A shout out to all same sex couples ready to take the civil union step in Italy.
Gorgeous guys and glamorous girls it is that glittery, sparkly time of year, the lead up to Christmas, when thoughts turn to planned or surprise proposals.
After the proposal, comes the planning! And where could be better to say ‘I do’ than in Italy, a country that is full of passion and romance, sensational cuisine and bursting with culture at anytime of year.
Destination Wedding Planner Jo Daye, has put together the following guide and case study as a helpful starting point for planning a same sex civil union in Italy.
From Jo Daye
In 2019 Accent Events planned our inaugural legal civil union, for our fabulous guy couple, on the Sorrento peninsula. It was such a thrill for us to be involved in such a joyful and monumental occasion. And it means we are perfectly placed to assist any guys and gals who would like to celebrate their same sex civil union in Italy.
The legal process for a civil union is different to that for heterosexual couples, and does need some additional – or different – planning, but it is nothing to worry about and with our experience and assistance, you are in safe hands to meet the requirements. A same sex civil union wedding in Italy is very much achievable!
Imagine saying ‘I do’ in a late Spring or early Summer ceremony. Sorrento and the Amalfi coast are in full bloom and looking fresh and fantastic for the new season. And we know what to expect, what needs to be done, and when.
And even if you are hoping to propose over the festive season – or even at that most-romantic time of the year, Valentine’s Day – then you are still in time for a Summer or Autumn wedding.
With our precision planning and our dedicated team in place to arrange and expedite the paperwork, simply give us your wish list for wedding events and elements and for decorative styling and we will make sure your dream of a civil union happens!
Whether you want an elope getaway, a small intimate gathering or a full on big and beautiful celebration, we are here and waiting to help! So, once you’ve asked that important question, please get in touch!
Read how we helped our two handsome guy pioneers with their same sex wedding in Italy.
Case Study – D + M Same Sex Civil Union in Italy
D+M contacted us at end of 2017 asking about a civil union ceremony. We knew that since the law had passed in 2016, civil unions were beginning to take place in Italy for Italian same sex couples and there was an increase in symbolic same sex ceremonies but it seemed there had not been a UK couple legal civil union take place on the Sorrento Peninsula or the Amalfi Coast.
I recall saying that D+M would be breaking new ground in terms of the process, meeting the requirements and what the ceremony content would be and that certainly proved true!
Through our relationship with the town hall office we were able to guide D+M on what was needed and when.
D+M’s circumstances (in relation to the required paperwork) were particularly complex, but by keeping the town hall updated and informed and passing on information and additional requirements to the couple, we were able to navigate a smooth course for our intrepid grooms.
D+M chose to have an intimate, family-only ceremony – a private event on the sea view terrace of Villa Fondi in Piano di Sorrento, one of the lovely Sorrento coastal towns. As regular visitors to this part of Italy, they stayed in their favourite hotel, the stylish Parco dei Principi where they had pre-ceremony photography with their chosen photographer, Alfonso Longobardi.
As this was a giant leap – and an iconic moment – for all foreign same sex weddings in Italy, we surprised our grooms with one of Italy’s iconic cars, a stunning red vintage Fiat 500. D+M were able to ride in style to their ceremony venue.
My fabulous friend and talented celebrant Carmela had the responsibility of translating the civil union script into English and gave expert guidance on how D+M could add personal elements to the ceremony, one being this very lovely quote, a favourite of D+M’s:
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” Maya Angelou
As this was a ‘first’ on many levels, we could not have asked for two people who were more precise and attentive to the wedding process and the guidance we gave. D+M’s wedding experience in Italy was a huge success and a very emotionally rewarding event.
Note: Although you must meet the legal requirements of the country in which you are marrying, you are still bound by the laws of your home country in so far as your capacity to marry is concerned.
How can Destination Wedding Planner Jo Daye Help You
In a bid to to keep wedding planning simple, affordable, supportive and easy, Weddings Abroad Guide is collaborating with Jo to offer a “Virtual Wedding Planning Service” including 90 minute Personalised Wedding Consultations.
The service is suitable for all stages of the planning process and is extremely helpful for those couples just getting started or planning their own wedding abroad. With over 14 years experience of designing bespoke weddings for international clients, Jo’s approach is to get you focused and to prioritise what’s important to you, guiding you on how to get the wedding you truly want.
Having researched, planned and overseen many requests Jo is able to tap into a deep well of knowledge and actual experience, to explain with clarity what is involved and what things to consider. (We think her advice is absolutely brilliant and not to be missed)!
To find our more about the services Jo provides or how she can help you bring your same sex wedding in Italy to life, please use the form below as a quick and easy way to contact her.
Jo Daye (Virtual Planning Consultations)
The Perfect Partners
Wedding Planner: Accent Events // Celebrant: Carmela Cesarano for Accent events // Photographer: Alfonso Longodardi // Chairs & Decorations: Wedding Chairs & Co // Fiat 500 Car: Fiat 500 Sorrento Wedding // Grooms’ Buttonholes: Giuseppe e Luisa Terrecuso Fiori Sorrento // Prosecco Truck: Ciro Pane Ape Street Food // Violinist: Carmela –Mario Generali
Further Reading:
Joe & Joe’s Same Sex Symbolic Ceremony in Portofino.
10 expert tips for choosing a Wedding Venue in Italy.
Get inspired with our Real Wedding Stories from Italy!
