreter) which relate to mutual rights and duties of married couples will be recited. Then the final certificate will be signed. The exchange of vows and rings comes next.
In most cases, couples choose to have some recorded or live music such as a violinist, a flutist or a soprano. The whole ceremony lasts about half an hour. Some celebrants like to do a little speech offering their best wishes, which might increase the amount of time a bit. Then, off to wedding meal or reception!
If the photographer and videographer are present, they will continue taking the last shots with the Mayor, and outside the Town Hall.
Religious Ceremonies
Foreign citizens can be married in Sicily according to a Roman Catholic ceremony which must take place in a Catholic Church. Having a Catholic wedding in Italy is an easy process, with our assistance. The Catholic documents and pre cana classes required are the same all over the world. You will need to obtain the NIHIL OBSTAT from your local diocese, signed by your bishop, to be married in an Italian parish. There is plenty of time to obtain these documents, as they cannot be received any earlier than six months before the wedding, and it is not unusual to provide them one month before.
A Roman Catholic ceremony lasts about one hour
In Taormina we can also plan (depending on the season) Anglican-Episcopal weddings and the local Anglican church.There are no synagogues or Jewish congregations in Sicily but we can organize a Jewish ceremony if your rabbi consents to coming to Sicily and performing your wedding outside what he may consider a traditional setting.
Only Anglican ceremonies are celebrated in English, but a translation is provided for civil and Catholic ones.
Symbolic Wedding or Renewal of Vows
A Symbolic Wedding consists of a blessing or a symbolic ceremony. You can celebrate such a wedding several different location, without limitations or restrictions. Usually the couples who choose this type of ceremony have had a civil ceremony in their home country. They come to Italy for a traditional Italian wedding at an historic site or a very special theme ceremony and setting.
Symbolic weddings or renewal of vows can take many form and we can easily design and manage them according your dreams. A Catholic or Anglican renewal of vows is essentially similar to a marriage mass.