Legal Requirements:

Since Italy is such a popular destination for many hopeless romantics from the U.S., you need to know some of the requirements so that your big day turns out absolutely Perfecto! To obtain a marriage license, a passport is required for civilians, or for those in the military - a birth certificate and permission to marry from your Commander. If applicable, evidence of the termination of any previous marriage such as final divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate is also required. You would also need a sworn statement by parents or legal guardian consenting to the marriage if you are a person under the age 18. All documents originating outside Italy (Birth Certificate, Divorce Decree, etc...) MUST be translated into Italian and don't forget to bring both copies with you on your trip of love.

The "Atto Notorio", a declaration, stating that according to U.S. laws there is no obstacle to the marriage. Two witnesses must swear before an Italian Consul outside of Italy, or if you prefer to obtain this in Italy, go before an Italian Court official. (A witness may be of any nationality, but must be over 18, with proper identification.) U.S. citizens are urged to obtain this declaration from a Consul of Italy in the United States, but if in Italy, an appointment should be arranged in advance. Be cognizant that there is a fee of about 50,000 Lira (about $25.00). Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

You will need to visit the Secretary of State's office in the state where your documents were issued. Here they will legalize your documents by applying the "Apostille" stamp to all original documents as well as the translated ones for use in Italy. But remember, under Italian law, all public documents - regardless of their origin - are only valid for 6 months from the date of issue.

These are also requirements that need to be done while in Italy: Another Declaration, sworn to by you and your fiancé at the US Consulate stating that there is no legal impediment to the marriage. Your legal status must be such that you can legally marry another person under Italian and U.S. Law. After obtaining the declaration from the Consulate, it must be taken to the Prefecture to be authenticated (legalized). The required legalization can be obtained at any Prefecture; there is one in every provincial capital. These two steps only take a few minutes and can be done in the morning and you can go lunching or sightseeing in the afternoon. That's it - and now your ready to walk down that aisle on your Italian Odyssey! Ciao!

This article was contributed by Karen Hohlen.