Italy legally recognizes religious and civil weddings. Couples are also free to pursue secular symbolic ceremonies, although they're not legally binding.

The majority of Italian weddings take place in a church, due to the country’s overwhelming Catholic majority and the proximity to The Vatican. However, Italy recognizes religious weddings from all faiths, including Jewish, Hindu and Muslim religions. In most cases, the marriage process under these religions is similar in any country, including Italy.

For non-Catholic religious weddings, a civil ceremony must be incorporated into the marriage before a wedding is officially legal. You’ll be required to prove you're civilly married before you can celebrate in a religious house of worship.

For non-religious couples in Italy, symbolic ceremonies and blessings to take place. The couple should follow the civil administrative procedure prior to the ceremony if they wish for the marriage to be official and legal.

For same-sex couples in Italy, civil unions are officially recognized, but same-sex marriage is not.