Everything You Need to Know About Civil Marriage

The latest ISTAT survey (2016) shows that one in two marriages in Italy is now a civil ceremony. Unlike a religious wedding—which the State also recognizes but the Church does not—a civil ceremony is undeniably more affordable. In less than ten years, religious weddings have plunged by 34%. These figures are striking, especially given CENSIS research predicting that marriage itself could vanish by 2031.

To stem the steady decline in weddings, the Lega party has proposed a bill in the Chamber of Deputies’ Finance Committee to offer financial support for couples opting for a municipal ceremony. The plan would allow a 20% tax deduction on costs such as decorations, wedding attire, favors, catering, and so on. This incentive, however, is limited to couples under 35 who hold an ISEE certificate (Equivalized Economic Situation Indicator), have been Italian citizens for at least ten years, and plan to marry within Italy.

How do you qualify for this benefit? You claim it on your income tax return, listing the eligible expenses. It’s essential that payments be traceable—made by bank transfer or credit card (cash and checks are excluded). Keep all debit records, receipts, and invoices detailing the nature, quantity, and quality of the goods and services purchased.

To take the “Big Step,” you’ll need:
• A valid ID (passport or identity card)
• A birth certificate
• A certificate of family and civil status (available from your local registry office), which shows your citizenship, residence, family composition, and marital status

Next, submit a “notice of intent to marry” to the Civil Status Officer in the municipality where either you or your partner resides. Then sign a self-declaration affirming your freedom to marry—no kinship impediments, no mental incapacity, and no criminal convictions. This declaration is posted publicly for eight days, during which anyone aware of a legitimate objection must come forward. If no objections arise, you can hold the ceremony within four days.

If you wish to marry in a municipality other than your residence, you’ll need to wait for all documents to be transferred. The wedding must take place within 180 days of the notice’s publication, or the entire process must be restarted.

Civil weddings can be held in a city hall or any venue legally authorized for such ceremonies. There’s no fixed rule on the number of witnesses—you can choose one or more from among friends or relatives. Note, however, that only one signature on the marriage register is legally binding.

A growing trend is for one member of the couple to officiate their own ceremony. While unconventional, it’s possible—your chosen officiant must be of legal age and in full possession of civil rights. Be sure to check with your municipality beforehand.

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