Destination Weddings in Italy

How You Can Plan a Destination Wedding in Italy from Abroad

Italy is one of the most romantic countries in the world. With its unequaled cities, art, wine, food, and beautiful landscapes, it’s not surprising that many couples choose to have a destination wedding in Italy.

Planning a destination wedding in Italy from abroad is a little tricky but not as hard as you might think. There are a few things that you should know to help you plan in advance, and get vital paperwork together. If even one document is missing, the entire ceremony will be delayed, even while your guests are waiting. To avoid this, many couples use the services of a wedding planner. Others, who either speak Italian well, or find an English-speaking Town Clerk manage to arrange things themselves with the help of their local Italian Consulate in the US.

Where to Have a Wedding in Italy

Italy is full of magical places, including historic churches, beautiful castles, and romantic villas. Some of the most popular regions to marry in are:

• Amalfi Coast Just south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast boasts breathtaking ccean views across rocky cliffs, good and inexpensive wines, and amazing food.
  
  
  
• Florence Located within Tuscany, Florence was the seat of the Italian Renaissance. It has legendary museums and is the place to see the most important Italian art, including Michelangelo’s David. It’s also a romantic city of piazzas and beautiful architecture. Furthermore, because of local laws, foreigners may find it easier to have a religious wedding ceremony here than in other parts of Italy.
  
  
  
• Tuscany The beautiful countryside of Tuscany is rich with rolling hills, fine wines, and grand Italian villas. Home not only to Florence, but also to the popular towns of Siena and Cortona.
  
  
  
• Umbria For those who want to get away from fellow tourists, Umbria might be the perfect solution. This central region has similar landscape to Tuscany with rolling hills, lush river valleys, and quaint small towns. Birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Francis, Umbria has many historic churches.
  
  
  
• Venice Known as the floating city, Venice is one of the most romantic places in the world. Travel by gondola to the Palazzo Cavalli, a palace owned by the city of Venice, where you can get married by the mayor and take pictures in front of the Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal.
  
  
  
• Verona Located in the north of Italy, between Milan and Venice, Verona is primarily known to westerners as the land of Romeo and Juliet. Tourists flock to the supposed homes of the star-crossed lovers, and you can have your wedding ceremony in Guarienti hall, near Juliet’s Tomb.

Map of Italy

The Basics of a Wedding in Italy

You, along with two witnesses, must appear before the Town Clerk and declare your intention to get married, with all of the appropriate documents in hand. If either of you is an Italian resident, then your marriage announcement (banns) must be posted for two consecutive Sundays. Fortunately, posting banns is not required for non-residents. It’s recommended that you arrive in Italy three to four days before your wedding, so that the Town Clerk has time to process all of your paperwork.

Here’s what you’ll need to have for a civil wedding ceremony in Italy:

• Passport or Armed Forces identification card
  
  
• Certified birth certificate, plus a certified “Apostille” Italian translation
  
  
• If applicable, divorce decree, annulment or death certificate, certified “Apostille”
  
  
• Atto Notorio – a sworn declaration in front of the Italian Consulate in the US, with two witnesses.
  
  
• Nulla Osta – a sworn declaration in front of the US Consulate in Italy

There are small fees for both the Atto Notorio and the Nulla Osta. You’ll also need to pay a fee for the rental of the marriage hall, approximately 150 to 300 Euros.

A Religious Wedding in Italy

Couples who want to have a Protestant wedding in Italy will find that the minister will usually ask them to have a civil ceremony first, in order to ensure that all legal requirements have been met. It can be pretty difficult to find a Roman Catholic priest to marry non-Italians. If you can, and have certificates of Catholic baptism, confirmation, and completion of Pre-Cana requirements, then an additional civil ceremony is not necessary.

Please note: Marriage license laws often change. The above information is provided for helpful guidance only and is not legal advice. Please consult your US Consulate and other advisors before making any wedding or travel plans

Italian Wedding Planners

There are many companies able to help you plan a destination wedding in Italy. Look for a knowledgeable wedding planner based in Italy, so that they can help you file paperwork in advance, and smooth things over with local officials.

These companies deal with many cities and regions across Italy. If you already know the city you want to get married in, there are also smaller companies that specialize in certain regions.

source :

By Nina Callaway

Marriage in Hong Kong

Marriage in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Marriage Ordinance (Chapter 181) governs marriages contracted in Hong Kong and United States citizens wishing to marry here must comply with the provisions of this law. There are no residency requirements for persons wishing to marry in Hong Kong.

At least seventeen days before the marriage is to take place , one of the parties to the proposed marriage should appear personally before the Hong Kong Marriage Registration Office to file a Notice of Marriage. The Marriage Registration Office is located at 3/F, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, Hong Kong (tel: 2867-2787). The person filing the Notice of Marriage must produce his/her passport and a xerox copy of the vital statistics pages of his/her fiance(e)'s identity documents. The Notice is valid for three months after its receipt by the Registrar. After three months, the Notice becomes void and fresh notice must be given. The Registration Office charges HK$305 (about U.S. $40) to process a Notice of Marriage application.

After the Notice is filed, 15 "clear" days (17 days including Sundays) must elapse when persons so authorized by law may file a written objection to the proposed marriage with the Registrar of Marriages. If no objection is received by the end of this period, the marriage may take place.

Children under age 16 may not marry in Hong Kong. Minors (16-21) need the written consent of their father (or mother if their father is deceased or incompetent) or legal guardian. Divorced or widowed persons should produce documentary evidence of their status. Divorced persons must fill out a supplementary form when filing the Notice of Marriage. They are also required to show a certified copy of the Court's final divorce decree sometime before the marriage takes place. Armed forces personnel must have written permission to marry from the senior overseas area commander of their particular branch of service. In these cases, registration of marriage may take up to 6 weeks.

In the event that neither party to the marriage is able to appear personally to file the Notice of Marriage, the necessary forms including the supplementary form required of divorced persons, can be obtained by writing the Registrar of Marriages. These forms must be executed before a Notary Public and returned to the Registry by registered air mail along with a fee of HK$305 (which can be a bank draft made payable to the Hong Kong Government). The marriage can take place no earlier than seventeen days after the Registrar has received the completed forms. After their arrival in Hong Kong, the two parties to the marriage must appear in person before the Registrar and show their identification documents.

Two witnesses are required at the marriage ceremony. Personnel of the American Consulate General in Hong Kong cannot witness marriages. The actual ceremony can take place either at a Marriage Registry Office or in a licensed church. It is not necessary to have both a church and Registry wedding. At the time the Notice of Marriage is filed, a date can be arranged for a Registry wedding. On local holidays it may be difficult to secure and appointment to marry at City Hall but it is usually possible to arrange for marriage ceremonies at other Registry offices, particularly in the outlying areas.

At the time of the ceremony, an additional HK$715 (about U.S. $93) on weekdays and HK$1,935 (about U.S.$251)on Sundays and Saturdays is charged for the marriage certificate. Extra copies can be obtained for nominal fee.

For additional information, interested persons can write directly to the Hong Kong Marriage Registration Office, at 3/F, Queensway Government Offices, Low Block, Hong Kong (tel: 2867-2787). Offices of the Hong Kong Marriage Registry are listed below.

How to Get Married in Hong Kong

Residency Requirements: none

Waiting Period: Fifteen days, during which the notice will be exhibited at the Marriage Registry and also at the Marriage Registration & Records. During this period, anyone who wishes to object to the proposed marriage may do so.
If neither you nor your fiancée are a resident of Hong Kong, you will need to give Overseas Notice by obtaining a "Notice of Marriage Form" from the Marriage Registration and Records Office. You will then need to have it notarized by a Notary Public of the country in which you reside, and returned to Hong Kong by registered airmail.

To complete the Notice of Marriage Form, you will both need to supply the following information:

Full name
Marital status
Rank or profession
Age
Dwelling places

In the case of a divorced person, proof of the dissolution of the former marriage by decree pronounced by a competent court is required; and before the marriage takes place, a sealed, certified copy of the court's final decree must be produced to the Registrar.

In the case of a widower or a widow, proof of former marriage and death certificate of former spouse are required.

Please note: If the divorce documents or death certificates are not written in English or Chinese, certified translations of them are required.

Appointments for marriage ceremonies are given on a first-come-first-served basis, and a request can be made when you return the completed Notice of Marriage.

A reply letter will be sent to you to confirm the appointment for marriage ceremony.

You should plan to arrive at the wedding ceremony at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time.

You will need to bring two adult witnesses to the ceremony.

Marriage registration

Notice of marriage

	A marriage can take place at a marriage registry by a registrar; or in a licensed place of public worship by a competent minister or at any other place in Hong Kong by a civil celebrant of marriages. A written notice of marriage on the prescribed form must be given in advance either directly at a marriage registry or through a civil celebrant of marriages in Hong Kong.
	There are no residential requirements on the marrying parties.
	The minimum legal age for getting married is 16 years of age (Gregorian reckoning).

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How to give a notice of marriage

The notice, except for an overseas notice, is given by one or both of the parties to the proposed marriage at the marriage registry or through the civil celebrant of marriages with their Hong Kong identity cards or travel documents.

It is not necessary to fill in any application form at the time the notice is given by the marrying parties. However, to facilitate the printing of the notice, the following personal particulars of the parties must be provided:- name and surname; marital condition (i.e. whether bachelor/spinster; widower/widow; a divorced person; or previously married by any form of marriage); occupation; age; residential address; the full name of parents of each of the parties and, in the case of a party under the age of 21 - the name and address of the person consenting to the marriage, and also the capacity of this person (i.e. the relevant person or persons specified in the Third Schedule to the Marriage Ordinance). Proof of relationship with the relevant person(s) is required.

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Special requirements

Minors

	If either party is under the age of 21 but above the age of 16 and not a widower or a widow, the consent in writing of the relevant person or persons specified in the Third Schedule to the Marriage Ordinance must be produced to the Registrar of Marriages.
	If there is no such person capable of consenting, the party may apply to a District Judge for such consent.

Divorced person/widower or widow

	In the case of a divorced person, proof of the dissolution of the former marriage by decree pronounced by a competent court is required; and before the marriage takes place, a sealed certified copy of the court's final decree must be produced to the Registrar.
	In the case of a widower or a widow, proof of former marriage and death certificate of former spouse are required.
	If the divorce documents or death certificates are not written in English or Chinese, certified translations of such are required.

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Exhibition of notice of marriage & arrangement of the ceremony

	The notice will be exhibited at the marriage registry where it is given and also at the Marriage Registration & Records Office for at least 15 clear days.
	During this period any person who is authorised by law to object to the proposed marriage may do so by writing the word "Forbidden" on the copy of the notice produced by the Registrar for inspection, and by signing his name and the character in which he objects to the proposed marriage. If the Registrar of Marriages considers that the person is not in fact authorised by law to object, he may allow the marriage to proceed. If, however, he considers that the objection is valid, either of the parties may appeal against his decision by petition to the Court of First Instance to determine the matter. The decision of the Court of First Instance is final.
	If no objection is received after the period of 15 clear days, the marriage may take place.
	The exact date and time for the celebration of the proposed marriage should be fixed in advance in consultation with the Registrar in charge of the marriage registry where the marriage is to take place or with the officiating minister if the marriage is to take place in a licensed place of public worship or with the civil celebrant of marriages who will celebrate the marriage.
	After a notice of marriage is given, the marriage must take place within three months, otherwise the notice becomes void and fresh notice must be given before the marriage can take place.
	Each marrying couple can make only one appointment for giving of notice of intended marriage through either the Internet (website: www.gov.hk/marriagebooking) or the Interactive Voice Response System (telephone: 3102 3883).
	Appointments are given on a first-come-first-served basis to ensure that every person has a fair chance to be served.

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The ceremony at marriage registries

	The bride and bridegroom should attend 15 minutes before the time previously arranged with the Registrar, bringing two witnesses.
	Relatives and friends may be invited to be present at the marriage ceremony.
	At the ceremony, rings may be exchanged between the parties if they wish.
	The bride and bridegroom and witnesses will sign the marriage certificate in duplicate and the Registrar will give one certificate to them and file the other in the registry.

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Post-registration of marriage

	Both parties to a customary or validated marriage celebrated in Hong Kong before 7 October 1971 may apply for post-registration of the marriage. Where the other party of the marriage disputes in the application or his/her whereabouts is unknown, the applicant may apply for post-registration of marriage alone by producing a Court Order declaring that a customary or validated marriage subsists.
	Applicants are required to produce evidence indicative of their customary or validated marriage celebrated in Hong Kong before 7 October 1971. Two witnesses of the marriage are required to give statutory declarations to confirm their presence during the wedding ceremony.

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Fees

Fees are payable under the Marriage Ordinance and Marriage Reform Ordinance.

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Overseas Notice

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Who may give overseas notice

If both parties to a proposed marriage are living abroad and intend to have their marriage contracted in Hong Kong.

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How to give overseas notice

	They should write direct to the Hong Kong Marriage Registration & Records Office for a copy of notice of marriage form for completion.
	The completed form should be returned to the office by registered airmail as soon as possible.
	The parties' signatures on the form should be authenticated by a Notary Public of the country where they reside.
	Payment of the prescribed fee should be made by bank draft payable to 'The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region' which should be posted together with the completed notice of marriage.
	Request for appointment for marriage ceremony can be made by letter posted together with the completed notice of marriage.
	The notice of marriage takes effect from the date following the date of its receipt by Marriage Registration and Records Office.
	Reply letter would be sent to the parties to confirm the appointment for marriage ceremony.

source : all about Hongkong

Marriage Loans

Marriage Loans

Wedding are a time for family jubilation. No stone is left unturned to make wedding functions complete success. Marriage loans are gaining popularity in both rural as well as urban areas. Such a loan can also be availed under the personal loans category.

Maximum Amount of Marriage Loans Provided:

The maximum amount of loan varies form customer to customer,depending on a number of factors like, security/collateral offered by the customer, repayment capacity of the borrower, age of the borrower. Repayment can be done through monthly/quarterly/half yearly installments or under Equated Monthly Installments or EMI.

Interest Charged by Banks on Marriage loan:

The rate of interest is governed by the prevailing market rate at the time of loan taken. Fixed interest rates are generally preferred by customers.

Process of Marriage Loans Application:

Anyone can apply for a marriage loans by filing a form at the bank outlet. The banks charge a nominal amount as processing fee, this can vary in banks.

Documents Required for Marriage Loans Approval:

Salaried Individuals:

1. Proof of Identity (Passport Copy/ Voters ID card/ Driving License).
2. Address Proof (Ration card Tel/elect. Bill/ / Passport copy)
3. Bank Statements(latest 6 months bank statement /passbook)
4. Latest salary slip or current dated salary certificate with latest Form 16
   

Self Employed Professionals and Businessmen:

1. Proof of Identity (Passport Copy/ Voters ID card/ Driving License).
2. Address Proof (Ration card Tel/electricity Bill/ Passport )
3. Bank Statements(latest 6 months bank statement /passbook)
4. Latest ITR along with computation of income
   
   , B/S & P&L a/c for the last 2 yrs. certified by a CA
5. Qualification proof of the highest professional degree
6. Proof of continuation (Trade license /Establishment /Sales Tax certificate)
7. Other Mandatory Documents(Sole Proprietorship. Declaration. Or Certificate. Copy of Partnership Deed,Cert. Copy of MOA, AOA & Board resolution.)

List of Some of Banks Providing Marriage Loans:
Bank of Baroda - Baroda Loan Scheme For Marriage
UCO Bank - UCO Cash
HSBC Bank - Loan Amount For Marriage

source : http://www.surfindia.com

Marriage in Swiss

Marriage in Swiss

Have a Dream . . . . . We'll make it happen

Wedding Packages

At Swiss SE we offer a wide range of Wedding Packages to hopefully accommodate your every need, from small weddings, to big weddings, and even tailor made, unique weddings, just for you! Remember these packages are simply to demonstrate a sample of the costs for a wedding in Switzerland, and that you can always add any extra services to any of the packages! Please also note that some venues have additional rental fees, so please always inquire for the prices for your specific venue.

The Ceremony Only Packages are designed especially for just that - a small, intimate wedding, either with just the bride and groom, or even with a few guests. These packages are perfect for people who wish to have just a wedding ceremony, and not many extra and additional services.

The Full Service Packages are designed for those who wish to have access to our full service for a unforgettable wedding in Switzerland. These packages already include some extra services and wedding categories, which are usually requested for a big wedding, such as a DJ, a cake, and a photographer. CEREMONY + RECEPTION + BASIC WEDDING SERVICES

Premium Weddings are available to those looking for something truly high end and unique. Whether it's an exclusive castle venue, or a five star hotel, or just a luxurious elopement for the two of you, Swiss SE can make it happen.LUXURY WEDDINGS

Religious, Church, Chapel or Symbolic Blessing

A religious ceremony will not entitle you to an official wedding license recognized under Swiss and international laws. Therefore its meaning is purely symbolic.

Please see civil marriage for wedding license procedures and requirements.

Traditionally, most religious ceremonies are conducted in a Christian, Protestant or Catholic church or chapel, and are conducted by a priest or chaplain. A prior civil marriage is required. You have a variety of possibilities. Beautiful historical buildings several hundred years old, varying in size from cathedrals to quaint mountain or lakeside chapels with stunning beauty.

We can contact for you an ordained minister/ reverend / priest speaking German, French or English or you may wish to invite your own person of trust from home. We encourage to start this process 6 months prior to your wedding date to allow time to develop a personalized program with your officiant. If you are integrated in your home church, specially Catholics, please first check with your home diocesan for instructions.

We can rent the church of your choice in accordance with your beliefs, order floral decorations to match your color theme, decorate the entrance, pews and altar with flowers/ ribbons.Incidental music is your personal choice and often important. We can arrange organists, violinists, flutes, a classical quartet or a choir. Any musical performance will again have to be discussed with your officiant and planned well ahead.

A Symbolic Ceremony can basically be held anywhere you like, anytime. You are not bound to a religious ceremony involving an ordained minister/priest. Therefore no prior civil marriage is required.

Your dream of a wedding surrounded by beautiful scenery under the open sky is possible.

You may exchange your vows personally or enrole a speaker. Pascal can tastefully perform a speech in English, French or German. You may as well invite a friend or family member to do so. Bring your own text or poem, or have us present a text that suits your personal taste.

Winter ideas: Celebrate your wedding with a symbolic ceremony at a gazebo perched on the top of a mountain with stunning views, followed by a warm Swiss traditional lunch. Combine it with guided skiing & snow boarding in this winter wonderland. Snowshoe to a mountain hut, share your vows and exchange rings at a rustic Alp Hut and enjoy a Swiss Fondue and local wine. Pascal has been a snowsports instructor for 8 years and knows the area like his own pocket. Adventure and exciting fun. A special celebration with low impact to our environment.

Fall, Spring & Summer ideas: Our natural surroundings offer the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding in any season. Fly via helicopter to a glacier to exchange rings, enjoy a rustic lunch at an Alp hut and have us create fantastic photos with spectacular backgrounds. If you have adventure in mind, Tandem Paraglide or Sky dive seconds after exchanging your rings and swoop by your guests who are waiting for you on a cliffside restaurant. Charter a private ship for a cruise on our uncrowded and beautiful blue lakes, with a stop over at a castle for a lunch or champagne toast. A day your guests will never forget.

Create a lakeside ceremony with a flowered arch, your guests seated to face the open water. Have an intimate candlelight dinner at our heart shaped table perched on the dock in a most serene location.

Almost anything is possible. Share your ideas with us !

Wedding Reception Venue and Gallery

AIM OF THIS GALLERY

The aim of this page is to provide you with an idea about the types of reception venues available and also about various reception options offered. In this gallery we present the most popular reception venues, but please note this is only a small sample of the options available to you.

HOW MANY RECEPTION VENUES WE HAVE

We offer roughly 20 venues (and the number is growing) which we use on a regular basis throughout Switzerland. We have sorted some of the most popular in this gallery by different categories and requirements. All our clients that hire us for our services will have access to the complete list of location venues, not only the ones mentioned and available from the gallery.

QUALITY OF VENUES and SECURITY

We can ensure our clients that we will provide the best possible value and quality for your wedding. As we are not small wedding company anymore, we can provide more choice, more quality and more security. We give good business every year to these venues, so they cannot afford to do something wrong, otherwise they know they will not get the business from us again.

WHY THERE ARE NO NAMES IN OUR PUBLIC GALLERY

One of the reasons our clients are hiring us is for our knowledge of good restaurants, hotels who are wedding friendly and do not have unrealistic expectations, and who are fair in terms of prices. So, in order to protect our knowledge and contacts, only hired clients will have access to the names of their reception venues.

WHY TO USE SWISS SE FOR BOOKING DINNER OR RECEPTION VENUE

We have a long working relationship with all of our restaurants, hotels, and reception locations. Therefore, we are able to offer special services and prices at these locations than a normal person off the street would not be able to get. Why is that? Again as above, we give them good and continuous business so in turn, they provide us with privileged treatment. We pass this treatment on to our clients. For example, we get longer pre-booking periods and special deposit and payment scenarios, which are less strict and more favourable for our clients. Also, in case of any claim, which happens very rarely but could happen, the venue cannot afford not to solve it to their favor, as again our working relationship with them could be hurt and they may not get anymore business from us. Another very important note (for some clients) is fact that we know the sizes of different venues more than well. Therefore, we are able to suggest a venue that fits exactly the size you need - ie. If your group consists of 30 guests, we would not suggest that you be in the restaurant for 100, as there would be other restaurant customers in the same space, and you would have no privacy. We are able to recommend restaurant, hotels, and premises specifically tailored to serve receptions for 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 et.c guests, which provide full privacy for your wedding party.

DINNER and RECEPTION ARRANGEMENT

Obviously, the sample menus you see can be changed as you like - these are merely samples. You have the flexibility to mix different menus together, suggest your own menu (the venue will then provide exact pricing for that in advance). Basic reception venue decoration is usually provided by the reception/dinner venue, but once again you can always make changes to this and in return receive the corresponding price for these decorations.

source by : http://www.switzerlandweddingcompany.com