Emma's answers to A Catholic wedding in Italy

Question

My Italian Fiance and I are getting married in Amalfi in September next year. I am half Italian but was Christened in a CofE Church. My H2B is Catholic. As we are getting married in Italy I have agreed on a Catholic Church. However I am not sure what I need. I know, rather than changing to the Catholic faith I can sign a form saying that our children will be raised in the Catholic faith - which I have agreed with. However do I need to be Confirmed from a CofE Church? If so I don't really know how I can go into a Cof E church and say - yes I want to now get confirm at the age of 29 because I plan to get married in a Catholic Church, equally I have just moved to the area and am not even sure how you go about finding classes. Please advise.

Answer

Thank you for your email and congratulations on your impending wedding. You should be fine to marry in a Catholic Church in Italy as long as one of you is Catholic. Unlike in France, a Roman Catholic wedding in Italy is legally binding and recognised by the Italian authorities, because they contain a civil element within the service. You should contact your local parish priest in the UK to help you prepare.

It's good to know also that there are now a number of churches in Italy that will perform the marriage ceremony in English should you require them to do so but you would need to arrange this in advance.

I suggest that you visit the British Embassy, Italy website for a list of these churches.

Your marriage documentation will need to be processed so you should allow plenty of time for this and be aware that it is subject to consular fees.

Once you are married and you have your marriage certificate you will be required to provide the Consular Officer in the town where the marriage was performed with a certified copy of the marriage certificate, having been duly authenticated by the local authority. You will also need to provide a translation of the marriage certificate in English.

You will need the following documentation to get married in Italy:

A full birth certificate.
A valid passport.
An affidavit declaring single status authorised by a notary or solicitor declaring eligibility for marriage.
If divorced, a Decree of Absolute and an affidavit declaring martial status and eligibility to marry.
If widowed a spouse's death certificate, previous marriage certificate and an affidavit authorised by a notary or solicitor declaring eligibility for marriage.
Written consent from your parents or guardians (if either of you are under 18 years of age).
If you have changed your name by Deed Poll or you were adapted, proof of this needs to be presented.
When planning a wedding abroad it's worth consulting a wedding planner there as they will be well-versed in both the legal and event planning aspects of your wedding there. Try Creative Wedding as they specialise in planning weddings in Italy: http://www.confetti.co.uk/supplier/view/85663.do



You can read more about getting married in Italy in Getting Married Abroad in Honeymoons at: http://www.confetti.co.uk/article/view/5285-7623-0-Getting_married_in_Italy_Getting_married_abroad.do