What type of Ceremony should we plan for a destination wedding in Positano if we are American?

What type of Ceremony should we plan for a destination wedding in Positano if we are American?

“My fiance and I want to start planning a wedding in Positano. We are both Americans” I want to be crystal clear with you and explain the differences between Civil Ceremonies in Positano, Catholic Ceremonies in Positano, Protestant Ceremonies in Positano and Symbolic Ceremonies in Positano and tell you where these ceremonies can take place in Positano.  

Some differences between Ceremonies planned in the USA and Ceremonies planned in Italy:

Before starting to point out the main differences among the ceremonies I want to explain few differences between USA and ITALY about wedding ceremonies.

THE OFFICIANT

In Italy a Wedding Officiant cannot plan a legal binding ceremony as it could be in the USA. In the USA any federal or state judge or any person who is ordained to officiate weddings could plan a legal binding ceremony but in Italy it doesn’t happen.

WHERE TO GET MARRIED

In the USA you can get married almost anywhere. In Italy the “where” is almost related to the type of ceremony you are planning.

LEGAL BINDING CEREMONY REQUIREMENTS

In USA in order to plan a legal binding ceremony you have to get a marriage license and then you can get  married. In Italy in order to get married the list of documents is really huge that is why many couples decide to plan a symbolic ceremony in Italy rather than a legal binding. Documents requested for USA citizens willing to get married in Italy – (In brief) – long birth certificate for both the bride and the groom – Atto Notorio at the nearest Italian Consulate in the USA (you will need 2 witnesses). The Atto Notorio is necessary in order to certify that there is no obstacle to your marriage. – Nulla Osta (sworn statement) at the American embassy in Italy and this document has to be legalised at the local prefettura office It’s a long list of documents and it will take a while to complete them all, that is why many American couples prefer to plan a symbolic ceremony in Italy to avoid the nightmare Italian bureaucracy.

CIVIL CEREMONY IN POSITANO

 Where? In Positano the Civil Ceremony can take place on a sea view terrace. The Terrace is not very big that is why it is highly suggested for weddings of less than 40 guests. In Italy, civil ceremonies can only take place at the Registry Office of the Town Hall or in other venues owned by the city Council or that have a special permission from the local Town Hall. During the Ceremony 2 witnesses will be requested, they must be over  18 years old and posses valid document, A witness cannot serve as an Interpreter. Legal requirements? There are a lot of documents to complete – Long birth certificate, atto notorio, Nulla osta etc Some of these documents expire in 6 months. At what timing? From 10:00 a.m. to noon 12:00 and from 3:00 p.m. to midnight. Which type of music is permitted? Music: any type of music is allowed. Is it possible to custom tailor the ceremony and to include personal Vows? Yes you can. The Public Officier will read the 3 articles of the Italian civil code but you can add your special Vows to the Ceremony as well as some special words during the rings exchange and a poem.

CATHOLIC CEREMONY IN POSITANO

Where? The Catholic Ceremony does take place in the main Positano Cathedral called “Santa Maria Assunta” and can be legal binding or not. For not legal binding ceremonies the Parish Priest will request to see your official wedding certificate. It is possible to plan a wedding in a Catholic church only if at least one of the bride or the groom is Catholic. Legal requirements? There are some many documents to complete in order to get married in a Catholic church but even if the procedure is not easy, the wedding pictures you will take in this church will be worth the time spent in completing them. During the Ceremony 2 witnesses will be requested. At what timing? The only timings available to get married in this stunning historical church are noon 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. Which type of music is permitted? Music: the church does have a list of musicians authorized to play in the church. The only music allowed is classical or religious music. During the ceremony the musical pieces are : ENTRANCE – OFFERTORY – COMMUNION – SIGNATURES – EXIT Is it possible to custom tailor the ceremony and to include personal Vows? The Mass: you can choose the First Reading, the Second Reading, the Gospel and the Psalm. The Vows cannot be custom tailored. The sacred character of the marriage rite must not be compromised at the altar with romanticism, it is a liturgy, a ritual of the church.

PROTESTANT CEREMONY IN POSITANO

Where? The Protestant Ceremony can take place in any wedding venues or on a boat. No rules. Legal requirements? The Ceremony can be lega binding or not. For not legal binding ceremonies the Protestant Pastor will request to see your official wedding certificate. The religious documents to provide to Pastor are not many and easy to complete. During the Ceremony 2 witnesses will be requested. At what time? The timings available by the venue/venues you decide to book Which type of music is permitted? Music: the Protestant Pastor has to agree and give the final 100% OKAY for the music chosen. Is it possible to custom tailor the ceremony and to include personal Vows? The Mass: you can choose the readings but the Vows cannot be custom tailored.

 SYMBOLIC CEREMONY IN POSITANO

Where? The Symbolic Ceremony can take place in any wedding venues, on a private boat, in an hidden garden, on a beach or on a large panoramic sea view terrace. No rules. This type of Ceremony is not a legally recognized marriage but essentially a commitment service. Legal requirements? No documents will be requested to plan a Symbolic Ceremony and no witnesses will be needed during the Symbolic Wedding in Positano. The Symbolic Wedding in Positano is ideal for those couples wishing to avoid all the work related to complete documents for a religious or legal ceremony. This type of Wedding is generelly considered by couples having a civil wedding in their nation before or after their vacation in Italy. At what time? The timings available by the venue/venues you decide to book Which type of music is permitted? Music: any type of music is allowed. Is it possible to custom tailor the ceremony and to include personal Vows? Text Symbolic Wedding Ceremony: the ceremony is usually custom tailored and written around the couple like a an haute couture gown. This type of Ceremony offers a little more flexibility due to the nature of not being a government officiated marriage. A Symbolic Weddings Positano  will not have to adhere to government laws and gives you the ability to incorporate elements that are distinctly you as a couple.   I really hope you enjoed reading this blog – Congrats for your Wedding and let me know, please, if you don’t mind  what type of Ceremony did you choose or are you going to choose for your Positano’s Wedding and why!!!…