he Italian State recognises the sacrament of marriage as defined by canon law, with a priest present therefore, as a State Registrar. This can be enjoyed in any one of a number of Venice’s beautiful churches including the most important one – the Basilica di San Marco.

Catholic Ceremony

If you are baptised into the Roman Catholic religion and wish to celebrate your wedding in a Catholic church in Venice, you must visit your own parish priest first so as to gain the necessary documents and to rehearse your vows with him. At this point, he will send a request that you be married to the parish priest who has been asked to perform the service in the church you have chosen. It is always best to visit him the day before your wedding. In the event that you have already been married in a civil ceremony, then you need perform only the religious one.

If the couple is not already married, then the usual practices associated with a civil union must be also be observed, as well as those for the church, before the priest can perform the ceremony. The recommended practise is therefore to perform the civil service in Palazzo Cavalli first and then go on to the church one.

Anglican Service

Anglican Blessing

Valdese or Methodist Rites

Simple Valdese or Methodist Blessing

Jewish Ceremony

Is performed by a Rabbi in Venice’s Synagogue

Greek Orthodox Ceremony

Orthodox Blessing