Italy

steph96

We are looking into eloping in Italy.  I really just don't know how to get started.  How can I find someone to plan my wedding?  I have seen a few websites, but I'm not sure if they are legitimate.  We are mostly interested in the Amalfi coast or Sicily.

Stellina+Amour

Hi, wish I could help... I'm from Rome but didn't have an Italy wedding. I had bookmarked this SMP feature a while ago, hopefully the wedding planner's info will be useful to you! GL

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2011/11/15/romantic-rome-wedding-from-italia-celebrations/ 

Potato Pie

Good luck in Sicily. I got married in Calabria, to a Calabrian, and it was still a headache to plan everything. They don't do websites, email, or phone calls very well in the south. Everything is done on a personal basis. We were there for a month before the wedding, planning continuously.

That said, I'm sure you could find some legitimate places that cater to tourists (I imagine you'll need English speaking services anyway?). And Sicily probably sees more tourists than Calabria. 

Check out the agriturismi, places that usually grow their own food, have guesthouses, restaurants....they can be really quaint and beautiful and all-inclusive (as in, they take care of decor, the cake, food, guests, music....etc so you don't need to work with individual vendors). Most hotels and resort places should do all this as well.

Another thought about Sicily, though, is that it's a longer haul for you and your guests if you're all coming from the States and will most likely be flying into Rome.

VAbeach is in Naples, maybe she'll have some more advice.  

 

VABeach08

Hi, we are in Naples but got married in the States, so I'm not a super help, sorry.  I do know that getting married here is particularly bureaucratic (esp for non-IT citizens).  Again, sorry.  I'm not trying to be a downer, but the paperwork process can be a challenge.  Most of my ex-pat friends get legally married in the States and then celebrate or do a ceremony here.  

But if you have time and patience, it definitely can be done (and will be beautiful in either location ).  I would suggest start w/ State for the un-romantic but important regs:  http://travel.state.gov/law/citizenship/citizenship_754.html

Good luck!  And let me know if you have specific questions about the AC... I'll do my best ! 

steph96

Thank you for the replies!

Stellina, that wedding looks beautiful!  That planner seems like a great place to start.

Potato Pie, it will just be the two of us, so travel really isn't a big deal.  I was trying to look for hotels that provided wedding services, but I'm having a hard time finding any sort of indication on the website that they offer those services.  Do you know of any good places in either location?

 VABeach, I have heard that getting married there can be tough.  We just really have our hearts set on it.  I'm hoping that by planning so far in advance, we can get everything worked out.

 

From what I have read, it sounds like there are a limited number of locations we can get married.  This really baffles me because here in Oklahoma, we can get married anywhere as long as there is an officiant.  We really want a gorgeous outdoor wedding.  We aren't worried about having a reception (or anything else besides the cake and flowers for me) since it will just be the two of us.  Is this even an option?

NLfoodie

Bureaucracy in the North is terrible. And everyone north of Bologna considers everything south of Bologna to be Africa 'where no-one works and nothing can ever be accomplished'. (In Milan it took us 4 hours and trips to several different branches of governmental buildings to get one standard form filed. Milan is considered a place where you can arrange things easily and quickly.)

So make sure you arrange EVERYTHING you can in advance and know EXACTLY where to go before you even travel there. It won't be easy at all (though if this is really what you want, it'll definitely be worth it. I love love love Italy! (DH's mom's side of the family is from the Milan area and Tuscany.) 

Stellina+Amour

steph96:

From what I have read, it sounds like there are a limited number of locations we can get married.  This really baffles me because here in Oklahoma, we can get married anywhere as long as there is an officiant.  We really want a gorgeous outdoor wedding.  We aren't worried about having a reception (or anything else besides the cake and flowers for me) since it will just be the two of us.  Is this even an option?

Yes, it is unusual in Italy to get married in places other than the "appointed" ones. Even civil ceremonies, they can be performed in former churches other than city halls, but in my experience I haven't come across an "outdoors" wedding USA style. Doesn't mean that it's not possible though! As far as locations, once you get in touch with a planner I'm sure they'll provide you with a roster of options. A personal favorite is Villa Grazioli, just outside of Rome, in Grottaferrata. MH and I dined there several times. Once I even inquired about a possible wedding there (behind his back, lol).  It's a beautiful palace with great views and a frescoed gallery. Here's the link. (which never works so you might have to c/p)

http://www.villagrazioli.com/ 

The ladies have good points as far as Italian bureaucratic issues and timing go. Hopefully they will not kill your enthusiasm (like they did mine not to be a downer!).