Getting Married in Europe: 2007
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.
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Starting to Plan Italy Wedding - What Budget?
I'm starting to plan our wedding and we're looking at Italy. Don't fancy a big event in the UK. Can anyone give us some advice as to what budget we will need to get married (civil) and have a reception for 15-20 guests in the Amalfi Coast area. Any advice would be most appreciated!
Nat
Manchester, UK Sat 12/29/2007
The Italian Wedding Planner
I would like to post a follow up on the wedding in Siena. I am getting married in Venice in May 2008 and have Kelly Hayes from the Italian Wedding Planner as my planner. Even at this stage (planning & prep) Kelly has been invaluable. I am not easily pleased but she has exceeded my expectations every time. The money she has saved us to date far outweighs her costs (for example she organised that we stay at our chosen venue for the wedding and reception for free whilst we were checking it out - even our food was free!!!). She responds to every email, returns every call unanswered and has even been a shoulder to cry on when hubby to be was 'sabotaging' my dream wedding by seemingly taking a disinterest to any timelines I had set for our preparations. I am really grateful to have someone like her on my team, I am in very good hands!!! If you are looking for an exceptional service look Kelly up on www.theitalianweddingplanner.com
Denise Creisson
USA Wed 12/12/2007
a very small wedding
Hi All
Me and my better half really want to get married, but can't wait until we return home to Sydney to do so. Englands wants us to apply for a 'Cert. of approval' from Home Office at GBP295 each - CRAZY! So we're deciding on a small civil ceremony somewhere in europe. We only have our passports with us and rougly 2 weeks of holiday leave between now and January '08.
I'd be extremely grateful if anyone could explain how we could go about this.
Leng
Australian living in London, GB Thu 12/06/2007
We've decided to elope
My sister will be doing a study abroad program this year in Greece, originally I was to pick her up and bring her home after a week or two of travelling across Europe. But now my boyfriend and I have decided we want to elope. It would be a simple ceremony, with my sister and our best friend Mike as witnesses. I'd like something on a hillside, I have no particular country in mind. Any suggestions? We're in our early 20's so the more affordable the better.
Ally
Akron, OH USA Thu 11/29/2007
Rome Elope - Last minute!
My fiancee and I are eloping - very last minute - to Rome. It's just the two of us and we want a very simple civil ceremony. I have done a lot of research and understand that we can need to print out the Nulla Osta in advance and get the Atto Notorio in advance at the consulate in the states. Beyond that many of the sites have different information. Some say we need our birth certificates (do we really needed them translated into Italian like one website says?) and some say just passport. Can anyone who has done this recently shed any light onto this for me? I'm a little nervous that something will go wrong unless I have all the details from someone who has done it.
Andy
Los Angeles, CA USA Thu 11/29/2007
Wedding in Tuscany on the beach - July 2007
I was very worried...get married on the beach in Italy.......I thought it could be quite impossible. I wrote to many wedding planners. Many WP sell "package weddings"...I wanted a bespoke service. Finally I have found Sara. She lives in Tuscany. She is very quick to answer emails and she respected my desires and dreams.
My wedding this summer was stunning!
Tuscany is not only countryside but also gorgeous beaches!
I highly recommend Sara. You can have a look at the web-site: www.infinity-weddingsandevents.com.
Maggie
New York, NY USA Fri 11/23/2007
Wedding in Scotland
We are getting married November 20, 2007 in Scotland. I arranged everything myself mostly online from flowers, to shortbread wedding cake, a regular wedding cake from Marks & Spencer, the boat on which we'll be married, the priest, the piper, wedding supper and all my beauty appointments. They now require the USA residents to get a marriage visa but that is done by the British consulate here...the fees total for that plus the fees to get the marriage schedule were about US$540.00 but well worth it to have a cool Scottish wedding and wedding certificate. Everyone remembers where we're getting married, even the ladies at David's Bridal where I bought a dress several months ago!
Jannelle
ND USA Thu 11/08/2007
Wedding music
If you are looking for good music players for your wedding in Tuscany contact Sabrina at www.sposart.it
Jane
Orlando, USA Thu 11/01/2007
wedding in Siena 2007
We recently got married in Siena Tuscany. It was the most wonderful experience and everything we could have ever hoped for.
Before I started putting the wheels in motion I contacted several wedding planners before I found the one that I felt comfortable with. The interesting thing about this process was comparing the planners. One of the planner's charges was very reasonable at 2000 euros for the full service, and we felt happy and excited with the information she had sent to us. Until another planner who's fees we felt were a little high at 4500 euros sent the same venue to us. The first informed us that the charge for 3 days exclusive use of the villa was 16,000 euros, the second informed us that the rental for the villa was 6,000 euros for 3 days exclusive use. Immediately I phoned the second planner thinking it could be a typo and she explained her fees.
She refuses to put mark ups on service providers and all of the contracts were between us and the service provider so we could see if there were any mark ups. She also does not work on commission and only uses venues and companies that she fees offer the best service to her clients.
We always thought that there would be some mark ups but had no idea it was so much! Needless to say we booked the second planner and she exceeded all of our expectations.
Her name is kelly Hayes from 'The Italian wedding planner' and she took care of everything from our documents to the translator at the town hall, my hair and make up to the fantastic photographer, car hire and busses to take my 100 guests to Siena and back to the Villa to the musicians and the band. Not only was Kelly there over the days running up to our wedding she was also on hand during the 2 visits we made before the wedding.
We became great friends and I can not recommend her highly enough for the care she took over our day, for making all of my guests feel looked after and for being there for us every step of the way. If you are thinking about getting married in Italy you should take a look at her website!www.theitalianweddingplanner.com
Congratulations and good luck
Lynn
Lynn
Philladelphia, pa USA Sun 10/14/2007
Sorrento, Italy
Hi Everyone,
I thought I should just pop in a posting to say thank you so much for all the helpful advice I received on this site.
Our wedding in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast in Italy went superbly, I could not recommend the location more. The dramatic coastline really was the most spectacular backdrop to our ceremony which was held in an ancient garden close to the sea. The weather was wonderful, sunny and warm and the reception was set in the grounds of a beautiful hotel. We nor our guests could quite believe the feast we ate!
If I can be of any help please do let me know and I will do my best. I also used a fantastic local wedding planner who exceeded all our expectations so I would be pleased to pass on her details if that's helpful.
Best of luck to you all!
Julia
Julia
LA, CA USA Thu 08/23/2007
Wedding in Florence
I just got married May 31 in Florence. Civil ceremonies take place in the Palazzo Vecchio (former home of the Medici family) in the amazing Sala Rossa. The ceilings are very high and the tapestries on the walls are gorgeous. I had 60 guests come over for the event. Most of my guests stayed in apartments that were in two buildings about 5 minutes from each other on foot. The first is www.florenceapartmentrentals.net and the second www.sleepinginflorence.com (they are both owned by the same proprietor -- the fabulous Gianna Galeota). I can HIGHLY recommend planner Jo Bertolino at www.tuscanpledges.com I interviewed via email over 50 wedding planners there and Jo was so sweet, quick to respond and her prices were MUCH more reasonable than anyone else. She is half American/half Italian so communication was a breeze and she is quick to answer emails and is VERY thorough. She lives in Florence, but can handle weddings anywhere in Tuscany -- she arranged for my flowers, was my interpreter for the service (required), handled all the paperwork, found me a beautician for hair, makeup and nails. She can actually help with many more aspects of planning but before I contacted her, I already had my venue selected so she didn't help with the reception -- just the ceremony-- though I'm sure she would have done an excellent job if she had!! She was really a gem and helped calm me down when I was really nervous! If you do contact her, let her know that I referred you so she knows that word of mouth is her best source of advertising. My photographer was FABULOUS too -- http://www.tuscanyweddingsociety.com/ Lastly, I would highly recommend our villa where the reception was held (also owned by Gianna Galeota) http://villalefarnete.com/ -- they arranged for all the catering, wedding cake, decor, booze, dj, and even hired two private buses for my guests to get to and from Florence to the countryside. Everyone had a fabulous time -- especially me and my hubby! It was truly magical. Please if anyone needs advice or if I can answer anyone's questions, just email me.
Bianca
Bianca
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 08/02/2007
Umbria Weddings
Mencarelli Group Weddings is a bespoke wedding planning company based in Umbria. We have planned gorgeous weddings in Rome, Gubbio, and Assisi. Central Italy is one of the most desirably locations in Europe.
We create heavenly weddings and to date have never disappointed us or the client. If you are thinking of Umbria or Rome as a potential venue then please do not hestitate to contact us. If you would like to read more about Mencarelli Group please go to www.mencarelligroup.com
Mencarelli Group
Gubbio, Italy Fri 07/27/2007
Switzerland Weddings
Switzerland Weddings
Would you like to hold your legal civil marriage on a private ship, 16th century castle, a grand hotel with cascading waterfalls, or at 10,000ft surrounded by the Swiss Alps? Contact Cindy(American) & Pascal (Swiss) Zeller for your wedding planning. Personal service within your budget.
For 2 to 200 guests, simple or grand.
www.switzerlandweddingcompany.com
Call or email.
01141 33 823 60 88 info@switzerlandweddingcompany.com
Cindy Zeller
Perkiomenville, PA USA Wed 07/25/2007
Eloping in Italy
My fiance and I are planning to get married in Italy next March. I
don't know the first thing about doing this and found your post about
it on a website. I'd like it to be really simple and inexpensive, yet beautiful and romantic. Just the 2 of us exchanging vows somewhere beautiful in a non religious civil ceremony and then celebrating with locals. We are thinking Cinque Terre, but i am open
to suggestions. I would appreciate any advice you could give me!
Windy
austin, tx USA Fri 07/20/2007
Married in Switzerland
What's with all these Italian weddings. My wife and I were married in Switzerland in Sept. 2006 and had a wedding that we look back on as a dream come true. First challenge for those planning a European wedding is making sure it is legal and registered. Contact the Embassy here in the states for the country you intend to marry in. Get permission and take my advice "get a wedding planner where you intend to marry". For the most important day of your life it's worth spending some money to make sure it all goes well. Cindy and Pascal Zeller with Alpin Photo made our day one we will never forget. Each day I look back in amazement that we were able to make it happen with the help of Cindy and Pascal. We simply could not have dotted the i's and crossed the t's without a wedding planner. Have fun planning and make it a day you will never forget. See you at Oktoberfest. Prost!
Mickael and Theresa
Orlando, FL USA Sun 06/17/2007
Wedding in Rome Dec. 07
We would like to marry in Rome this Dec. Such short notice to invite friends and family. Need some help to plan a wedding...no reception since it would just be the two of us..any advice??
ladyj
savannah, GA USA Fri 06/15/2007
Weddings on Lake Como
Serenitas Weddings is a bespoke wedding planning company based in the UK. We have planned gorgeous weddings on and around Lake Como, Italy one of the most desirably locations in Europe.
We have excellent partners who help create heavenly weddings and to date have never disappointed us or the client. If you are thinking of the lakes as a potential venue then please do not hestitate to contact us. If you would like to read more about Serenitas Weddings please go to www.serenitas-weddingsabroad.com
Jo Daye
UK Mon 06/04/2007
Holland wedding
Does anyone have advice on getting married in Holland?
Ceilia
MN USA Wed 05/16/2007
American wedding planner in Paris
Hi! I'm an American wedding planner in Paris, and the Managing Director of an agency called parisianevents (www.parisianevents.com). We specialize in weddings for English speakers (primarily Americans) who want to get married in Paris. I also write a blog called parisianparty that gives you information on how to plan a wedding or a party in Paris. Take a look at http://www.parisianevents.com/parisianparty/
Kimberley
Paris, France Fri 05/11/2007
wedding in spain
Hi,
does anybody like to get married in spain and need help? i just got married there myself and had the most beautiful wedding on the beach. i had the help of a very professional wedding planner. they helped me to stay in my budget and had alot of ideas to make the day just perfect. contact jessica, because she speaks as well english.
jessica@bcnweddingplanners.com
wish you all the wedding you are dreamin about...
lily ( from france)
lily
paris, france Sun 05/06/2007
Wedding In Cinque Terre
Hello, my fiance & I are planning to get married in Cinque Terre, Italy in June. If any of you have been to Cinque Terre or gotten married on the Italian Riviera we would greatly appreciate any feedback or advice. Thank you so much!
christine
los angeles, CA USA Sat 05/05/2007
Italian Wedding
We are finished planning and anxiously awaiting our wedding in Italy. It's a symbolic ceremony outside of Siena with around 20 of our friends and family in attendance. We've done all of the planning ourselves and on a budget. Feel free to email me if you want more information. Email me after June to find out how it went:)
Destri
TX USA Fri 05/04/2007
Wedding Planner in Tuscany
I am a wedding planner in Tuscany. I can help you to realize your dream to get married here.
I live in Tuscany and I have a long experience.
Do not hesitate to contact me
Sara Mazzei
Florence, Italy Italy Fri 04/27/2007
wedding help
my fiance and i would like to get married in Italy either this fall or early next year -- we would like just a simple civil ceremony and would like to do it as cheaply as possible. does anyone have any ideas as to where we should stay, hold the ceremony, arrange for flowers and all the other details. it will just be the two of us -- is it best to hire a wedding planner?
nichole
ypsilanti, mi USA Sat 04/14/2007
Getting Married in Tuscany - Spring 2008
My fiance and I met on a study abroad program in Florence and we would like to get married there (or somewhere in Tuscany) in Spring 2008! But, we are a bit overwhelmed with the planning. We will be having approx. 40 guests and would like to have a Catholic cermony. If there is anyone out there who is willing to share your story and/or can recommend a wedding planner, venue/s, or any tips you might have, I'd love to hear all about it! Grazie.
Megan
Orange, CA USA Thu 03/15/2007
Getting married at the Campidoglio in Rome
Please email me if you have had a civil ceremony in Rome and whether reserving the Campidoglio is "do-able" from outside of Italy and NOT by a wedding planner. I'm wondering if a wedding planner is the only way to go.
Mother of the Bride
WA USA Wed 01/17/2007
I'm here to help! :)
Congrats to all of you tying the knot in 2007!
If anyone has any questions about getting married in Italy, please feel free to contact me. I was married in Siena in May 2005 and it was honestly one of the best experiences of my entire life!! I love to help others out who are looking to get married in Italy ... because I know I would have loved to talk to someone about it while I was planning our wedding in Italy. :)
Ciao ciao! Crissy
www.paraviondesign.com
Crissy
Vancouver, BC Canada Mon 01/15/2007
wedding meal
looking for a restaurant in barcelona for wedding group 22. something local, informal and friendly. music would be nice. menu catalan. price moderate.easter sunday or monday. thank you
wm. sheeley
wauwatosa, wiscon USA Mon 01/15/2007
Italian Wedding
Tuscany !Tuscany !Tuscany !We got married in June of this year and had a wonderful time. We used Weddings in Tuscany.info Check out their website: www.weddingsintuscany.info They helped us with everything- they booked our stay, they took care of all the wedding details, and vacation details. They were so personal. We couldn't have asked for anything better!!
Paul
Boston, MA USA Sat 01/13/2007
Italian wedding, Riveria
I am interested in planning a wedding in the Italian Riviera, and was hoping someone could give me some guidence on a wedding planner, a time of year that is best, any challenges, and other thoughts or ideas. I need all the help I can get.
Jordan
Atlanta, Ga USA Fri 01/12/2007
Cortona Wedding
Contact Italianweddingplanners.com and ask for Sabrina....she can set you up with everything in Cortona and reasonably. It's fabulous fabulous fabulous. We did it in 06
Debra SH
Kansas City, KS USA Mon 01/08/2007
Getting married in Geneva Switzerland
Can any one suggest a way we can have a non religious ceremony/ blessing that we can have in front of 100 or so guests that is not just in the local mairie? We are not religious so feel funny about having a church wedding- but want something that will last longer than 10 minute too!
Clare
Geneva, Suisse Mon 01/08/2007
Wedding Northern Italy July 2007
We are trying to plan a wedding in Northern Italy for July 2007 and need HELP. If anyone has suggestions on location to a particular wedding planner, please let us know. We've been looking into this for some time now and don't seem to be getting anywhere with some of the planners we've contacted.
Christine
Chicago, IL USA Sun 01/07/2007
Eloping in Italy
My fiance and I want to elope to Europe...Any suggestions on where to go?
Lourdes Perez
Orlando, FL USA Sun 01/07/2007
Wedding
I am trying to plan a simple civil wedding in Italy - either Veneto, Umbria or Tuscany region. There will be about 6 people in attendance. I would like to do this as inexpensively and without a wedding planner if possible. I'm not really sure of where to go to get info about how to plan the wedding and how much money to budget. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Cynthia
austin, TX USA Thu 01/04/2007
Symbolic Ceremony in Tuscany
My Fiance' and I are in the midst of planning our Tuscany wedding for May of 2007. Planning was a bit overwhelming a few months ago, but now everything is coming together smoothly. We are so excited and can't wait!! I am more than happy to share info with other Italy wedding Brides-to-be ... and/or Grooms-to-be.
Erin
Brooklyn, NY USA Wed 01/03/2007