Wedding in Rome is everyone’s dream.
Rome is super romantic and well connected location to host a destination weddings as guests can arrive easily from all over the world.
Rome is like open air museum so it gives you and your guests many choices to explore the city during the days around the wedding.
With various exclusive wedding venues and churches and with rich cultural heritage this historic city offers
multiple landmarks charming historic buildings, noble villas, palaces and castles to organize really lavish
weddings.
If you are looking for something more modern, you can find multiple trendy boutique hotels and
excellent restaurants and roof terraces with stunning views.
There is definately choises for everyone and for every budget. No wonder Rome has become a favorite wedding destination.
Planning a wedding in Rome
To start you’ll need to know how many guests you’re inviting, and how many you’re actually expecting.
I recommend sending the save the date as early as possible via email.
Having a wedding website where guests can send RSVP is very handy.
Rome is full of gorgeous venues to get married in Italy and It is crucial to know around how many guests the venue can cater.
Also other thing is to consider that all of the venues are not easily accessible and you’ll need to people to rent cars or to organize a shuttle services etc.
Having a wedding planner can be a great help and would take a way lot of the stress but it is not really
necessary nowadays. It is easy to organize everything by your self and if you choose the best hairstylist and
make-up artist in Rome Janita Helova, she can help you with all the other vendors like photographers, florists, catering, venues etc.
Costs of getting married in Italy vary so widely depending the location, the number of guests, type of venue,
the time of year, and the specific services and features you desire so my only advice is to set a budget and
include some extra cash for unexpected expenses.
Each vendor like photographers, hair and makeup artist, florist etc. the prices goes definitely hand to hand with artist talent and experience.
Types Of Ceremonies for a Rome wedding
Italy recognises two types of marriage, civil and religious. However, all religious weddings in Italy, except
Catholic, require a civil ceremony to be deemed legally binding.
Italy also allows for the recognition of same-sex relationships called a civil union. A civil union grants you rights similar to those of a marriage.
Here’s my list of most beautiful churches and best venues in Rome to celebrate your special day.
Churches in Rome:
Rome is the city with more churches in the world so it might be overhelming to choose a church. Anyway these three churches are most popular and located in city center and near the other important locations, considering if you like to take photos after the ceremony or arriving to your venue quickly and easily.
St. Peter’s Basilica
There is two options to celebrate a wedding in the Vatican city. Chapel of the choir is inside the basilica or Church of Saint Anne inside the Vatican walls but not inside the basilica. Precise rules and regulations must be followed. If you like to have your wedding in St. Peter’s Basilica you need to send in your request early in advance.
Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
Is located on the highest point of Capitoline Hill near the Campidoglio, Colosseum, and Roman Forum.
A dramatic 14th-century staircase leads to this impressive church where your Roman catholic wedding ceremony can be celebrated.
Our client Princess Alexandra Massimo di Roccasecca dei Volschi and Prince Valerio Massimo di Roccasecca chose this church for them wedding in Rome.
The church of Santa Maria in Trastevere
is considered to be the most ancient church in Rome. Located in pittoresque district of Trastevere.
Villa And Gardens for a Rome wedding:
Classical villas has breathtaking views over Rome and variety of indoor spaces, gardens and terraces make
villa ideal location for lavish indoor or outdoor weddings. Villa Aurelia and Villa Miani are most famous wedding venues in Rome.
Villa Miani
Villa Miani is a neoclassical villa on top of Rome’s highest hill and offers extraordinary panoramic view of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica dome. The villa has many interior spaces and charming outdoor areas and terraces.
On the groundfloors there are a hall and a patio for 500 people sitting. It is the perfect choice for who has many guests and needs lots of space plus it is just 15 minutes from City center.
Famous Hotel Cavaliere Hillton is just next to the Villa.
Villa Aurelia
Classical villa Aurelia has breathtaking view over Rome and variety of indoor spaces, gardens and terraces
make villa an ideal location for lavish wedding that can host upto 200 guests.
At the moment it is property of the American Academy in Rome but in the past villa was recidence of many noble families.
Villa Borghese
Many couples have chosen famous park Villa Borghese for their elopement, symbolic ceremony or for vow renewal. Large park with many fountains, statues, and a romantic lake is easy to reach as it is right in the city center.
Villa D’Este
it is possible to celebrate outdoor or indoor civil unions in Villa D’este in Tivoli just a few kilometers from Rome.
Famous Villa d’Este is Unesco heritage.
Historical Sites in Rome:
Colosseum & Roman Forum Many couples dream of having their wedding around the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
Hotel NH collection Fori Imperiali and Hotel Palazzo Manfredi have outstanding views over colosseum
and Roman Forum. From Hotel Manfredi and them micheline star restaurand terrace you can almost touch the colosseum.
Legal Requirements:
Both partners are single, legally divorced or widowed.
A partner under 18 requires a written parental consent.
In case the woman was divorced less than 300 days before the wedding, she is required to provide a nonpregnancy certificate to the local court.
Bride and groom musn’t be relatives even if through adoption.
The ceremony requires 2 witnesses.
Necessary Documents for wedding in Rome:
Valid passports or ID cards
Original birth certificates
If divorced or widowed, divorce papers or a death certificate.
A marriage Nulla Osta (certificate of no impediments) that you can request in the consulate or embassy of your country in Italy.
An Atto Notorio signed by two witnesses.
A declaration of marriage intent submitted to the civil register.
Civil Ceremony Procedures
A civil ceremony will be performed by the mayor or his substitute usually in the local town hall, villa or in
historic palace or medieval castle, on the beach or in any other location approved by the governing authorities.
It is recognized legally worldwide as marriage document is registered internationally.
You must have two witnesses present and an interpreter if you, your spouse or the witnesses do not speak Italian.
By law, the reading of the civil wedding articles is in Italian. The civil ritual usually lasts about 20-30 minutes and is celebrated in the presence of the couple and at least two witnesses above the age of 18 and with friends and family who like to attend. If you like to marry in marriage hall you need to rent it and price can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
Religious Ceremony Procedures
The only type of religious ceremony that is also legally binding in Italy is a Roman Catholic one. Any other type of religious ceremony will require a civil ceremony beforehand. A specific list of catholic documents must be collected in order to obtain permission to get married in Rome or in the Vatican city with a Roman Catholic rite.
Bare shoulders are not allowed for brides and guests inside Catholic Churches in Italy. Sacred music is only allowed.
Religious wedding ceremony also requires:
- Certificate of batism, confirmation and first communion
- A certificate of attendance to the pre-marriage course
- A prenutial inquiry issued by the archidiocese of your hometown
- A written letter from your Priest or Pastoral Advisor with his permission
- Nihil Obstat, a letter of no impediment to marry from the Bishop of the Parish in your country
If one of the partners isn’t Catholic, a mixed religion marriage approval if the priest doesn’t perform the civil
part of the marriage a civil wedding certificate showing that you are legally married.
Restaurants for a wedding in beautiful Rome
The wedding meal is probably one of the top reasons you’re getting married in Italy. Italian food is exceptional and wedding meals usually include welcome drink, aperitif (classic cheese and coldcuts canapès etc. ) companied with prosecco, spritz or wine and meal continue with numberous courses of pasta dishes, meat dish like roman speziality saltimbocca and seafood dish plus desert and the cake.
Casina Valadier
Outdoor garden, terrace or mirror room are perfect for your wedding dinner.
Ristorante Roof garden
With classic roman dishes. Terrace and view to Victor Emanuel Monument.
Baja
Unique boat restaurant by the Tiber banks with windows overlooking the river and can be booked only for you and your guests.
Entertainment
A carefully selected entertainment can set the mood and energy of your wedding in Rome.
There is tons of options for wedding music from a classical musicians, jazz or swing band to DJ or traditional guitar & mandolin players.
With Firework and fireartists, live painters and performers you will truly add the wow factor to your celebration.
Parfume bar is new wedding entertainment trend where the guests can create their own scent and it’s a great way to keep your guests engaged throughout the celebration.
Pre-Wedding Events
Having a rehearsal dinner or welcome party the night before and a farewell breakfast the next day it is great
way to extend the wedding festivities for a little bit longer and to make the most out of the wedding
celebration.
Rehearsal Dinner Or Welcome Party
Whatever it will be the style of your wedding in Italy, a BBQ party it’s always a great idea or if you are not fan
of meet a light seefood BBQ party on the beach with fresh fish and vegetables companied with lounge music
will be a charming way to welcome your guests to Italy.
Also a pic-nic party is a very friendly and unconventional rehearsal dinner idea or a pizza party where guest
can taste traditional italian pizza and maybe some guests can realize their own pizza.
Accommodation
My list of best luxury hotels in Rome for you or your guests:
Hotel de Russie
I have been styling so many of my clients here so I consider it as my second home. Film stars and models
tend to stay here and this 5 star hotel will pamper you and your guests with beautifully designed rooms and
services with secret garden and SPA.
The St. Regis Rome
This 5 star hotel is icon in Rome and has hosted many of Rome’s most exlusive and memorable events.
Tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain or aperitif at Spanish steps are just 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel.
Other high-end hotels are The Westing Excelsior, Hotel Hassler, Bulgari hotel Rome, Hotel de la Ville,
Hotel Eden, Fendi private suits, Six senses Rome, J.K Place Rome, Hotel Cavaliere Hilton Waldorf
Astoria, Anantara palazzo Naiadi.
More Budget Friendly Hotels:
Gran Meliá Rome
Not far from Vatican City. If you are sun seeker you will love the pool or if you want to relax and have amassage you should definitely try the spa.
Hotel Splendide Royal
This 19th century monastery converted to boutique hotel is located in busy part of town but it’s very quiet hotel just next to Villa Borghese Park.
For shopaholics hotel is walking distance from most famous fashion stores near Spanish Steps and shopping street Via Condotti and Via del Corso.
Rooftop restaurant Mirabelle offers magnificent culinary experiences and best view of Rome.
Other Budget-friendly options would be Margutta Luxury hotel, Singer palace, Donna Camilla Savelli,
Grand hotel Via Veneto, Bio hotel Raphael, The Pantheon iconic, Palazzo Ripetta and Palazzo Navona
Hotel.
Airbnb Rentals:
Sometimes an apartment rental can be a more flexible option for those who want to experience a more “local” stay. There is wide selection of Airbnbs in Rome. My absolute favorite is Loft in trastevere with indoor pool what we have used for many shootings.
Transportation
Rome have two airports Da Vinci airport in Fiumicino or G.B Pastine in Ciampino and both airports are around 40min. distance from city center. Many hotels have airport shuttles or otherwise you can take taxi, book a NCC private driver, bus or train.
And from 2025 there’s also electric helicopter taxi available wich will take you to the Rome city center in 20 minute. All the busses and trains will arrive and leave from Termini station.
Post Wedding Activities
Planning a destination wedding in Rome and looking for ideas for a fun day-after celebration. Winery tour,
cooking glass and enjoying local cuisine or exploring historic sites are very popular. One whole day would go easily in Vatican city visiting St. Peters Basilica, vatican museum and gardens. Or you can take sightseen tour with bus and hop off in any main tourist locations like Pantheon and Navona Square.
If Rome is already familiar you can organize a day trip to nearest town like Tivoli or Ostia.
Tivoli
Is where the Romans go to escape the summer heat. It is historical town near Rome where you can get easily by train. For many tourists the main reason to visit Tivoli is to explore its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hadrian’s Villa and the gardens of the Villa d’Este but one of my pleasures is just walking around the historic centre with its tiny medieval passages and archways.
Ostia
Ostia is the ancient Roman harbor and you can get there easily by train. You find public beaches, where you can rent a beach umbrella and a sunbed for the day or relax on private beach clubs or take a boat tour.
You can visit large archeologigal site Ostia Antica that is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics or just relax at the beach.
