One of the first questions couples ask us about getting married in Italy as a foreigner is whether their wedding will be legal. The short answer is yes, it can be. The longer answer depends on your nationality, the type of ceremony and how much paperwork you're willing to do. Here's the overview I wish someone had given my first clients years ago.

A quick disclaimer: we're photographers, not lawyers. Requirements change and depend on your country, so always confirm the details with your consulate and with the town hall where you'll marry. A good planner will handle most of it for you.

Option one: a civil ceremony

A civil wedding is performed by the mayor or an official delegated by the town hall, the comune. It's legally valid in Italy and, in most cases, recognized at home. Traditionally it takes place in the town hall, and in cities like Rome and Florence those rooms are often magnificent. Many comuni have also authorized villas and castles in their territory as official wedding venues, so a legal ceremony in a beautiful garden is often possible. Ask your venue whether it is on the list.

The paperwork usually includes:

• A valid passport for each of you.
• A certificate stating that you are free to marry. Depending on your nationality it is called Nulla Osta or certificate of no impediment, and it's normally issued by your consulate or by an authority in your home country.
• For some nationalities, including US citizens, a sworn declaration called Atto Notorio, signed in front of witnesses at an Italian consulate abroad or at a court in Italy.
• Legalisations or apostilles on foreign documents, and certified Italian translations where needed.
• A declaration of intention to marry, made at the comune a few days before the wedding, with an interpreter if you don't speak Italian.
• Two witnesses over 18 with a valid ID, who can be of any nationality.

Banns are normally required for Italian citizens, but for couples who are not resident in Italy they are usually waived. Allow at least two to three months to collect and legalise everything, more if you're also traveling for other reasons.

Option two: a religious ceremony

A Catholic wedding in Italy can be valid both religiously and civilly, thanks to an agreement between the Italian state and the Church. The priest reads the civil articles during the ceremony and the marriage is then registered at the comune. You'll need documents from your home parish, a pre-marriage course and the permission of the dioceses involved, so start early and talk to your parish priest first.

For other faiths, and for ceremonies officiated by a celebrant, the religious or spiritual ceremony is usually not legally binding on its own. Couples then combine it with a civil ceremony, in Italy or at home.

Option three: a symbolic ceremony

This is what most of our couples choose. You marry legally at home, maybe at the town hall the week before with a few family members, and then hold a symbolic ceremony in Italy with everyone you love. No Italian paperwork, no restrictions on time or place, and a ceremony that can be exactly what you want: in English, in two languages, with a friend officiating, with your own vows.

From a photographer's point of view, symbolic ceremonies have one big advantage: you can choose the time. We can set it for the hour of softest light, usually an hour and a half before sunset, instead of fitting into the town hall's schedule.

Same-sex couples

Italy has recognized civil unions between same-sex couples since 2016. The procedure is similar to a civil wedding and also involves documents from your home country, so ask your consulate how it applies to you. Many couples choose a legal ceremony at home and a symbolic celebration in Italy, like Dan & Christian at Villa Pizzo on Lake Como.

Getting married in Italy as a foreigner: a few things that save headaches

• Check how long each document is valid. Some expire within a few months.
• Bring originals and copies of everything to Italy.
• If you marry legally in Italy, plan how you'll register the marriage back home.
• Leave a free afternoon before the wedding for the appointment at the comune.

Whatever you choose, the ceremony is the heart of the day. If you're planning yours, tell us about it. And if you're still deciding where, read our guide on where to get married in Italy.