BRITISH CITIZENS GETTING MARRIED IN ITALY

Complete and Updated Guide to Paperwork, CNIs, Apostilles and Legal Requirements

Getting legally married in Italy as a British citizen is possible, beautiful and usually very straightforward when you follow the correct procedure. At Efffetti, we support British couples from the first step to the final certificate, providing clear guidance, sworn translations and full communication with your Italian registrar.

Because Italian municipalities follow local regulations in addition to national law, every couple requires a personalised checklist. Below you will find the complete, updated procedure for British citizens based on your situation and residency.

For official reference, you can also consult:

• The British Embassy in Italy: https://www.gov.uk/world/italy

• GOV.UK Marriage Abroad Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad

• General Register Office: https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office

• UK Legalisation Office: https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

We are happy to assist you at any stage.

1) Both Spouses Are British AND Living in the UK

If both spouses are British and both reside in the United Kingdom, the process is the most straightforward. You will need:

✔ Certificate of No Impediment (CNI)

One CNI per spouse.
Your CNI must be:

• issued by your local register office

• apostilled in the UK

• officially translated into Italian at an Italian Court

CNIs are valid for:

• 6 months if issued in England, Wales or Northern Ireland

• 3 months if issued in Scotland

We prepare the sworn translations as part of our service.
Efffetti appears on the British Consulate’s official List of Translators and Interpreters, making our translations accepted by all Italian authorities.

✔ Statutory Declaration

One for each spouse.
It must be completed and signed in front of a UK Solicitor or Notary Public, then apostilled.

The Statutory Declaration is bilingual English – Italian, so no translation is required.

Once both CNIs and Statutory Declarations are ready, they must be sent or delivered to your Italian registrar. We coordinate this step and confirm all additional requirements of your specific municipality.

2) One Spouse Is British and the Other Is Not

If only one partner is British AND resides in the UK, they must follow the same procedure described in section 1.

The non British spouse must follow the marriage requirements of their own nationality.

✔ If the non British spouse is Italian

He or she must file a Notice of Marriage at:

• the town hall where they officially reside in Italy
  or

• the Italian Embassy or Consulate of residence if registered in AIRE

We guide couples through both options.

3) British Citizens Not Residing in the UK

If neither spouse is living in the UK, the procedure changes significantly.
You have two options.

ROUTE A – APPLY IN ITALY (ROME)

This is often the preferred option for British citizens living abroad.

You must:

• travel to Italy in person

• stay at least 3 days before your appointment

• bring documents based on your marital status and your partner’s nationality

At the British Embassy in Rome you will apply for a Notice of Marriage (NOM).
After approximately 15 days, the Embassy issues a Nulla Osta, which is a legally valid document that replaces the UK CNI for non residents.

We can collect the Nulla Osta on your behalf or arrange delivery directly to your Italian town hall.

Timing

To follow this route safely, you should:

• arrive in Italy 30 days before the wedding,

• ideally arrive 45 days before,

• not apply more than 6 months before your wedding date.

Appointment availability at the British Embassy can be limited, so early booking is highly recommended.

ROUTE B – APPLY IN THE UK (RESIDENCY REQUIRED)

If you prefer to return to the UK, you can apply for your Notice of Marriage there.
However, you must prove residency in the UK for 7 to 70 days depending on the nationality of the other spouse.

If you apply in the UK, the standard CNI + apostille + Statutory Declaration rules apply exactly as in scenario 1.

Same Sex Civil Unions in Italy

Since May 2016, Italy legally recognises same sex civil unions.
British same sex couples follow almost the same procedure as opposite sex couples, but town halls may require earlier appointments.

British nationals should:

• bring the same documents required for marriage

• attend an in person meeting with the Registrar

• be present at least 30 days before the ceremony unless the municipality allows the standard timing

We can advise on the best town halls for couples residing abroad, where the procedure is smoother and more predictable.

When You Must Be in Italy

Italian municipalities require couples to swear a declaration of intent to marry in person.

This appointment normally takes place:

• 2 to 3 working days before the wedding

• sometimes earlier depending on the town hall

An interpreter is required if either spouse does not speak Italian.
We provide interpreting services for both the declaration and the ceremony.

Marriage Certificate and UK Use

After your civil wedding ceremony, the Italian registrar will issue a Multilingual Marriage Certificate.

This certificate is valid across Europe and accepted by many UK authorities.

However:

• some UK offices, especially passport offices, require a certified Italian version translated officially (they no longer accept multilingual formats)

• we provide sworn translations of your Italian marriage certificate when needed

There is no legal requirement to register a foreign marriage in the UK.
Your Italian marriage is fully valid under English law regardless of UK registration.

Additional Legal Notes

If you reside in the UK but your nationality is not British

You must follow the procedure of your country of nationality.

Dual citizenship warning

If one of your citizenships is Italian, you must marry as an Italian citizen.
Italy applies jus sanguinis, meaning nationality is inherited from your parents.
If one parent is Italian, you are quite likely Italian in the eyes of Italian law.

How Efffetti Supports British Couples

We help with:

• personalised paperwork checklists

• sworn translations at Italian Courts

• direct communication with your Italian registrar

• consulate appointments

• interpreting in English and Italian

• delivery and management of your certificates

• symbolic or civil ceremonies

• full wedding planning on request

We work with couples who need paperwork only or a full planning service.

For official guidance, you may also check:
https://www.gov.uk/world/italy
https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad
https://www.gov.uk/general-register-office
https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised

Still unsure? Do want to ask an expert?