Destination Weddings: Italy "La Dolce Vita"

"Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make the gloomiest person happy". ~ Bertrand Russell

Ahhhh, that's amore! The eternal city, the Colosseum, the Spanish steps, Trevi fountain, a gondola ride, canals, wine orchards, sprawling green hills and fields, Lake Como, Amalfi Coast, spectacular cathedrals, incredible art, leaning tower of Pisa, Mediterranean Ocean, mountains, agritourismo, Federico Fellini, Leonardo Davinci, Michelangelo, alta moda, Ferrari, Sophia Loren, Soccer, Sumptuous food and wine...........need I say more? If you haven't already guessed it, in my second installment on Destination Weddings, we are going to explore one of the most romantic and beautiful countries in the world, Italy. We will take a look at some stunning locations for your nuptials and we will also take a look at the legal road you will need to navigate prior to embarking on an Italian adventure.

From north to south this country has it all and planning a wedding there would be a dream come true. Hold on, before you pack your bags or send out your "Save-The-Date" cards, there are some very important things you need to take care of and some things that you should consider.

I have received express consent for the use of any of the photos in this article that originated from Photographer Vittore Buzzi, Wedding Photographer (Fotografi Matrimono), Lo studio è in: Via Fabio Filzi 14, 20124 Milano, ITALIA

(Italian) http://www.fotografomatrimoni.biz/

(English) http://www.wedding-photographer.it/index_old.htm.

These photos are copyrighted and are not to be used without the photographer's permission.

-As I mentioned in my previous article, do not even consider a destination wedding without hiring an experienced Wedding and Event Planner in the area. They will help you to not only arrange the pertinent details of your wedding, but they will help you to understand the ways of the land. If you are not familiar with Italy, you will definitely appreciate the help of a planner. Also Many vendors do not speak English so once again a planner will be a valuable asset.

-Every culture is different and things are done a little differently than back home. Go online, buy some books or travel magazines and do some research.

-I have mentioned this before but it doesn't hurt to mention it again, learn some common courtesy phrases or words in the native language. A few words will go a long way. For example:

Thank you=Grazie

Many Thanks=Molto Grazie

Please=Per Piacere

Good Day=Buon Giorno

Hello & Goodbye=Ciao

Used when answering telephone and literally means "ready"=Pronto

Breakfast=Prima Colazione

Lunch=Pranzo

Dinner=Cena

Snack=Merenda (acceptable for children under the age of 10)

Drink=Bere

An Espresso=Caffè

The Check Please-Il Conto Per Piacere

Service Charge Included In Check=Coperto

Included=Compreso

Excluded-Escluso

Wine=Vino

Red/White=Rosso/Bianco

House Wine=Vino Della Casa

Wine Produced Near By=Vino Della Zona

Out Of Season=Fuori Stagione

In Season=Di Stagione

Cake=Torta

Bread=Pane

Meat=Carne

Fish=Pesce

Chicken=Pollo

Pork=Maiale

Beef=Manzo

Veal=Vitello

Car=Auto

Taxi=Il Taxi or Il Tassi

Bus=Autobus

Airport=Scalo

Church=Chiesa

Hotel=Albergo

Wedding=Matrimonio or Sposalizio

Flowers=Fiori

House=Abitazione

Wedding Gown=Abito da Sposa

Men's Suit=Vestito Degli Uomini

Wedding Guest Favours=Bomboniere

Goodbye=Arrivederci

-If you are planning a Civil Marriage ceremony in Italy, rest assured that it will be automatically recognised abroad and they will be officiated in accordance with all Italian regulations. Also, Civil Ceremonies, according to their law,must be performed in the Town Hall or any building approved by the Italian government, i.e. villas or palaces. Bear in mind that Civil Ceremonies performed outside designated buildings can only be approved by the Italian government and in particular locations only.

-Ceremony venues are primarily indoor, however, you will not be disappointed as many are fabulous historical buildings, beautiful former churches or town halls. Many of the venues are elegant and contain famous paintings in some as well as sculptures.

-The only legally binding acknowledged religious ceremony in Italy is Roman Catholic. Weddings performed in the Catholic rite are legally valid and registered throughout the world. Bear in mind that the Catholic religion follows the same rules no matter where you are in the world. Therefore, if you have been married in the Catholic Church back home and you are now divorced, you cannot get married again in the Catholic Church unless you were granted an official Annulment through your archdiocese. Another important point to remember is that a catholic ceremony does not require you to have a Civil Ceremony first.

-If you are getting a Blessing only, it can be performed in any location, indoors, outdoors, private venues or public areas. However, it is limited to a small number of guests.

-Renewals of Vows ceremonies in Italy are perfect for married couples celebrating an anniversary and are not legally or religiously binding. Also, they can be performed in any location regardless of whether it is indoor, outdoor, public areas or private venues.

-Reception meals in Italy are generally sit down luncheons or dinners. Buffets are not the norm in Italy.

I recently contacted Jackie Bradshaw, a fellow professional Wedding and Event Planner from Marry Me In Tuscany Ltd. operating out of Italy. Jackie originally hails from the UK, Northern England to be exact. She has called Siena, Italy her home for more than a decade and she also runs her business from there.

Jackie has provided me with excellent and very important tips on how to navigate the legal road should you decide to celebrate your nuptials in this beautiful country. She also has a great deal of experience dealing with British, Irish, American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand couples wanting to get married in Italy. (http://www.marrymeintuscany.co.uk/legal-requirements-for-civil-weddings-in-italy/530#sthash.GEAv2Av6.dpuf)

-Italy has a very strange law that states that women who are divorced or widowed cannot marry for 300 days which may seem a little strange but the reason apparently for this is to ensure that the woman isn’t pregnant with another man’s child which could result in a paternity suit although to be honest I’m still not quite sure how a dead man could make a claim to a child… so as long as you have been divorced or widowed for more than 300 days you’re good to go.

-If you have been married before then you will have to present your previous marriage certificate(s) and Decree Absolute(s) depending on how many times you have been married before, Richard Burton & Liz Taylor would have needed a mountain of paperwork to get married here, and if you are a widow or widower then you will need to produce the death certificate and marriage certificate for your previous spouse.

-Everyone getting married in Italy will need a Nulla Osta, this is a certificate of No Impediment which is issued by the Embassy or Consulate of your country of origin here in Italy. They are only valid for 6 months but applying for them too early will mean that you’ll have to do the whole thing all over again. The Nulla Osta is issued in Italian and is possibly the most important document that you will need in order to get married here.

-If you are under the age of 18 or 20 and you’re from New Zealand then you will need the written consent of your parent or guardian in order to get married so no eloping I’m afraid!

-You will need two witnesses who must be 18 years of age or over.

-The wedding ceremony is conducted in Italian so you will need an official interpreter for this, at least 2 days prior to the wedding there is Verbal Declaration at the town hall where you are going to get married, this is where your documents are checked and you confirm there are no impediments to the marriage according to the Italian Civil Code, the date of this will be confirmed on booking your wedding date and must be here in Italy for that.

In order to keep things nice and simple the following information is based on couples being the same nationality, if you come from different countries not a problem you each need to apply for your Nulla Osta from your country of origin and in some cases there are different forms for you to complete.

Effective from the 1st of March 2013 the requirements for British couples residing in the UK have changed, the old procedure will continue to run in parallel to the new procedure but will be phased out by the 31st of August 2013, the British Consulate will still issue Nulla Ostas up to the 31st of May 2013.

You should start the process for your documents 6 months before your wedding date if you are a resident in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and 3 months before if you are resident in Scotland.

Step 1:
You will both still need to give notice of your intent to marry at your local registry office in the UK, after 16-21 days, assuming no one has objected to your marriage, they will issue you both with a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI). It is important that your names on your CNIs are exactly the same as those on your passports. These documents do not need to be translated into Italian.

Step 2:
While you are waiting for your Certificate of No Impediment you should make a statutory declaration before a solicitor or public notary in the UK. You can download the bi-lingual statutory declaration here, (https://www.gov.uk/).

The declaration is required by the Italian authorities and gives additional information that isn’t detailed on your Certificate of No Impediment. The solicitor or public notary will charge a fee for this service. Fees will vary so it might be worth shopping around.

Step 3:
Legalizing your documents for the Italian Authorities – When you have your Certificate of No Impediment and you have made your Statutory Declaration, you need to send them both to the FCO Legalization Office in Milton Keynes for each to be legalized with a Hague Apostille. TheLegalization Office will charge for this – please check the current charges and procedure on the Legalization Office website, (https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised).

Step 4:
Once both these documents have been legalized, you will then need to have the legalized Certificate of No Impediment translated. As it will become an Italian legal document it must be translated by a translator based in Italy and recognised by the Italian courts. Marry Me In Tuscany will offer this service to our clients. The Statutory Declaration does not need to be translated since it is already in both languages.

For more information about British couples getting married in Italy you can also consult the Foreign Offices page UK in Italy – page – MARRIAGE IN ITALY where you’ll also find the current fees for the Nulla Ostas.(https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad)

For British couples living in Australia or other commonwealth countries please see this link for helpful information on the process for the documentation required to marry in Italy:
(https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-canberra#our-services)

Things start to get a little bit more complicated for American citizens but a faint heart and lots of patience will win your maiden.

Before leaving the US you will have to go to your local Italian Consulate to get an “Atto Nottorio” this is an oath which is sworn in front of two witnesses and notarized by the Italian Consular stating that there are no legal impediments to the marriage according to the laws to which the person concerned is subject to in the United States.

The “Atto Nottorio” also states that there are no impediments for the person requesting to marry in Italy according to Article 116 comma 2 (art. 85, 86, 87 number 1, 2 & 4) of the Italian Civil Code. Basically these refer to you not being mentally insane, not related in any way and my personal favourite that you haven’t tried or been convicted for killing a partner or another person. Although it is advisable to get this in the US it can be obtained in the lower courts in the region where you are getting married but you will have to arrive earlier in order to do this.

You will need to get your documents Birth Certificates, previous Marriage Certificates and Decree Absolute, Death Certificates of a previous spouse translated and authenticated, the Italian Consular will give you the name of a registered translator for this service.

On arrival in Italy and depending on the Town Hall where you are getting married, you may be asked to prove your entry into Italy so it is important that you get your passport stamped at the border and also confirmation that you have been registered with the police for your stay in Italy by your hotel/villa. I know which Town Halls ask for this information so I will let you know if you need to get your passport stamped on arrival.

About a month before coming to Italy you should also book an appointment at the American Consulate for Tuscan weddings this is in Florence. It’s VERY important that you both book an appointment. Appointments tend to be on a Tuesday & Thursday so it’s important that you arrive in Italy early enough to get these before the wedding. You should also download the Nulla Osta Form fill it in but don’t sign it. The fee for the Nulla Osta can be paid in US$ in cash or by credit card.
Security is very tight at the Consulate so you will only be admitted if you have an appointment. Once you have your prized Nulla Osta they should be legalized by the Prefettura of the district where you are getting married, (you will need two Marca da Bollo (administration stamp) to the value of €14.62).

If you are using a wedding planner then they should do this for you, Marry Me In Tuscany does!

So now you’re good to go to the Verbal Declaration.

After the wedding it’s important that your wedding certificate is taken back to the Prefettura to request the placement of an “Apostille” on the certificate so that your marriage is legal in the US, again Marry Me In Tuscany will do this for you and post your marriage certificates on to you at home.

We’re going to assume for this that you both live in Ireland or England, if you don’t then please ask for details of where you should apply for your Nulla Osta. In Ireland these are dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in London and they will send the documents to the Irish Embassy in Rome who will then post the Nulla Osta to the person organizing your wedding in Italy one month before the wedding. The processing of the documents takes around 4 months so it’s important that you submit your application in time but please note that the the application forms for the Nulla Osta cannot be completed earlier than six months before the date of your intended marriage. That is, the date of the Statutory Declaration which is completed in the presence of the Commissioner for Oaths, Public Notary or Solicitor, cannot be earlier than six months before the date of your intended marriage.

Documents you will need:

• Original Long form of civil birth certificate

• Court Order if you are under 18 years

• Death Certificate of previous spouse if widowed

• Petition and Final decree of divorce: if divorced

• Copy of Passport• Fee – the current fee is €20

Each person applying for a Nulla Osta will need to complete these forms MP1, MP2 if you are single form MP2A, forms relating to divorcees can also be found and downloaded from this link.
Australian Couples

To get married in Italy you will need an “Atto Nottorio” this is an oath which is sworn in front of two witnesses and notarized by the Italian Consular stating that there are no legal impediments to the marriage according to the laws to which the person concerned is subject to in Australia.

The “Atto Nottorio” also states that there are no impediments for the person requesting to marry in Italy according to Article 116 comma 2 (art. 85, 86, 87 number 1, 2 & 4) of the Italian Civil Code. Basically these refer to you not being mentally insane, not related in any way and my personal favourite that you haven’t tried or been convicted for killing a partner or another person.
Although it is advisable to get this in Australia, it can be obtained in the lower courts in the region where you are getting married but you will need to be here early in order to do this as they are done by appointment only.

You may have to have your documents translated but the Italian Consulate will give you a list of translators who are qualified to do this. You should contact the Italian Consulate in the State where you live for an appointment.

You will also need a Nulla Osta which is issued by the Australian Embassy in Rome, no appointment is necessary. In order to obtain the Nulla Osta you must go in person and present the following documents:

-Full Birth Cerficates (showing your parents details)

-Evidence of any previous marriages (marriage certificates and divorce certificates)

-Your Australian passport

-Fee in cash currently 50 AUS$ The Embassy does not accept credit cards.

Once you have your prized Nulla Osta they should be legalized by the Prefettura of the district where you are getting married, (you will need to get two Marca da Bollo (administration stamp) to the value of €14.62) if you are using a wedding planner then they should do this for you, Marry Me In Tuscany does!

After the wedding it’s important that your wedding certificate is taken back to the Prefettura to request the placement of an “Apostille” on the certificate so that your marriage is legal in the Australia, again Marry Me In Tuscany will do this for you and post your marriage certificates on to you at home.

To get married in Italy you will need an “Atto Nottorio” this is an oath which is sworn in front of two witnesses and notarized by the Italian Consular stating that there are no legal impediments to the marriage according to the laws to which the person concerned is subject to in Australia.

The “Atto Nottorio” also states that there are no impediments for the person requesting to marry in Italy according to Article 116 comma 2 (art. 85, 86, 87 number 1, 2 & 4) of the Italian Civil Code. Basically these refer to you not being mentally insane, not related in any way and my personal favourite that you haven’t tried or been convicted for killing a partner or another person.

Although it is advisable to get this in Australia, it can be obtained in the lower courts in the region where you are getting married but you will need to be here early in order to do this as they are done by appointment only.

You may have to have your documents translated but the Italian Consulate will give you a list of translators who are qualified to do this. You should contact the Italian Consulate in the State where you live for an appointment.

You will also need a Nulla Osta which is issued by the Australian Embassy in Rome, no appointment is necessary. In order to obtain the Nulla Osta you must go in person and present the following documents:

-Full Birth Cerficates (showing your parents details)

-Evidence of any previous marriages (marriage certificates and divorce certificates)

-Your Australian passport

-Fee in cash currently 50 AUS$ The Embassy does not accept credit cards.

Once you have your prized Nulla Osta they should be legalized by the Prefettura of the district where you are getting married, (you will need to get two Marca da Bollo (administration stamp) to the value of €14.62) if you are using a wedding planner then they should do this for you, Marry Me In Tuscany does!

After the wedding it’s important that your wedding certificate is taken back to the Prefettura to request the placement of an “Apostille” on the certificate so that your marriage is legal in the Australia, again Marry Me In Tuscany will do this for you and post your marriage certificates on to you at home.

For Canadians wishing to marry in Italy, you will need a Nulla Osta, the Canadian Government doesn’t issue these but don’t loose heart they do issue a declaration containing the relevant information which is accepted by the Italian authorities. Requests for the declaration can be made by appointment at the Canadian Embassy in Rome or by mail. Their delivery service standard is 3 business days from the time they receive a complete request so quite a quick turnaround.
You must first complete and swear an affidavit to the effect that there is no impediment to the proposed marriage. You may swear the affidavit in Canada, or you go go in person to the Canadian Embassy in Rome you will need to book an appointment and you can contact them by e-mail or fax to request one.

If going to the Canadian Embassy in Rome you will need to take with you the following documents.

-Unsigned affidavit form which you can download from here.

(http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/consular_services_consulaires/marriage-mariage.aspx?lang=eng)

-Valid Canadian passport;

-Proof of Canadian citizenship (Canadian birth certificate or Certificate of

-Canadian Citizenship). (If you were born in Québec: Only birth certificates issued on or after January 1, 1994, by “Le Directeur de l’état civil” in the province of Québec are accepted);

-Complete details of the future spouse (full name, date and place of birth, residence, father’s name and mother’s full maiden name);

-Final divorce decree or death certificate of previous spouse (if divorced or widowed);

-Parents’ consent (if the person is under marriageable age).

-Appropriate fees. (see here for how to pay and current fees payable)

(http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/italy-italie/consular_services_consulaires/fees-frais.aspx?lang=eng)

-If you are going to swear your Affidavit in Canada then you can do this with a Public Notary, the original Affidavit and certified copies of the above documents should then be sent to the Canadian Embassy in Rome, payment of the fee can be paid on line or by bank transfer see the link above for details of how to do this.

The Canadian Embassy will then send your Nulla Ostas to your wedding planner, who will get them legalized at the local Prefettura before you arrive the cost for the Marca da Bollo (Administration stamp) is €14.62 per Nulla Osta.

After the wedding it’s important that your wedding certificate is taken back to the Prefettura to request the placement of an “Apostille” on the certificate so that your marriage is legal in the Canada, again Marry Me In Tuscany will do this for you and post your marriage certificates on to you at home.

New Zealanders wishing to get married in Italy will need to get a Nulla Osta which is issued by the New Zealand Embassy in Rome. Applications for the Nulla Osta together with the documents listed below can either be sent by Courier, post or delivered in person).

-An original Certificate of No Impediment issued by Births, Deaths & Marriages from Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand.(http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Getting-Married-Overseas?OpenDocument)

-Certified copies of the biodata pages of your passports

-A completed and signed form “Particulars for inclusion in a Nulla Osta” (you can find this by clicking on the link above for the Embassy)

-The fee for processing the Nulla Osta is €40; payable to ‘New Zealand Embassy’ by bank draft (assegno circolare). If you want to have your documents returned by courier there is an additional fee of €30. A single bank draft of €70 is acceptable. If you go to the Embassy in person then you can pay in cash

.-The original copy of the decree nisi or order of dissolution of previous marriage if either the bride or the groom is divorced.

-A covering letter with your contact details, your wedding planners contact details, the date and place of our wedding, and any other information which may be useful to your application.

Once they have all the necessary documents and the fees have been paid, it usually takes about a week for the Embassy to prepare the Nulla Ostas. The documents can then either be collected in person or couriered to you or your wedding planner.

Is your head still spinning? Well, thanks to Jackie from Marry Me In Tuscany, all of our important questions have been answered regarding legal issues associated with getting married in Italy. Remember, it is always a good idea to hire an experienced professional Planner just like Jackie Bradshaw from Marry Me In Tuscany that are familiar with the laws, culture and vendors in the area.

Now that you know all about the legal fun stuff about getting married in Italy, let's take a look at some beautiful and potential locales for your ceremony and reception.

From the majesty and picturesque views of the snow capped peaks of the Dolomites and Alps in Northern Italy to the stunning beaches of Sicily in the South, your options are limited only by your imagination. Envision celebrating your dream wedding surrounded by the unparalleled natural beauty of the Italian Riviera, the beguiling Tuscany, or Rome-the eternal city. With an entire country filled with a rich history, culture and breathtaking views at your fingertips, making a selection may leave you indecisive but don't worry, I am confident that the perfect spot is waiting for you.

Sicily is a unique blend of culture and landscape. It is also a burst of colourful surroundings rich in tradition and natural beauty. Getting married in Sicily will lend itself to a surreal voyage through the past and the present with a vast amount of World Heritage sites. With attractions such as the Roman Villa of Casale, the Val di Note, The Valley of The Temples, the Aeolian Islands just to name a few, what more could you ask for. With its year round deep blue sky, its beautiful beaches, stunning vineyards strewn throughout the hills and their famous saltpans, it is very difficult to resist. Also, let's not forget the charm of its citizens and of course the incredible food gathered from land and sea.This is certainly an ideal wedding and honeymoon spot.

One consideration for a romantic affair is Taormina, Sicily. The main monument is the ancient theatre with an exquisite panorama. Taormina, Sicily has a great selection of amenities such as restaurants, hotels and picturesque palaces. This is certainly a great locale for your nuptials.

Another awesome spot is Palermo, Sicily, the island's capital. Surrounded by the Conca d'Oro or Golden Shell which is a natural amphitheater, Palermo is a fusion of European and Asian with architecture reflective of Norman, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Arabic. What more could you ask for in a perfect environment for your special day?

The regions of Umbria and Marche scream romance. Imagine your wedding day surrounded by a historic palace or gorgeous gardens with incredible views of the spectacular countryside.

Umbria

Often referred to as the "Green Heart" of Italy. Umbria is one of the few landlocked areas in the country. The region consists of lakes, valleys and softly rolling hills which makes it very picturesque. Some of the towns in Umbria are Assisi, Trevi, Marmore, Spoletto, Narni, Spello and each one is a perfect place to tie the knot.

Marche

With the Medieval town of Urbino, Fracassi's Grotta, the Roman ruins of Urbisaglia and the Adriatic beaches make the Marche region a popular spot for tourists and of course the perfect wedding celebration.

If you are looking for an intimate and enchanting location, that is definitely off the beaten path, then the small region of Friuli might be the answer. Friuli is situated in Central Europe on the far northeast edge of Italy. It is a region that is world renowned for its wine and food. Their foods have many different influences which makes it unique. Although the area is not well known it has played host to famous individuals such as Hemingway, Pasolini and Joyce to name a few. This is a great location for a wedding celebration.

Nothing is quite as spectacular as a wedding in the romantic and stunning Italian Lakes District. The most popular of the lakes are Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Garda however the lesser known lakes of Orta, Varese, Iseo and Idro are just as mesmerizing. The Italian lakes district with its sumptuous gardens, beauty and activities such as shopping, golfing, skiing, water sports, hiking, world-class spas, walking etc., has attracted many tourists including the very wealthy, the famous and Royalty. Celebrities such as George Clooney have residences there. Superb European palaces, Papal mansions and grand villas tower over the tranquil lakes sheltered beneath the Italian Alps. This is an area that exudes Italian style, culture, food and of course a favourable climate. With Lake Como's surreal beauty, charming gardens, isolated villas with flowering trees and tiny lakeside towns with steep narrow streets and breathtaking views of the southern Alps, it would be certainly hard to resist. Perhaps Lake Garda known for beautiful extensive gardens, hence the name "The City of Gardens", and incredible palm and cypress trees might be more your speed.

Rome, the eternal city, steeped in history and tradition. It is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is one of the few places globally that has fused together the ancient, medieval and modern so well. Rome is an unforgettable city offering the ideal spot for the perfect wedding. This is home to the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, Pantheon, the Catacombs, Circus Maximus, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Square, Forum Romanum, Piazza Navona, Villa Borghese, Palatine Hill, Baths of Caracalla, Capitoline Hill, Arch of Titus, Vatican Museums, Castel Sant'Angelo, Forum of Trajan, Piazza del Popolo, Appian Way, Arch of Constantine, Piazza Venezia, Imperial Forums and the list goes on and on. The hotels, restaurants, cafes, and the bars are simply splendid. "When in Rome do as the Romans", and keep the beautiful wine growing hill towns of the Castelli Romani in mind which is just south of Rome and a popular spot for vacationing Romans. It is an area surrounded by gardens, villas and quaint inns. Definitely a great wedding locale.

Venice, what a perfect spot for your wedding pictures! Nothing is quite as romantic as a Gondolier maneuvering a couple in love through the winding canals and under the ancient bridges. The atmosphere and history abounds in this city. For centuries Venice has inspired art, music, books and of course, love. From St. Mark's Square to the Grand Canal, Venice has it all. This breathtaking, surreal city is the perfect backdrop for a wedding. When we think of Venice we immediately conjure visions of elaborate palaces, Byzantine architecture, rich and ornate Carnival masks to name a few. However, if you want to stay outside of Venice, there is always the nearby town of Verona, home to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliette the star-crossed lovers of the Montague and Capulet families. This is certainly one of my favourites.

Florence............need I say more? The city is best known as the cradle of the Renaissance and it was the home of the famous artist, Michelangelo. Some of the most inspiring attractions grace this fair city, such as, Uffizi Museum, Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Signoria and so on. Florence is blessed with historical buildings, resplendent churches, spectacular architecture, fabulous shopping and incredible food. Florence is also known for its breathtaking art such as Michelangelo's David, one of the world's most recognized sculptures as well as other famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Filipo Brunelleschi and Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti. When you are surrounded by so much beauty, history and art, you know that it is a splendid spot for your nuptials.

The Amalfi Coast is a spectacular coastal region south of Naples. Gorgeous, picturesque towns are scattered throughout and they are blessed with the most stunning and unparalleled views of the Mediterranean. The Amalfi Coast is best described as scenic splendor with daunting cliffside roads and very rugged topography. The Amalfi Coast is also known for its incredible ancient villages. Be sure to try their Limoncello liqueur, it is absolutely delicious ice cold. Positano is a tourist pleaser with boutique shops by the marina and its hillside is dotted with colourful buildings. Another spectacular spot is the nearby Island of Capri. Capri boasts breathtaking caves and cliffs, impeccable town squares, Moorish architecture and so much more. This would make a wedding spot to remember.

When we envision Tuscany, we think of fields of sunflowers with romantic and serene rolling hills filled with olive trees and grape orchards; we think of the most gastronomically pleasing experiences; and we think of charming towns and cobblestone roads. This would definitely be an awesome locale for a wedding. This area in Italy brings to mind the scenery showcased so well in the movie Under The Tuscan Sun with Diane Lane. There are several beautiful Tuscan cities to choose from for example, Arezzo, Asciano, Bagno Vignoni, Borgo a Mozzano, Buonconvento, Colonnata, Cortona, Florence, Lucca, Montefollonico, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, Montecchiello, Murlo,Passignano in Chianti, Pienza, Pisa, Pitigliano, Porto Ercole, Porto Santo Stefano, Radda, Roselle, San Casciano val di Pesa, San Gimignano, San Quirico d'Orcia, Siena and Volterra. From an ancient church or villa to the spectacular and lush views of the Tuscan countryside, this is certainly a region worthy of consideration for your ultimate destination wedding.

When I think of Milan, the first thing that comes to mind is the fashion capital of the world, however, Milan offers a great deal more. Milan has top of the line shopping, museums, theaters, art galleries, cathedral, gothic architecture, and the list goes on. This is a vibrant city with a mix of modern and old and yet always ahead of its time. The atmosphere that Milan offers lends itself to a sophisticated wedding destination enhanced by a chic backdrop. Milan is always a city on the move culturally and socially and has a trendy, big city feel. So, if your looking for this type of environment for your big day, don't look any further because you have arrived.

The Italian Riviera is a coastline which is sheltered from the north by the Alps and boasts incomparable views of the sea, immaculate gardens and a favourable milder climate. With beautiful beaches, historical castles, graceful inland villages, distinguished resorts and casinos and a palm tree lined promenade, the Italian Riviera is a wedding destination par excellence. Any of the towns in the center of the Riviera such as Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo or Portofino are spectacular spots for your nuptials. Also, nearby is the famous Cinque Terre, translated it is "Five Lands". Cinque Terre is perched on the bluffs above the sea and consists of five fishing villages Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia, Riomaggiore and Monterosso. Here you will find charming town squares and small, gorgeous beaches. The Italian Riviera will certainly not disappoint.

Italy is by far one of the most romantic wedding destinations in the world. Although there is quite a bit of pre-planning involved and some legal legwork to take care of, it will all be worth it in the end. I hope you have enjoyed my second installment in the Wedding Destination series.