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Choose a Celebrant

For a Wedding Ceremony in Italy

When you get married in Italy, one of the key figures on your wedding day is the person who creates and officiates your wedding ceremony. Your wedding celebrant in Italy tells your story to all those who have travelled so far to support your decision to be united in marriage. The words in the ceremony script set the mood for the party that follows and that can make all the difference! A powerful appearance that kicks off the rest of your event. Consequently, choosing the right Italian wedding celebrant is crucial to the success of your wedding day celebration.

Here are some tips we offer as wedding officiants in Italy to help you choose the right person to fulfill the role.

The Golden Rule when choosing a Wedding Officiant in Italy is to set up an online video call before you commit. Planning a destination wedding in Italy has become much easier since you can meet all your local Italian vendors online using Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype. It’s free for everyone so there’s no excuse not to do it!

Remember to check time zone compatibility using the meeting planner available for free on timeanddate.com

Qualities to look for in an Italian wedding celebrant during the online interview:

Verify how well the person speaks your language. Your celebrant should be able to speak English clearly and smoothly, with enough accent so they give an authentic Italian touch without hindering comprehension.

Listen to their tone of voice and see whether it sounds nice and projects well. If your group is small, about 20-30 guests, you may not need a P.A. system as long as the celebrant’s voice can be heard.

Ask questions spontaneously, just like in a job interview. See the following list of 10 questions to ask.

10 Questions you should ask your wedding celebrant in Italy

How many weddings has the celebrant performed? You may like to ask them to tell you about one that stands out;
Does the celebrant perform special rituals like handfasting or lighting a unity candle?
Is the celebrant comfortable with adding religious elements or readings? While a symbolic celebrant is not a member of the clergy, they are typically open to adding some spiritual wording.
Can you write your own personal vows and does the celebrant offer free coaching?
What material does the celebrant make available to inspire your ceremony?
How long does the ceremony typically last?
What does the celebrant typically wear for the wedding ceremony? (color of robe, suit and tie, style of dress or pantsuit);
What are the fees, cancellation policy, payment timeline (deposit, final balance) and methods of payment available? Also ask who pays any extra fees involved (PayPal vs bank vs cash). Some officiants outline all this in a letter of agreement or contract.
What do fees include in terms of travel expenses, resources (ceremony samples, props), personalized wedding certificate, rehearsal attendance and most of all, TAXES! Remember that many businesses in Italy add 22% IVA (tax) at check out;
How many hours are included before and after the ceremony? If the bride is way behind schedule or guests are travelling from other locations to the ceremony location, you may want to know if there is an extra charge for additional hours.

If you haven’t hired a wedding planner, your celebrant can give you guidance on ceremony set up, logistics, and tips for your processional/recessional formation and timing. Rehearsal attendance is normally charged separately and depends on availability and proximity to your wedding venue.

While your wedding celebrant in Italy is not a vendor you would typically tip, it is a nice gesture to ask them to attend the cocktail hour. This gives your parents and other guests the chance to meet them and congratulate them on a job well done!

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