Marriage Paperworks Requirements (for US residents only)

TO BE DONE IN THE U.S.

1) Valid U.S. Passport

2) A certified copy in "long form" of the Birth Certificate containing the name of both mother and father. Birth Certificate has to be translated into Italian and be legalized with an Apostille, which is a seal affixed to a public record by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where the document was originated from. The translation has to be certified by a Consular Officer and then apostilled by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where it was certified (both original and translation).

3) (if applicable) A Final Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of the previous spouse. A Translation of this document into Italian is required as well as its Apostille(both original and translation).

Remember: When obtaining the required birth certificate (or divorce decree) ask the issuing office for instruction and fees for obtaining an apostille.

4) Atto Notorio: a declaration sworn by 2 witnesses before an Italian Consular Officer* stating that there is no obstacle to his/her marriage. Call your nearest Italian Consulate and set up an appointment for this to be done. Ask how many witnesses are needed.
Important: this can not be issued more than 3 months before the wedding otherwise it will expire.
(If time doesn't allow you can do this at the Pretura in Florence upon appointment only and with an interpreter, on month in advance.)

UPON YOUR ARRIVAL IN ITALY

5) Nulla Osta. This document has to be done before the U.S. Consular Officer in Florence. This is a declaration stating that there is no obstacle according to USA laws for the marriage to take place in Italy. Witnesses are not required. The Officer will also certify your US citizenship and identity.
This document has then to be taken to the Prefettura to be legalized.
(This can be done together in one morning)

6) Max 4 days prior to the wedding date we have to go to the townhall and present all the above documents and passports (we take care of taking an appointment). In case you don't speak italian an interpreter is required.

7) Date of wedding. Weddings in Florence are usually held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, though this may vary for other town halls in Tuscany.

* please check the italian Embassy website-consular section www.italyemb.org