Catholic Requirements for Weddings in Italy
Catholic Wedding Ceremonies in Italy can only be performed in a Catholic church and it can be celebrated if at least one of the two is of catholic religion.
If one of the parties is of a different religion, a Catholic wedding is still possible as long as you attend the required pre-marital classes (also called Pre-Cana) and have the paperwork approved by the religious authorities in Italy, (local Diocese).
The following documents are required for a Catholic Wedding in Italy:
1. Formal letter from your Parish priest granting permission for your wedding in Italy (please specify the name of the church, city and the date off your wedding). This is a document certifying that your Priest allows you to get married in Italy and has to be written on the letterhead paper of your Parish.
2. Letter from your local Bishop granting permission for your wedding in Italy, (please specify the name of the church, city and the wedding date). The letter must be written on the letterhead paper of your Bishop’s office. The Bishop’s permission to the wedding is one of the most important requirements for the Italian Curia/Diocese authorities. The letter from the priest must also state that you have fulfilled your premarital preparation course. The letter must have seal or stamp by the Bishop’s Office of your country.
3. Original Prenuptial Inquiry form issued by your Parish priest on formal church letterhead of your Parish. It is the prenuptial investigation that includes your names, place and date of birth, address and general religious data which your priest completes together with you.
4. Certificates of Baptism and Confirmation. If you have problems obtaining the originals, ask for copies that have to be sealed by your local bishop. The seals of the Bishop are required on these documents by the Italian Curia/Diocese.
5. If one of you is not Catholic, you should obtain a “permission of mixed religions” or “a permission of inter religions” issued by the local Bishop of your country. Ask more about this to your Parish to obtain this special permission.
Please Note : Documents should not be done more than 4/5 months prior the wedding date or they will expire For more information and details, contact our Wedding Planners at info@italyitalianweddings.com if you have any questions or complete a Request Form.
