Paperwork Requirements For U.S. Citizens Getting Married in Italy
U.S. citizens getting married in Italy must submit the following documents in this order:
1. VALID U.S. PASSPORT or, if a member of the Armed Forces, an identification card;
2. A certified copy in "long form" of the BIRTH CERTIFICATE containing the name of both mother and father. The birth certificate must be TRANSLATED into Italian and legalized with an APOSTILLE, which is a seal affixed to a public record by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where the document was originated. The translation must be certified by a Consular Officer and then Apostilled by the Secretary of State Notary Public of the State where it was certified.
3. A FINAL DIVORCE DECREE (if applicable) or DEATH CERTIFICATE of the previous spouse. This document must be TRANSLATED into Italian and APOSTILLED.
When obtaining the required birth certificate or divorce decree (if applicable), ask the issuing office for instructions on obtaining an apostille as well as the necessary fees.
4. "ATTO NOTORIO" (AFFIDAVIT) (to be done in the United States or in Italy if there are time constraints). It is a declaration sworn by 4 witnesses before an Italian Consular Officer stating that there are no obstacles to his/her marriage. You must call your nearest Italian Consulate and set up an appointment for the affidavit. Ask how many witnesses are needed. IMPORTANT: This cannot be issued more than 3 months before the wedding as it is valid only for three months.
5. NULLA OSTA OR SWORN STATEMENT (to be done in Italy): This document must be issued before a U.S. Consular Officer (can be done in Milan, Trieste, Florence, Rome and Naples). This is a declaration stating that under US law there is no obstacle for the marriage to take place in Italy. Witnesses are not required. Once this document has been issued, it must be authenticated at the Prefecture.