How to Elope in Italy: The Ultimate Guide [Updated for 2024]

Deciding to elope in Italy can be both romantic and adventurous. Italy has so many different possibilities when it comes to planning your elopement ranging from mountain views to exploring vineyards and historical streets together. Italy is a great place to elope for couples looking for an epic wedding destination.

We break down what you need to know to plan an intimate Italian elopement without becoming overwhelmed by tourists. Our how to elope in Italy guide goes over places to elope in Italy, how to get a marriage license if you’re from the States, wedding vendors for your elopement and more.

How to Elope in Italy

So many couples love Italy because this destination can easily serve as not only their elopement destination but also their honeymoon destination! Planning your elopement somewhere you can easily transition into vacation mode after your ceremony is always a good idea. 

Here’s how you can get started: Let’s Build Your Italy Elopement Package Using This Resource:

• Italy Marriage License
• When to Elope in Italy
• Where to Elope in Italy
• How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Italy?
• Italy Elopement Vendors
• Italy Elopement Inspiration

Italy Marriage License: Can a U.S. Citizen Get Legally Married in Italy?

Yes, foreigners can get married legally in Italy! Unlike planning your elopement in Paris, foreigners are not required to have legal residency for a wedding in Italy. All you need is the appropriate paperwork to make your wedding official.

What Documents are Required for a Marriage License in Italy?

The documents you will need include your passport, birth certificate, a ‘Atto Notorio’, Cetificate of No Impediment, at your nearest Italian embassy in the USA, and Nulla Osta, an affidavit which you can obtain at the USA embassy or consulate in either Milan, Venice, Genoa, Florence, Rome, Palermo, or Naples. Once you present all the listed documents to the marriage office, you’ll have to make a declaration of intention to marry before a civil registrar.

These requirements apply to U.S. citizens who want to legally get married in Italy. Please double-check with the U.S. embassy (or your specific embassy if coming from another country) if any additional requirements are needed.

Check to see where is the nearest Italian embassy/consulate in the USA near you.

Here are some important things to remember for your marriage license in Italy:

• Work towards completing all necessary documents 3 months before your wedding day.
• If you don’t speak Italian, bring someone who can interpret for you (consider one of our Italy elopement photographers).
• Make sure all documents (minus your passport) are translated into Italian.
• If you’re planning an elopement, keep in mind you’ll need 2 witnesses to make your marriage license official. These witnesses also need proper identification. 
• The USA embassy/consulate only gives appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Make sure to have two revenue stamps (you can buy these at any tobacco shop), before heading over to the local prefecture office where you plan on getting married.
• Remember to set an appointment at the town hall where you want to get married after all your documents have been completed, along with your declaration of intention to marry.

With that said, Italy recognizes both religious and civil wedding ceremonies. For non-catholic religious weddings, a civil ceremony needs to be incorporated in order to make the marriage legal. If you’re interested in legally getting married here, then you can find more information by contacting the US Embassy in Italy.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the steps, then you can always get married in your home country and have a symbolic ceremony in Italy. We love this idea because you both can still exchange vows and have an intimate ceremony, while not having to worry about the legality of things somewhere foreign to you.

When to Elope in Italy

Italy is a gorgeous country, and there are so many possibilities for places you can plan your elopement. A good time to plan your elopement here can vary on where exactly you want to visit. Overall, however, the best time to visit Italy is typically in the Spring (April to June) or Fall (September to October). During these months, Italy is cooler and does not see as much rain.

Remember that Southern and Northern parts of Italy will sometimes vary in weather. It may be cooler in some Northern parts compared to Southern. For more accurate weather predictions, make sure to look up the weather in the exact area you’re planning to have your wedding adventure.

Let’s go over the general weather you can expect in Italy:

Summer

Average temperatures in July:

• 66-86°F in northern Italy
• 66-86°F in central Italy
• 74-95°F in southern Italy

Summer months can be not only hot but more crowded with tourists. Summer is also the most expensive time to visit in Italy and accommodations (especially with air conditioning) sell out quickly. However, if you plan accordingly you can enjoy water activities and beautiful hikes in Italy during this time. Think romantic boat rides along the Amalfi Coast or exploring the small towns of Cinque Terre.

Fall

Average temperatures in October:

• 44-64°F in northern Italy
• 56-71°F in central Italy
• 66-74°F in southern Italy

Fall is still a popular time to visit, but it’s also a favorite season of ours. There’s a lot to enjoy during this time, including nearby activities and festivals, and the weather is enjoyable in the early part of Fall. By November, you’ll see more rain. Also, keep in mind that it’ll be colder in the northern areas of Italy during this season.

Winter

Average temperatures in December:

• 26-45°F in northern Italy
• 42-57°F in central Italy
• 54-61°F in southern Italy

If you love the snow, then Northern Italy is a great area to pick from for your elopement adventure. You’ll see beautiful snow and experience plenty of winter activities together like skiing or snowshoeing through the mountains. Southern Italy doesn’t see snow despite it getting pretty cold. This is a good time to elope in this area if you want to avoid tourists.

Spring

Average temperatures in May:

• 49-70°F in northern Italy
• 54-71°F in central Italy
• 61-70°F in southern Italy

Spring is our favorite season to plan your wedding in Italy. The weather is nearly perfect and wildflowers are in bloom all over northern Italy. Tourists amounts are also moderate during this time, which is a huge plus if you want to explore more popular areas together.

If you’re deciding to elope during a more popular month in Italy, then we absolutely recommend planning a sunrise or early morning elopement to avoid the bigger crowds later in the day.

Where to Elope in Italy

There are so many amazing places you can elope in Italy. We want to mention some of the best places you can elope in Italy to give you an idea of what your wedding day can look like. Remember, this list is only a fraction of the places where you can plan your wedding. For perspective, Italy has 20 regions, subdivided into 93 provinces, and further subdivided into 8,000 cities, towns, or villages. That’s a whole lot of options!

If none of these places are “the one” for you, then we highly recommend teaming up with one of our amazing elopement vendors in Italy. These wedding vendors specialize in small weddings and elopements in Italy. They’re your number one resource for all things Italian elopements.

“Italy offers both incredible natural and urban landscapes. I love Florence and Rome for an intimate and super romantic elopement in the city, while I would choose a rural area of Tuscany for a more naturalistic destination. Or if you love hiking and the mountains, the Dolomites and their Lakes are definitely one of the most beautiful locations to elope.” [Silvia from Silvia Poropat Stories]

Here are Some of the Best Places to Elope in Italy:

Italian Alps Dolomites

If you love the idea of eloping on a gorgeous mountain in Italy, then you’ll probably want to consider eloping in the Italian Alps. The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range that goes through most of Europe. It’s here where you can find epic elopement destinations such as the Dolomites. If you love hiking, exploring, and gorgeous views, then an elopement here is for you.

The Dolomites are also on UNESCO‘s list of the world’s protected natural paradises and are known as the most beautiful mountains you can see in the world. There are 18 peaks here which rise above 3,000 meters. Some popular areas to visit include Lago di Brais (Lake Brais) and Cortina D’Ampezzo, a small mountain town. We also love it when couples turn their elopements into a multi-day adventure. Talk to your photographer about what options are best for your elopement vision.

Check out this epic 3-day elopement hike in the Dolomites. 

Venice

In Northern Italy, you’ll find gorgeous Venice. Surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, Venice is comprised of more than 100 small islands linked by canals. While this location can be very touristy, this spot has plenty of small nooks and crannies to appreciate and elope together. Eloping in Venice is also a great option for couples who want to explore Italy’s culture versus natural landscapes.

Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is the perfect elopement and honeymoon destination. If you’re thinking about eloping in Italy, then you should consider planning here. The coastal road between each of the towns on this coast is the most gorgeous road you’ll ever see. You’ll see gorgeous colored villages sitting on top of cliffs, facing the shoreline. While this spot can be touristy, you can plan a romantic elopement getaway on top of a private terrace.

Check out this romantic elopement in Positano.

Rome

If you’re looking to plan an elopement in an Italian city, then Rome is where it’s at. Rome is the perfect elopement destination for couples who have a rich desire and appreciation for art, culture, and history. While you don’t have coastal views or mountain views, you can have gorgeous views of ancient architecture and ruins. 

Jump to this Elopement in Rome at Palazzo Mattei and Roman Forum

Tuscany

Maybe you’re looking for more open fields and vineyards for your elopement in Italy. Tuscany is a region in central Italy and we love how diverse the nearby cities and towns are. Plan your elopement in a private vineyard as the sun sets, or plan an elopement on top of a terrace in Florance. Some other popular locations in the area include Apuan Apls, Mugello Valley, and Elba Island. From medieval castles to luxury resorts, you have to think about what type of elopement adventure you want to have because Tuscany offers it all.

Check out this love story in Tuscany featuring the rolling hills of Val d’Orcia.

Florence

The capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany is Florence. Although this isn’t the first spot you would expect adventurous couples to elope to, it’s definitely a fun one! This is a popular city, so tourists are all around, but you can 100% plan an intimate elopement experience in this city during slow seasons and sunrise. Tuscany is perfect for you if you love history, culture, and amazing eats. 

Sicily

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean Island in Italy. This region is known for its history, including its Greek temples. You’ll also find Mount Etna here, one of Europe’s highest active volcanoes. This is a gorgeous place to elope in Italy if you want to explore somewhere with a rich history, while still being able to enjoy epic views you won’t see in the other Italian cities. 

Cinque Terre

If you’re looking for somewhere to elope in Italy that is not as populated as the Amalfi Coast, then we recommend Cinque Terre. The name means five towns, which are centuries-old. These colorful seaside villages face the coastline and are a dream. Enjoy the amazing views, small eateries, harbors, and vineyards here.

Gran Sasso National Park

Gran Sasso National Park in Italy is perfect for couples who want to just get away from it all and not worry about tourists. This park covers three regions, Abruzzo, Lazio, and Le Marche. The Abruzzo region is near east of Rome. The park is home to some of the highest peaks in Italy, open plains, alpine forests, waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Grand Highway is the best way to explore the park, especially if you plan on seeing multiple areas.

Check out this rainy elopement in Gran Sasso!

Lake Como

Lake Como is a mountainous northern region near Milan. This is a popular tourist destination, but it’s also a popular wedding destination too! It’s no surprise too because this area is so dreamy and romantic. You can have your ceremony facing the lake itself, on a boat, or at a small wedding venue with the lake’s view.

Italy Elopement Vendors

These elopement vendors are professionals when it comes to planning and documenting romantic and adventurous elopements in Italy. Feel free to jump to their profiles, check out their galleries, and connect with them! Another reason why our Wandering Weddings members in Italy are awesome… they know all the spots tourists don’t know about! 

Check out our members who specialize in Italy elopements:

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Italy?

In Italy, elopements cost between $5,000-$15,000. Before you throw your hands up at that big gap, think about what type of elopement you want to have. Even if you spend $15,000, that is half of what couples spend when planning a traditional wedding in Italy. You can plan a budget-friendly elopement in Sicily or a luxury elopement in Amalfi Coast. It all depends on what you want to include.

Here are some things to consider for your Italy elopement budget:

• Plan tickets
• Marriage license fees
• Location Permit
• Accommodations
• Photographer (and any other vendors)
• Attire
• Hair and makeup if applicable
• Activities

Italy Elopement Inspiration

Alissa and Andrew – Elopement in Rome at Palazzo Mattei and Roman Forum

Palazzo Mattei was just the perfect place for Alissa and Andrew’s romantic Italy elopement. We love their intimate vows, and we also loved how they shared their first dance as a guitarist played. This elopement adventure also incorporated wedding portraits at Capitoline Hill and a secret terrace, where they admired the most romantic sunset on the ancient Roman ruins. 

Photographer’s Advice: 

“Give yourself all the time to explore the surroundings of the place you’ll be eloping at. You’ll want to discover the traditions and taste all of the foods and drinks you possibly can. Try to figure out the logistics of your elopement before, especially what concerns travel and accommodation (the more south you go, the harder it can be to get public transportation). Always have someone local to ask for advice and help when needed. Leave your stress and worries at home, and always remember to be yourselves!” [Silvia from Silvia Poropat Stories]

Other Vendors Involved:

Videography: Memento Story Film |Planning: Peach Perfect Weddings |Florals: Dordas Flowers |Hair and Makeup: Laura Coco | Hotel: Hotel Degli Artisti |Bride’s Gown: Pronovias | Groom’s attire: Mens Wear House https://www.menswearhouse.com/

Photos From This Elopement:

If you made it this far, then we are certain you’re interested in eloping in Italy. Check out our other elopement resources to help inspire you. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Leave us a comment!