Can You Get Married at the Duomo di Milano? What to Expect.
Elena + Andre
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No, unfortunately you cannot get married inside the Duomo di Milano. According to the Diocese of Milan, weddings is not celebrated in the Cathedral. Instead, weddings take place in the parish churches of the couple's residence.
Here, strict Catholic guidelines are typically followed. These guidelines include prerequisites such as completing a pre-marital course. The church will also require that both parties get baptized as Catholics. and obtain permissions from the local parish.
For non-Catholic couples or those considering an elopement, there is a great alternative! Right in front of the Duomo di Milano is an amazing location to exchange vows. The steps of the cathedral offers a breathtaking backdrop for an unforgettable ceremony.
When’s the best time to get married at the Duomo?
Ok, you’ve decided you want to elope in an iconic setting. Congrats! You're stepping outside the traditional path and choosing to embrace an unforgettable experience that’s true to you and your partner.
Golden hour, just before sunrise, is ideal for eloping at the Duomo di Milano. This time gives you the best lighting and shows off the cathedral’s beauty. There are also fewer people around, making it easier to get clear, beautiful photos.
After 8 or 9 am, the area gets busier, which can make capturing the perfect shots more difficult.
But at sunrise, the desolate city feels like is all yours. It’s quiet and perfect for intimate moments and exchanging vows.
But….let’s say you are not a morning person, but still want amazing Duomo views without all the crowds. Think about having a private ceremony on a rooftop! These spots offer stunning views and a more private setting.
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ELENA + ANDRE
Intimate Rooftop Venues for a Private Duomo Ceremony
1. Terrazza Aperol – A trendy spot with a clear look at the Duomo.
2. Duomo 21 Terrace – Perfect for capturing close-up shots of the cathedral.
3. Terrazza La Rinascente – Romantic and cozy with a beautiful setting.
4. The Roof Milano – A stylish venue with the iconic cathedral in view.
5. Obicà Mozzarella Bar – Laid-back, with great food and atmosphere.
6. Terrazza Gallia – An elegant space offering a luxurious experience.
7. Giacomo Arengario – A historic spot with a mix of city and cathedral scenes.
8. Terrazza Martini – Lively and vibrant with sweeping cityscapes.
9. Terrazza 12 – Modern, with a partial but unique perspective of the Duomo.
These rooftops offer a perfect way to enjoy a private ceremony in Milan!
How to get a marriage certificate in Italy.
If you’re a US citizen planning to marry in Italy, here’s what you’ll need to:
1. Gather Legal Documents:
Obtain an Atto Notorio, Nulla Osta, and Declaration of Intent to Marry. You’ll also need :
A: Birth certificates
B: Passports (original or notarized),
C: Certificate of No Impediment (CNI).
The CNI can be retrieved at your embassy or consulate.
2. Decide Between a Symbolic or Legal Ceremony: You can choose between symbolic or legally binding ceremonies. For legal ones, all paperwork must be translated into Italian and legalized.
3. Register in Your Home Country: After the wedding, the marriage must be registered locally to be valid in your country.
If either of you is divorced, you’ll need proof of the divorce. Women divorced within the past 300 days must visit the Italian District Attorney’s office to get a waiver. Women must also provide medical proof confirming they aren’t pregnant. If you are reading this, thinking that is unfair….well, I’m 100% with you here).
This may sound like a lot, but proper planning or help from an elopement planner can simplify things!
Part 1: Obtained in Your Home Country
Atto Notorio: Before heading to Italy, get an Atto Notorio. This document confirms your identity and eligibility to marry. It can be obtained at your local Italian embassy. Bring copies of your passports and two witnesses with valid IDs.
Make sure to get the Atto Notorio within three months of your wedding, as it expires after that. All documents need to be translated into Italian. Once everything is verified, you’ll receive the Atto Notorio. This will bring you one step closer to your Italian wedding!
Part 2: Obtained in Italy
Nulla Osta: Get the Nulla Osta at a US embassy in cities like Milan, Florence, or Rome. Schedule an appointment and make a sworn statement saying there are no legal issues with your marriage. The fee is $50 per person, and it’s valid for six months. After receiving the Nulla Osta, take it to the local “Prefettura” near your wedding location to have it legalized.
Declaration of Intent to Marry: Go to the town hall with your documents to fill out the Declaration of Intent to Marry. It’s helpful to bring an interpreter, as not all staff may speak English.
Civil vs. Religious Ceremony
Decide whether you want a civil or religious ceremony.
Civil Ceremonies: Civial Ceremomies are held at town halls or venues. These are conducted by the mayor or deputy. You will need to arrive with two witnesses who are unrelated. It's a good idea to have an interpreter, but they can’t act as a witness.
Religious Ceremonies: If you choose a Catholic ceremony, it’s led by a Roman Catholic priest in a church. If the priest isn’t Catholic, you’ll also need a civil ceremony to make it official.
All documents should be translated into Italian and apostilled for authenticity. After the ceremony, register your marriage with the local Registrar to ensure it’s valid in the US.
Eloping in Italy is a magical experience, especially with the help of an elopement photographer and planner. I’ll handle the local customs, venues, and paperwork, so you can focus on enjoying your day. From managing the legalities to coordinating with vendors, I’ll take care of it all. Just be sure to set your elopement date first, as it will guide your timeline for documents.
Together, we’ll make your elopement dreams a beautiful reality!
