Getting Married in Europe: 2006
Have you "tied the knot" overseas? Planning a wedding can be challenging enough, but getting married in a foreign country adds new challenges: finding an officiant, planning the menu, convincing your travel-leary family and friends to go, legal red tape, etc.
Share your wedding abroad planning tips, advice and experiences here.
wedding
We are going to Tuscany(San Quirico d'Orcia)in May 2007 with 2 other couples. Would like to have a simple blessing ceremony followed with a small reception with our friends. Don't want to spend a fortune but would like something nice. Any suggestions, any affordable planners? Let me know. Thanks, R.C.
ruth c <email>
bremerton, wash USA Fri 12/29/2006
RE: small quaint wedding in Europe
We too are in the midst of planning our mid-summer European wedding so I can offer info on Germany and Austria. Austria.org and germany.info are helpful websites although Austria's is more detailed (so much for German efficiency; go figure). The links there have helped us get started. The most important considerations, though, are time and documentation (much of it requires official translations). Even with my relatives in Germany, we've been unable to clarify answers to some questions we have, most importantly about Taylor's previous marriage and exactly what is required regarding her divorce papers. Anyway, hope this helps.
Taylor and Jeff
Seattle, USA Fri 12/29/2006
SMALL QUAINT WEDDING IN EURPOPE
My fiance and I are planning to get married in Europe late summer/early fall 2007, then travel through Prague, Austria and Germany for 12-14 days. We both have been married before so we're looking for something, small, quaint, intimate, unique and private. We do not plan on having any guests attend and plan to have a party when we return. Any ideas on what is best? A small chapel or garden in a small town would be really neat. Thanks for your help!
Andrea <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Tue 12/26/2006
We were married 9/13/06 in Switzerland
The dream to return to Switzerland one day became a reality for us on our wedding day. With patience, 8 months of planning, up to date documents,the guidance of the Swiss Consulate, the Bern/Interlaken Civil Office, a kind Catholic priest and a wonderful wedding company we had a day to remember in Grindelwald Switzerland. Husband and wife team, Pascal and Cindy Zeller were truly a delight to have help with our wedding plans. They are honest-hard working people. Down to earth and know how to plan a wedding according to the budget you request. We had a limited budget with a few specific requests and they made it happen. Feel free to email me with questions, check out our 13 pages of wedding photos online at www.alpinphoto.com. (Scroll over to the 5th picture that says "specials",then click on Michael and Theresa) to view photos of the 10hr day filled with 2 ceremonies, a beautiful luncheon, a toast on top of a mountain and a dinner to remember. If you are wanting to marry in the gorgeous Swiss air, check out Pascal and Cindy's website. http://www.switzerlandweddingcompany.com
Best Wishes to all the brides and grooms to be!
Theresa and Michael <email>
Orlando, FL. USA Fri 12/22/2006
Lake Como Wedding
Hi, I would like to get married in
the Como area of Italy in April, 07. We are staying
in a villa and are looking for an officiant, a photographer, a bouquet of red roses for me and a boutineer for my fiance. Any suggestions as I am having trouble locating anyone that doesn't charge $3000USD. Our budget is around $1500USD
Dee <email>
Tampa, FL USA Thu 12/07/2006
I'm here to help!!
With 2007 just around the corner I know a lot of brides-to-be are getting anxious about their wedding planning! I've posted on here before, but just wanted to post a reminder that I'm someone (a Canadian) who got married in Italy not too long ago ... and I love to help out others who are looking to do the same - so feel free to ask as many questions as you like!
Getting married in Italy was one of the very best things I've ever done, so I'm thrilled to still talk about it - and help out others however I can. :)
Cheers, Crissy
www.paraviondesign.com
Crissy <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Wed 12/06/2006
My Tuscan wedding
We just returned from our wedding in Tuscany,and it was the best we could have hoped for! Chiara and her Wedding Planner staff (www.weddingsintuscany.info)were excellent, and made this the best decision we could have made.
Chiara made planning from such a long distance and only through the internet so easy. She answered all of my questions. After contacting one or two of the other couples she worked with in the past, I knew I was in great hands. Everyone had only the best to say about Chiara and they were all right! If we can answer any of your questions, please contact me
Liisa
liisa <email>
San francisco, CA USA Tue 12/05/2006
France or Cologne Vow Renewal
My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary while on a Rhine Holiday Market River Cruise over the holidays. We would very much like to renew our vows in either the Strasbourg or Cologne cathedrals. Does anyone know how we would go about contacting someone to arrange this?
Tricia <email>
Madison, WI USA Sat 12/02/2006
taylor made event in a florentine winery
I was planning some marriages for us citizen lending a hand with paper and I think that these paperworks are really easy and everyone can do with a good friend that speak italian. It was really a great emotional event for everyone of our family (sometime i was also lending a hand to serial wedding planners) and my tip is to invest a week and come before to plan it will be much better to come back after for YOUR! marriage...
fabrizio <email>
firenze, italia Sun 11/12/2006
Getting married at Saint Peter's Basilica
We are getting married at St. Peter's -Vatican City- next month. We started our search June this year. If you are looking to get married there please visit www. santasusanna.org for details. It took us a month to gather all required documents and permits. Then once our documents were sent to the priest who is celebrating our ceremony , we waited 2 more months to finally get the formal approval from Vatican staff. If you are looking for venues to have your reception check rentalinrome.com. They offer castles and apartments for rental.
I recommend you to do your own paperwork directly with Santa Susanna church and then contact a wedding planner for everything else. We are working with www.dolcevitaweddings.com ( personalized service , great suggestions and most important Daniela works within your budget). Good luck with your wedding planning and the best for you and your future spouse.
Mili <email>
TX USA Wed 11/08/2006
Brussels Wedding
Brussels Wedding
I would like to get married in Brussels in Feb 2008. Does anyone know if is possible to get married in Grand Place,or is that reserved for officials. Any advice on how to go about it would be appreciated.
Sylvia
Dublin , Ireland Wed 11/01/2006
Getting Married in Florence
I would like to get married in Florence in June 2007. We've just begun the research into wedding planners and there are so many, I don't know where to begin. Any recommendations or useful suggestions would be most appreciated. We will be having a very simple wedding (with 6-8 guests only) and we will not be wearing any of the traditional wedding garb ~ casual and romantic is what we're striving to achieve. Help anyone?
Trish <email>
San Francisco Bay, CA USA Mon 10/23/2006
Symbolic Ceremony HELP!
My fiancee and I are traveling to Germany and Austria in December 2006 and we will be doing the legal ceremony at home before travel, but to add a memorable experience we would love to have a symbolic ceremony in Munich or Salzburg. Can anyone provide recommendations on whom to contact? We don't want anything more than someone to perform a brief ceremony for the two of us and location is flexible. Any and all help is appreciated!
Stephanie <email>
Reno, NV USA Thu 10/19/2006
Would you like to get married in Paris?
parisianevents is a full-service event planning agency based in Paris, France. We design beautiful civil and religious ceremonies for residents of France, as well as specialize in symbolic ceremonies for non-residents or couples who wish to celebrate their union, but are restricted by legal formalities. No documentation is required for a symbolic wedding, making it a perfect choice for those who have already had, or are planning to have, a civil ceremony in their home country. Our symbolic ceremonies and receptions can be celebrated by an English–speaking officiant in an unlimited number of spectacular Parisian locations.
Whether planning from near or far, creating a memorable event can take a lot of time and preparation. Our personalized, localized service ensures that we take care all of the details- leaving you to enjoy your special day.
Please visit www.parisianevents.com for more information.
Kimberley <email>
Paris, France Wed 10/18/2006
Getting Married in Venice
Hello,
I'm getting married on a gondola on the Grand Canal in late March, 2007. We booked a photographer and are looking in to getting an officiant to perform the ceremony. Does anyone have any advice on officiants in Venice? There is a wedding coordinator who will reserve the gondola (seems we could do this ourselves), a "taxi boat" for the photographer (so he can ride alongside and take pictures), and an officiant for 1000Euro. She will also be available to coordinate everything.
Any advice? Thank you.
Kim
Lynnwood, WA USA Tue 10/17/2006
Need Tuscan Musicians and Makeup!
Hello! My fiance and I are getting married in Cortona, Italy in May 2007. We are doing some of the work ourselves and some with a planner. Can anyone reccommend Italian (Tuscan) musicians for the ceremony or salons for hair and makeup? Thank you!
Kelly <email>
Redmond, WA USA Thu 10/12/2006
Wedding in February
Lisa - I couldn't help you out on the weather in Europe, but I did do research into weddings there. If you want just a symbolic ceremony, I think you can go almost anywhere. If you want a legal ceremony, you have to be in Paris for 40 days before the wedding date (this was my first choice too). A legal ceremony in Italy (which I'm leaving today to get married there on Wednesday) takes 3 days. Hope that helps!
Jenny
MN USA Sat 09/16/2006
Wedding in February
My fiancee and I would like to get married in February 2007. Is it too cold in Europe in February? I was thinking of Paris or somewhere in Italy. Any suggestions/references? It might be just the two of us.
Lisa <email>
Newport Beach, CA USA Thu 09/14/2006
Renew vows Innsbruck Austria
My husband and I would like to renew our vows in a little church in Innsbruck Austria. We will be traveling there in December 2006. Does anyone know how we would plan this event?
There would be no guests.
Thank you
Linda
Linda Orban <email>
Laguna Hills, Califo USA Thu 09/14/2006
Paris Wedding on Valentines Day
Paris Wedding this February!
I am looking for a ceremony/reception venue for something on Valentines Day this February (2007). I know its last minute, but my place just fell through. Any ideas?? Please?!?
Heather <email>
Long Beach, CA USA Sat 09/09/2006
Salzburg Wedding
We had a wonderful wedding in the center of Salzburg, marrried in the Mirabel Palace, where Mozart and his sister played. We were assisted by Albatros Traumhochzeit (dream weddings) who took care of all the paperwork, photography, music, etc. They are at www.albatros-weddings.com. Salzburg was an excellent location, very romantic, and the Austrian wedding paperwork is very simple. Happy trails.
Michael
Portland, OR USA Sat 09/02/2006
Wedding in Venice, IT
I was married in Venice in a gondola, for amazingly inexpensive... here's the trick: do not say the word "wedding" to anyone. There's a huge business of parting money from you when the "w word" is involved...just tell them you are having a party. We found an awesome photograhpher (Vladirmo...you'll have to check yahoo.com, sorry lost the contact) who brought a CD of all the pics to our hotel a few hours after taking them. Easy, and a few hundred euro total (pics only) - compared to wedding photog's who had bid eu3400! --- Contact me at www.RogerV.com (financing available for your dream trip/wedding too! ;) )
RogerV
Los Angeles, CA USA Fri 08/18/2006
Gretna Green Weddings
We're planning to get married at Gretna Green in Scotland in January. Does anyone have any advice? We're working on where to stay now, etc. Thanks!
Kyanne <email>
Seattle, WA USA Tue 08/15/2006
Italy wedding photos
For those of you who are thinking about getting married in Italy, you might want to see some photos!
If so, you can see some of my own wedding photos here:
http://sockmonkey75.blogspot.com/2005_06_01_sockmonkey75_archive.html (scroll down to near the bottom half of the page)
http://www.italyweddings.com/couples/cridan.html
http://www.realweddings.ca/article.cfm?contenttypeid=1&articleid=174
I know I wanted to see as many photos of weddings in Italy as possible when I was thinking of having our wedding there!
And of course, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to drop me a line. I'm more than happy to help out if I can! :)
Crissy <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Mon 07/17/2006
Florence Wedding June 2007
I am planning my wedding for June 2007 in the Sala Rossa in Florence, Italy. I would like to have certain scheduled events (walking tour of Florence, wine tasting, dinner) for my guests. I would also like to have a low key reception in a restaurant. Ideally, I would like to make a reservation for the number of people attending and just have everyone order what they want. However, I don't want to break the bank doing these things either. Does anyone have any tips for keeping guests occupied and/or for the reception dinner? I'm trying to think outside the box for my wedding, so unique and creative ideas are encouraged!
Holly <email>
Chicago, USA Fri 07/14/2006
Italy Wedding in May 2007
We are planning our wedding in Italy in May 2007 and are contacting several of the planners recommended on this site. Advice on a location would be appreciated - somewhere quiet, romantic & picturesque? Thanks for your help.
Dianne Mastilock <email>
Santa Clara, CA USA Tue 07/11/2006
Getting married in Switzerland on Lago Maggiore
Hi there! My fiance and I are getting married this September in a little town, Brione Supra Minusio, just above Locarno and overlooking Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. One of my mother's best friends, my Uncle Andres, has a family estate on a vineyard and has graciously offered to host our destination wedding. Planning this extravaganza has been difficult, to say the least, but with a local host, an incredible wedding planner and time, anything can be accomplished.
We're flying over with about 60 guests from the states and all spending various ammounts of time in Europe. The entire wedding party (19 of us) are staying at the houses on the vineyard while the rest of our guests (parents, family and friends) are staying at a little hotel just a short walk away. The ceremony itself will be held outdoors in a garden overlooking the lake while the reception is down in Ascona at a hotel. We're having the rehearsal dinner the night before at a family owned and run restaurant up in the mountains. Since neither one of us is a member of an organized religion, we are having a non-religious, pro-spiritual ceremony and found a local moderator to oversee. We were able to work out most of the details ahead of time and had the luxury to visit Ticino this Spring and meet with the baker, hotel, restaurants, wedding planner etc... to finalize and approve any details we could.
What's made this dream a reality is our wedding planner Benoit Martin. I can not recomend him more if you are planning a wedding in Switzerland or France. Benoit's company, Art du Marriage, is located in Geneva, but they can plan a wedding anywhere and have taken care of all of our needs. We gave him a budget and a lists of wants and he has stayed well within it and hasn't let down any demands yet. Drop me an email if you want his contact information or have any questions about getting married abroad in Switzerland.
Noah <email>
Los Angeles, CA USA Wed 07/05/2006
Married while a resident in Slovenia
Anyone who is thinking of working and living in Slovenia or a former Yugoslav republic is welcomed to contact me. Anyone thinking of marrying in Slovenia is welcomed to contact me as well.
My wife and I were married after living and working in Slovenia for a couple years, (without the benefit or interferrence of any other English speaking people).
We had to fulfill a number of requirements in order to get officially married in Slovenia working with the government requirements and the U.S. Embassy. We had some great help from our Slovenian friends. On the way, we found out that we would be the first American couple to be married there! The wedding was a civil, not religious one, but we have the Slovenian government issued marriage license, which is a sort of collector's item as it is! The actual wedding was overseen by the Lord and Lady of the castle (performers in 18th century costume speaking in archaic Slovene, which would be like having Shakespearean language hosts). My bride was drawn up to the Castle in a horse drawn carriage through the town of Bled and the same carriage carried us away through the town after our vows to a boat that took us to the Island on Bled. I then had to perform the traditional feat of carrying my new bride up the 98 steps to ring the "Bell of Wishes" in the beautiful old church there. But it was the reception afterwards that was really wonderful. We and our guests reconvened in Begunje at a famous Gostilna where the reception was held and went on until 3:00am. The short version of this is that Slovenes love weddings and are very playful (as long as the drinks hold out ;-)). My bride was stolen by my landlord and my receptionists father around midnight and the traditional search and pursuit on foot and by car went on until we cornered them in a nearby village and bought her back with the traditional promises of drinks at the local Gostilna. I messed them up by stealing the keys out of their car, making their negotiations more difficult. We had the presence of mind to hire a professional to make a film, so all of the wedding and some of the reception were captured for posterity. The very best day (and night) of my life. (And I daresay my wife's). My friend, Marjan was my Best Man. We still have a very close friendship always talking on e-mail. But the really staggering item here is that this entire wedding, in a medeival castle, a real, not phony horse carriage arrival and departure, (parading through the village of Bled, with anonomous cars joining in and honking) a party that went well into the early hours with copious amounts of food and drink - AND a wedding entertainer (the best in Slovenia!) only cost just over $2,000.00!!! The dollar has devalued a bit since then. Even so, I think it would still be a deal considering the same thing in the U.S. is not only impossible, but even a mock up would cost many times more! And what a wonderful experience to have so made so many friends in Slovenia who really made our wedding a truly once in a lifetime event! (After a wedding like that, one feels extraordinarily committed to ones partner I might add)! We had a fairytale life in Slovenia (complete with a couple villans to conquer and quests to achive) which ended up with a fairlytale wedding. When we left, many came to the airport to see us off and a few even wept. A Slovene, once your friend, is a real friend.
Seven years later I am still in awe of this experience (and I am a man, you know) and my wife and I still hold hands and kiss as if we just said "Yes!"
Mark and Myra La Rue <email>
Vancouver, WA USA Mon 07/03/2006
Italy Wedding
I would reccomend a wedding planner. The paperwork needed seems a little overwhelming, so I prefer to know it's taken care of. The prices vary depending on the area that you choose. According to the places I contacted, Rome seemed to be the most expensive & Sorrento seemed to be the least. Obviously, that can be different depending on the wedding planner. I chose Florence for the sake of convience for day trips. My wedding planner is Sandra from www.gettingmarriedinitaly.com. I've been very satisfied so far & I believe the cost is reasonable. We are paying about 2,500 euros for all services plus a photographer and carriage ride. Hope this helps!
Jenny <email>
MN USA Mon 07/03/2006
Help Getting Married in Italy
Hi everyone! I'm actually planning a wedding for a friend of mine - no I am not a wedding planner but she is too busy and stressed to take care of everything so I have offered my help. So far we have narrowed it down to Italy, any suggestions on the best places in Italy - from what I have found on the internet so far it looks like they will have to get a wedding planner - any suggestions are greatly apprechiated! Thank you
Heather <email>
BC Canada Tue 06/27/2006
Getting married in Italy? Don't know where to start....
My fiance and I are thinking about getting married in Italy in May/June of '07. I don't know where to start! Do we need to go through a wedding planning agency? Does it sound accurate that a basic wedding (just the two of us, with a videographer and photographer (basic package)) is around 4444 euros? I am shocked! If I need to go through one of these companies, can anyone recommend one? There's tons of them online, it's a little overwhelming.
Sarah <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Mon 06/26/2006
Wedding in Tuscany
My partner and I went to Italy 2 years ago and he asked me to move in with him at the Trevi Fountains in Rome - how could I say anything but yes! We have just returned from a holiday in Spain where he again surprized me and asked for my hand in marriage - how could I say anything but yes!!
We have now decided that an Italian wedding in or around Pisa/Lucca would be great and we are planning a small intimate wedding for around 20 people. Whilst I am sure that you are all very busy I would however appreciate any help or advice that you can give.
Many thanks
Angela <email>
Lincolnshire, England Sat 06/24/2006
great wedding planner in Rome
Hi every body
Just few words to tell you about a great wedding planner that organized my Irish best friend's wedding in the most beautiful city in the world: Rome...
It was gorgeous... perfect...
Go and have a look on their website: www.gaudiumspes.com
they are really professional and full of ideas... and organize also theme wedding like Renaissance Wedding, Ancient Rome Wedding...
Maria Rita <email>
Rome, Italy Thu 06/22/2006
2007 wedding in Italy
I plan on getting married in Europe in May 2007. We're leaning towards Italy (Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre). We will not be having a huge family gathering.
Is it expensive to do this? Can we just get married in the equivalent of a city hall over there? I'm not really sure of where to get info about this. We do not want a wedding planner as we are trying to make this really affordable and low-key, and do not plan on having a big reception. It will be maybe 3-5 friends in attendance.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Yelena <email>
San Jose, CA USA Thu 06/01/2006
irish wedding
We are getting married in Ireland this fall. While at first it seemed overwhelming, it has proven to be easier than anticipated. If you can't afford a wedding planner, try and find an officiant who has done overseas weddings. We were saved by finding an amazing celtic officiant who is taking care of many aspects of our ceremony, lodging, etc., and is incredibly reasonable financially.
I do have a question though for those of you who have done it - what is the best way to get your dress over there? plane (packed or can you hang it), or mail?
Angela <email>
Denver, Co USA Tue 05/30/2006
Rome wedding
If you want to find locations to get married in Rome, I would suggest emailing wedding planners. I started by Googling "wedding planners in Italy" & got several websites. I probably submitted a request for more info to about 20+ before I made my decision. I ended up going with the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. I do recall there were beautiful places in Rome that they hold ceremonies. Most of them will send you pictures of the locations they have available. Just an FYI: it is very difficult to get married outside in Italy (legally) because of all the restrictions the country has. But according to a couple of the websites, it can be done.
Jenny <email>
MN USA Wed 05/17/2006
A Belgium Wedding
I am an American. He is a Fleming! We are both residents of the US, but would like to "elope" on the 4th of July during our upcoming summer trip to Belgium. I've been googling my heart out while he has been on the phone with the mayors offices of Leuven, Keerbergen, Brussels, oh my!
Advice? Suggestions? Please help if you can... Thx!
Kristy <email>
Walnut Creek, CA USA Tue 05/16/2006
Wedding in Italy
My husband and I (!!) were married three weeks ago in Italy and had the most beautiful day I could ever have possibly hoped for. The weather was fantastic, the food incredible and the people so kind, friendly and relaxed. For the feedback we've had from our guests it was the wedding of the decade! I cannot recommend Italy highly enough as a venue for your wedding. Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like any advice, I would be happy to help if I can!
Katherine <email>
Cambridge, UK Mon 05/08/2006
Paris wedding help
I'm trying to plan our wedding in Paris- just a ceremony, nothing legal- since it's not very easy do do there. We have a limted budget, and only immediate family and close friends will be invited. Can anyone make any recommendations?
Thanks!
j <email>
new york, ny USA Fri 04/28/2006
got married in Rome
Got married in Rome in 2003. It was a wonderful experience. We used a planner - Gabriella. She was great.
She made arrangements for the car service, phot/video, embassy visits and food at a great family place.
Paperwork requires legwork, especially if you want a church wedding. Plan way ahead.
her website:
http://wedding-in-rome.com/
Good luck
Yaro <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Mon 04/24/2006
Getting Married in Cinque Terre
My fiance and I are getting married in Cinque Terre, Italy in May 07. We would love any helpful comments and advice!
Jessica <email>
MD USA Fri 04/21/2006
Wedding in Florence
My fiance and I are getting married in Florence, Italy in September. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good hotel for our stay. We'll be there for 4 nights and I would like to stay in an affordable hotel that is still romantic. Thanks
Jenny <email>
MN USA Wed 04/12/2006
Wedding in Prague
Hi, we used bohemiaevents and were excited. Everything was great, I think we could not choose better. Ask for Andrea, she was our planner. Claire
Claire
London, UK UK Sat 03/25/2006
Wedding in Prague
Hi, e would like to get married in Prague next year and got recommendation for BohemiaEvents. does anybody used them? Thx a lot, Sarah
Sarah <email>
Birmingham , UK Uk Tue 03/21/2006
my carnival wedding in Venice
HI! I'm just back from the Venice carnival! I got married during these crazy days and I can tell you it's a real experience!!! My wedding and trip was organized by Sonia from www.weddingitaly.com, when we met in Venice she was great. Having a local to help with wedding arrangements is SOOO important. by the way we were in 76 all from US and Canada! love! Kim
Kim
Hinsdale, Illinois USA Sun 03/19/2006
Wonderful wedding in Florence
We returned last week from Florence, Italy where we had a wonderful, meaningful, romantic wedding. I did not think it would be possible in such a short time frame, but we worked with Sharon at Regency (www.weddingsitaly.com)... we felt the prices were reasonable and the services excellent. She actually called me in the U.S., when other wedding coordinators did not return e-mail messages.
We wanted a romantic small getaway wedding in a beautiful setting. We only needed to be in Florence on 3 consecutive business days to get the paperwork done, and there was plenty of time to do other things. The photos were special, the setting was exquisite, and Sharon is extremely detail-oriented and took care of everything. (For example, we gave her my dress at one of the appointments so it could be pressed and then it was delivered to our apartment the next evening.) She also befriended our daughter, who was a bit overwhelmed, and stayed with us through the photo session... we couldn't be happier with the whole thing. We planned this in less than 6 weeks. Our mini web site with photos is on www.weddingsitaly.net/bob&marty and should be up for 6 months.
If you are thinking of a wedding in Italy, go for it!
Marty Mulholland <email>
Bellingham, WA United States Sun 03/05/2006
Getting married at Lake Como.
My fiance and I are planning to get married in Italy this september. I would like to rent a villa and have someone marry us there. Is this possible? Any help and advice is really welcome!!
Thank you! sandie
Sandie <email>
Cupertino, CA USA Wed 03/01/2006
marriage in Denmark
Hello,
My name is John am am from US and I am also divorce in Canada. Now I live and work in Germany for 3 years. I want to get married in Europe exacly in Denmark. Here in Germany I am register as single (ledig) not as divorce. It is very complicated for me to change everything and certified all the paper work and the divorce paper from US. I want to get married in Denmark and say that I was never married before is any way they can find out the true? Will they check in US or Canada? It will be the best and easy way for me, any help is very appreciated. Thanks John L.
John L <email>
Germany Mon 02/27/2006
european weddings
A wedding in a foreign destination is exciting but perhaps challenging. thanks to google or other search engines, you can find out answers on rules and regulations on how to get married just about anywhere. If you do get married abroad, give yourself a good 3 months time to do your homework. some countries require residency, others like switzerland are becoming trendy since there are no restrictions or residency. good luck future brides, marriage is a wonderful experience. look at your local embassy for more, you can ask me too.
cindy <email>
perkiomenville, PA USA Thu 02/16/2006
Married Over the Anvil
My husband and I (both Americans) married in Gretna Green, Scotland, in October 2002. It's the Vegas of Britain, but much more charming and not at all tacky! I'm sorry to hear that it seems they've toughened the rules; one of the reasons we chose Scotland over London was how uncomplicated it was for foreigners. We did everything over the internet within three months (no wedding planner) and couldn't have been happier with the result. Everyone treated us as if we were the only couple who'd ever married there. At every wedding we've been to since, we've looked at each other and said, "This is nice, but we are SO glad we did it our way!" If it seems tough, but it is your dream, don't give up...you will never regret it.
Cindy
St. Paul, MN USA Wed 02/15/2006
Marriage to EU citizen
No, marrige to a French (or any other EU citizen) does not automatically make you a citizen. And even if you want to become a citizen, you would have to have lived in that EU country for several years.
Being married to an EU citizen does give you the right to live and work throughout the EU. And in my experience, it is easier when you're in a U.S.-EU marriage for the U.S. partner to move to Europe than for the European partner to move to the U.S. (less bureaucracy.)
You will want to contact a French consulate to find out the specific rules for France (documents you will need for marriage, if any sort of fiance visa will be required, etc.)
Austria Thu 02/09/2006
Foriegn engagement/citizenship
Hi everyone, I am an American who is going to marry my French girl. I want to live in France permanetly. If we get married together does that automatically make me a citizen? If not how do I go about getting citizenship? We plan to be married in Paris next spring at one of the cathedrals, we haven't decided which one, but I know it will be the best day of my life!
Josh <email>
OH USA Wed 02/08/2006
Prague wedding
My boyfriend and I are planning on getting married in Prague in August. Has anyone done this without a wedding planner or do you know someone who has? I need help....
Sarah
Philadelphia, PA USA Mon 02/06/2006
Lake Como, IT
My sister and her husband were married in Lake Como, Italy. They rented a villa near the lake and the mayor of one of the small villages "married" them.
It was so beautiful and simple. Right near the lake, great food, and great new friends!
USA Tue 01/31/2006
Marriage after divorce/Italy
Good point about the seals on official & translated divorce certificates. We got married in Positano, Italy, and the added paperwork of the divorce papers was not a big deal, as I did them at the same time as our birth certificates, etc., but if you don't plan ahead, it could be. I recommend getting a planner to help, ours was wonderful but no longer in business. We did more of an "open elope" thing, where everyone knew what we were up to, and I'd encourage others to do the same if they are interested. We had a wonderful time, and incredible memories!
Heather
San Anselmo, CA USA Sat 01/28/2006
Marriage after divorce
I looked through previous postings here and it doesn't seem as if anyone has addressed marrriages after divorces. A warning: be very careful if you've had a divorce and are planning a second marriage in a European Country. IF you admit it to the country you wish to be married in (Swizerland, Germany - for certain), you will have to get your divorce paperwork translated and the requirements for the divorce certificate could make things impossible. If there are children from that previous marriage, that issue must also be addressed in the country's language too.
For instance, my husband and I were planning on marrying in the early 1990s while we lived in Germany. I had been divorced from a childless marriage for over 5 years. Germany and Switzerland required a raised seal on my divorce certificate. Washington does not issue those and could not make exceptions for our situation. They also wanted the location and status of my former husband who I had not communicated with for years. Neither country could accept my divorce or that his whereabouts were unknown in a huge country.
We ended up marrying in Denmark and I swore I hadn't been married before instead of having a chance of being rejected there too. Yep. I lied. We couldn't afford to travel to the US and we had to get marrried when we did. I'd do it again all over too. But I'd really hate someone to go through all that expense and time to come over to have a wedding to be rejected at the last moment because Europe couldn't accept a US divorce. So please be cautious.
Beth
Kaiserslautern, Germany Sat 01/28/2006
wedding planning in paris
Does anyone have suggestions for locations for a reception in paris, florists, and/or patisseries for a wedding cake? Thanks!
Mia
Toledo, OH USA Thu 01/26/2006
switzerland is a nice place to marry.
Wedding abroad planning tips. In Switzerland it is easy to elope or plan a formal wedding. I got married here, and now live here near Interlaken. If you have questions I could help you. you can email me
cindy <email>
perkiomenville, PA USA Wed 01/25/2006
Getting Married American Church Paris
I wouldlike to find more info on getting married at the American Church in Paris - can anyone share their experience or links, especially on prices? thanks
Colleen <email>
Greeley, Co USA Thu 01/19/2006
UK CLAIRE-- Austrian weddings
To Claire from the U.K. who wanted to know about marrying in Austria away from a registry office--
You must have a civil ceremony in Austria. It is the legally recognized ceremony and performed in the registry office (Standesamt.)
Many people do opt for a religious service as well and that can be held in a church, near a lake, whatever.
I married in Austria (I'm married to an Austrian) and we had two weddings on the same day-- the morning at the Standesamt and then the church wedding in the afternoon. You can choose to hold two services on the same day or hold your religious wedding on a different day.
There are many documents you will need to marry in Austria so I would suggest checking with the local Austrian consulate as well as with the Standesamt in Austria where you wish to marry to find out what you will need.
Austria Wed 01/11/2006
Elope in Italy
My fiance and I want to elope somewhere in Europe. We currently live in Berlin; I'm American and he's German.
Specifically, we've set our sights on eloping in italy, but the complexity of the process scares us. Anyway, I'm looking for referrals for those who have eloped in Italy, near or around Tuscany. We want to elope in late February or March.
It'll be the two of us and we want a simple yet nice ceremony/wedding. A few pictures, a beautiful dinner, and lovely location. We're looking for an elopement package of sorts. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Gruß,
K
<email>
Germany Thu 01/05/2006
May 2005 wedding in Siena, Italy (Tuscany)
We're two Canadians who got married in Siena (Tuscany), Italy in May 2005 and it was the BEST thing we've ever done!
We did our research and hired Italy Weddings (www.italyweddings.com) to deal with all the legalwork, bookings, etc. for us - Ben was excellent to work with and I'd recommend Italy Weddings to anyone in a heartbeat! (and I'm a fussy one...)
We also hired our photographer through Ben - he too was great. Pics can be seen at www.sockmonkey75.blogspot.com (May/June archives) and at www.realweddings.ca (the article titled, "A Beautiful Light").
If you're thinking of getting married in Italy, do it! Just be sure to do your research - and if you hire a good wedding planner, you'll be set. You'll never regret getting married there. :)
If you have any questions, feel free to email me. Cheers!
Crissy <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Thu 01/05/2006