Expert Insights from Jayne Seddon of Casa Collina Events
While we all know that Italy is one of the world’s most romantic destinations, it's no surprise that so many couples flock to its beautiful locations to get married. On top of being a super popular spot for international couples, it’s specifically a fantastic choice for LGBTQ+ couples planning a same-sex wedding or civil union. Boasting a full and rich history, dreamy surroundings and renowned food and wine, it just makes sense that so many couples choose Italy for their destination wedding.
But what about the legalities and logistics for same-sex weddings in Italy? Good news, we’ve reached out to our valued wedding planner member – Jayne from Casa Collina Events to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know and what to expect when planning a same sex wedding in Italy.
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Same Sex Civil Weddings Italy
Firstly and most importantly, yes, you can tie the knot in Italy, and you can make it everything you’ve dreamed of. Italy has legally recognised same-sex civil unions since June 5, 2016. While not labeled as “marriage," these unions grant nearly all the same legal rights and protections. Civil union ceremonies in Italy can be legally performed at town halls or licensed venues, making a legal wedding in Italy entirely possible with the proper documentation and perhaps useful support from a wedding planner that’s in the know like Jayne from Casa Collina Events.
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Same Sex Symbolic Wedding
For couples who want to avoid the paperwork side or are coming from countries where legal recognition abroad may be somewhat complex, a symbolic ceremony in Italy is a popular alternative that’s just as meaningful and special. Symbolic weddings allow couples to get married literally anywhere in Italy, from gorgeous vineyard landscapes to pristine villa gardens. An expert wedding planner in Italy can help you along the way, however, it’s important to understand that these ceremonies aren’t legally binding. That means you’ll need to take care of the legal part of your marriage in your home country first.
Top Tips for Planning a Same-Sex Wedding in Italy
1. Know the Legal Stuff
Whichever type of wedding you choose, civil or symbolic, there’s a bit of paperwork involved, so it helps to research early or team up with a planner who knows how to navigate it all.
2. Find an LGBTQ+ Friendly Officiant
Your officiant sets the tone for the whole ceremony, so it’s so important to choose someone who gets you and can make the celebration special. There are so many wonderful celebrants in Italy who love working with LGBTQ+ couples, just make sure they’re not only available, but affirming.
3. Pick LGBTQ+ Friendly Vendors
Florists, caterers, photographers, your wedding dream team should be made up of suppliers in Italy who fully support and celebrate your love. Your wedding planner will most often know suppliers to recommend to you or you can also find vendors with inclusive language on their websites and fab reviews from other LGBTQ+ couples.
4. Write Your Own Vows
This is your moment! Scrap the traditional script, take a deep breath and speak from the heart. Whether your vows are emotional, funny, or poetic, make them special to you and your amore.
5. Team Up with a Local LGBTQ+ Wedding Planner
We know we’ve mentioned this earlier in this blog but it’s also important advice we highly recommend. A local planner in Italy who knows the ins and outs,and works with LGBTQ+ couples will be your key guide on the side. They'll take care of the tricky stuff (like translating and paperwork) while supporting you both as a couple, so you can focus on the fun of getting married in Italy.
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LGBTQ+ Inclusive Planning with Casa Collina Events
Planning a wedding in another country comes with its fair share of challenges, from language barriers and legal paperwork to cultural nuances and vendor coordination. That’s where a seasoned destination wedding planner becomes the biggest help to organising a stress free celebration. Jayne Seddon of Casa Collina Events is a UK-born wedding planner with over 25 years of experience orchestrating a vast range of weddings across Italy. Known for her personalised, caring approach, extensive local knowledge and impressively creative style, Jayne has become a trusted wedding planner/ friend for couples from all over the world looking to plan a beautiful and inclusive wedding in Italy.
Jayne and her team pride themselves on creating safe, celebratory spaces for LGBTQ+ couples. Whether you would love to have an intimate elopement in a quaint Tuscan villa or host a large wedding in a Venetian palace, Casa Collina Events are your go-to team to help you with all aspects of planning from location scouting and vendor booking to ceremony design and on-the-day coordination.
Jayne also serves as a wedding celebrant, which means she can officially host your symbolic ceremony here in Italy. Her inclusive and welcoming approach makes her a fantastic planner for same-sex weddings in Italy.
Ready to start planning?
Visit Casa Collina Events to learn more and take the first step toward your dream destination wedding in Italy.
