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Celebrant or officiant? Who leads your wedding ceremony in Italy
Two words for the same job, and a country where the job itself is new. Here is what they mean, who can marry you legally in Italy and what we actually do for you.
The words
One job, two words
In most English-speaking countries, from the UK and Ireland to Australia and New Zealand, the person who leads a personal wedding ceremony is called a celebrant. In the US and Canada, the same person is usually called an officiant. If you are planning your wedding from Chicago or Toronto, "celebrant" may sound unusual, but it is the same professional: the person who writes the ceremony with you and leads it on the day.
We use both words on this site. Whichever one you searched for, you are in the right place.
The law
Who can marry you legally in Italy
In Italy a wedding becomes legally valid in two ways: with a civil ceremony led by the town hall, or with a religious wedding, for example in a Catholic church, that also has civil effect.
The professional wedding celebrant is a new role in Italy. For a long time, getting married here meant the town hall or the church, and nothing in between. Our ceremonies are symbolic, but a legally valid civil ceremony is not out of reach: in some cases we can take care of that too. It depends on the place and on your situation, so we explain how it works during our call.
Symbolic ceremonies
What a symbolic ceremony is
A symbolic ceremony is a complete wedding ceremony in everything that matters to you: your story, your vows, your rings, your families and friends around you. It simply does not register your marriage with the Italian state.
Many couples marry legally at home, before or after their trip, and celebrate in Italy the ceremony that truly feels like theirs. It can be spiritual, humanist or entirely non-religious, in your languages and at the venue you love. Read more in Symbolic or civil wedding in Italy? How to choose.
What we do
From the first call to the last word
We are professional celebrants, and we take care of the whole ceremony:
- a free video call to get to know you and your story
- a ceremony written with you, with as many emails as it takes
- help with vows, readings, music and rituals
- coordination with your planner, your venue and your musicians
- on the day, we arrive at least an hour early and lead your ceremony in your languages
FAQ
Questions couples ask us
Is an officiant in Italy the same as an officiant in the US?
Not quite. In many US states an officiant can also sign your marriage license. In Italy a symbolic ceremony does not register your marriage on its own: the legal side follows Italian rules. There are ways for us to help with that too, and we explain them during our call.
Will our guests notice any difference?
No. They will see a complete ceremony with vows, rings and rituals, led by a professional. The difference is only on paper.
Can you make our wedding legal in Italy?
In some cases, yes. How it works depends on the place and on your situation, so we go through it with you during our call.
Which word should we use when we write to you?
Whichever you like. Celebrant or officiant: we know what you mean.
Check availability
Tell us about your ceremony
Share your date, place and languages. We usually reply quickly and suggest a call; in high season it may take a little longer, but we always get back to you.