Wedding paperwork guide

Same-Sex Couples: Civil Unions in Italy

Celebrating your love in Italy, legally, symbolically or both: what you need to know, and how we help.

The short answer

Civil unions
in Italy.

A civil union, not a marriage. Since 2016 same-sex couples can enter a civil union in Italy (unione civile). Italian law does not call it a marriage.
The documents. More or less the same as for a wedding, depending on your nationality, residence and marital status.
Town by town. Some town halls make the procedure complicated, and some ask to meet you about 30 days before the ceremony while others don't. We look at your case and your town together.
Recognition at home. Depending on your country, an Italian civil union may be recognised only as a civil union or registered partnership, with fewer rights than a marriage.

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Legally binding

A civil union
in Italy.

A civil union in Italy is celebrated at the town hall, or at a venue the town has authorised, in front of the registrar and two witnesses, with an interpreter if one of you or your witnesses doesn't speak Italian.

The paperwork is close to the one for a wedding, but the practice changes from town to town. Before you choose your date and place, call us: we'll tell you what your town asks for and how long it takes.

Good to know

Will it be recognised
at home?

Because of the way civil unions work in Italy, your country may register your Italian union as a civil union or registered partnership, not as a marriage, and that can mean fewer rights and protections.

That's why many couples marry legally at home and celebrate in Italy with a symbolic ceremony, or do both. Every country has its own rules: talk to us before you decide, and check with the authorities of your country too.

Symbolic ceremonies

Your ceremony,
your way.

A symbolic ceremony can take place almost anywhere: a villa, a vineyard, a garden overlooking the hills. It is written around your story, in your languages, with the rituals you love.

Ceremonies are led by Italian Wedding Celebrants, our sister team, who celebrate couples of every kind. And as for every wedding we plan, one person from our team follows you from the first call to the last dance: we make no distinctions.

Every case is different

Let's look at
your case together.

In 30 minutes on Google Meet we look at your nationalities, residence and town and tell you what is possible. It costs €50, deducted from our fee if you then ask us to take care of your paperwork.

Book a consultation

More paperwork guides

You may also need.

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Reviews

What our couples say about us.

Paige RusherOctober 2026

★★★★★

Francina Goes Above and Beyond!

Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to Francina for all of her diligent work to make my Tuscan wedding weekend perfect. She went above and beyond to ensure the details and vendors were finalized and the guests were…

Emily AdamSeptember 2026

★★★★★

The best wedding - thanks so much Francesca!

We couldn't have asked for a better celebrant than Francesca. From our very first conversation, she was incredibly organised, ensuring every detail was covered and making the entire process feel smooth and manageable. Her…

Laura and VinnySeptember 2026

★★★★★

Wonderful experience

Working with Francesca was truly wonderful from beginning to end. She made the entire process feel seamless and simple, handling every detail and all of the logistics while ensuring our wedding day felt incredibly special. Her…

5.0 out of 5 from 184 reviews since 2008 · Read all the reviews

Questions, answered

Same-sex couples
in Italy.

Can same-sex couples get married in Italy?

Not as a marriage: since 2016 same-sex couples can enter a civil union, which has legal value in Italy. Many couples also choose a symbolic ceremony, which can take place almost anywhere.

Can foreign same-sex couples have a civil union in Italy?

Yes. The documents are more or less the same as for a wedding, but the practice changes from town to town: we check your case and your town with you.

Will our Italian civil union be recognised in our country?

It depends on your country: some register it as a civil union or partnership rather than a marriage. Check with us and with your authorities before you decide.

Can we have a symbolic ceremony instead?

Of course, or as well. A symbolic ceremony has no legal value but can be held almost anywhere, written around you and led by Italian Wedding Celebrants.