Marriage abroad (part one)

Unconventional—or, as we might say, off the beaten path. Nowadays, perhaps because of society’s changing structure, even wedding customs are shifting in unprecedented ways. There’s a growing trend of couples marrying after they’re already parents, or walking down the aisle for the second, third—even fourth—time. Whether out of boredom or simply to save money, many choose an intimate celebration with only their nearest and dearest, trading tradition for a smarter, more streamlined affair.

One of the less-trodden paths is tying the knot overseas. To pursue this option, however, you must comply with certain non-negotiable regulations. First, find out exactly what the law requires where you plan to marry. According to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Italian citizens marrying abroad are not subject to banns of marriage unless such banns are required by the foreign country’s legislation.”

That said, in countries that have signed and ratified the Munich Convention of September 5, 1980—namely Austria, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Luxembourg, Moldova, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and Italy—you need a Certificate of Freedom to Marry. This document is issued by your home municipality or, if necessary, by your embassy or consulate abroad. Other countries not on that list often require a “No Impediment to Marriage” certificate, typically issued by the diplomatic or consular office in the territory where you intend to wed. Bear in mind that these certificates are granted only after the requisite background checks come back clear. Finally, any wedding held abroad must be transcribed in the appropriate Italian municipality by the Foreign Civil Status Office in order to be legally recognized in Italy.

Words, forms, more words… and even more forms. If the thought of navigating this bureaucracy breaks you out in a cold sweat, consider enlisting a specialized travel agency. A DIY approach is risky, given the mountain of documents and permits involved. Seasoned agencies know the ropes, especially for exotic destinations far from home.

Dreams of a tropical beach wedding at sunset, with only close family present and soft music underscoring your vows, are nothing new. Hawaii, Tanzania, Polynesia, the Caribbean… these are perennial favorites. Some venues even offer private islands. If budget is a concern, many agencies now provide low-cost packages tailored to couples looking to keep expenses in check.

If you’ve checked all the boxes—documents submitted, approvals obtained—don’t make the rookie mistake of arriving the day of the ceremony or the day before. Plan to get there well in advance so you can calmly confirm every detail aligns with your vision and desires. By now, you’ve probably finalized your guest list; unless you’ve arranged otherwise, you’ll be responsible for your guests’ travel and accommodation. If details matter to you, schedule recreational activities for them, too, so everyone can enjoy moments of independence during the trip. And here’s a pro tip: to safeguard your privacy in such an intimate setting, book a different hotel from your guests. After all, in an occasion this romantic, you can’t afford to compromise on intimacy.