How to Legally Elope in the Dolomites

An Italy Marriage Guide for Adventurous Couples

If you’re looking to elope in the Dolomites, you’re probably traveling as a foreigner to Italy. Another country comes with another set of regulations for how to legally get married in Italy. Let me help you out!

Hi, I’m Cherlyn and I’m ready to photograph and hash out the details your elopement. Think of planning as my secondary role as your photographer! I’ve seen a handful (or more) elopements as a photographer and I’ve got your back when it comes down to figuring out all the backend stuff for your elopement.

Here’s two main ways for getting legally married and how to get that done.

Getting Legally Married in Italy WHILE Eloping in the Dolomites

Don’t let doing something in a different country scare you. After all, you’re eloping in the Dolomites out of all places!! Getting legally married in Italy is actually straight-forward and similar to getting legally married in the United States. The main difference is that you get married in a City Hall instead of a Courthouse for the civil ceremony.

First, gather all your papers

This includes a valid US passport (or your home country), your birth certificate, and if applicable, legal documents for a final decree of divorce and/or death.

Your birth certificate and other legal documents (excluding passport) will need an Apostille by the Secretary of State (of your state), which is a verification that the documents are legal and official. This is essential to prove to Italy that your documents are real. You can request this from your home state. For example, you can either visit the Washington State Secretary of State in person or mail in your request along with a $15 processing fee. If you also need to order an official copy of your birth certificate, you can also do that on the Department of Health (Washington) website of your home state at the same time as requesting for an Apostille. Certificates (whether birth/divorce/death) cost $25 each. Apply early so you don’t have to pay extra expedited fees!

Additionally, you’ll need a Single Status document that is translated into Italian with an Apostille. This is super important to be able to prove that you are both single people and legally allowed to be married. You can request this through your state website. In Washington State, it is through the Washington State Department of Health. This requires calling the office and paying a $25 processing fee.

Second, request and have a civil/religious ceremony

For a civil ceremony needs to be done in a City Hall (or Town Hall) or another approved venue, usually fairly limited. I’d suggest the Town Hall of Cortina d’Ampezzo, a central location to all Dolomites activities. You can contact the town by email or phone.

Once you have your date, then it’s all set for you! You just have to bring all the documents as described above and two witnesses. Lucky for you, if I’m your photographer, I’ll likely bring an assistant and we can be your two witnesses if you don’t have any guests.

For a religious ceremony, contact a priest to have your ceremony in a church.

Finally, enjoy your symbolic ceremony

Regardless of how you get legally married, you’ll likely planning a symbolic ceremony in the Dolomites. Meaning, you want to say your vows in the mountains and that is the most important part for you. So I highly recommend completing your civil ceremony ahead of your vow ceremony so you don’t have to worry about the legal logistics and you can fully enjoy your elopement day. And if you have your civil and symbolic ceremony on different days, you get to choose which date you want as your anniversary!

Read more about getting married in Italy as an American

Need a planner-photographer friend to help you sort this out?

 

Getting Legally Married in Your Home Country AND Elope in the Dolomites

If that seemed a tad daunting, consider getting legally married back in your home country where you can visit the courthouse or marriage license register in person without hassle and feel more free to elope the way YOU want to elope in the Dolomites with your symbolic ceremony. This option is perfect for adventurous couples who want to leave the paperwork at home and don’t mind what their legal marriage license is from. What matters the most is the experience you have when you exchange your vows in a place that is most meaningful to you.

For couples based in the United States, you can apply as soon as 60 days before the intended date of signing the papers. However there is also a “waiting period” which means you also have to apply at least 3 days in advance. You can do this any time before your symbolic ceremony in the Dolomites.

Depending on your state, you can apply online or in person. A processing fee is required. You’ll then request for a courthouse wedding where a judge can legally sign off on your papers and make your marriage legal. You don’t have to say your vows here — that’s what your symbolic ceremony is for!

Check out my blog on How to Legally Elope in Washington for more information for Washington State specifically.

Looking for next steps? Let’s start planning your elopement!