Italy.  The birthplace of St. Valentine, the sultry backdrop to the star-crossed romance of Romeo and Juliet, and the perfect setting to conduct the ultimate celebration of your own love.  What better place to exchange your vows, after all, than in a country where love is not only in the air, but irrepressibly ingrained in its very culture, history and seductively beautiful landscape?
 
With thousands of besotted couples flocking to Europe’s romance capital each year to tie the knot, Italy is more than equipped to offer weddings of all shapes, sizes and themes, as well as a diverse choice of venues and packages.  Whether it’s a dramatic cliff-top wedding by the sea that you have always dreamed of, a more secluded affair in a glamorous private villa or exotic Italian vineyard, a traditional ceremony in a gorgeous historic church or an extravagant celebration in a luxury hotel, it is certain you will find an option to fulfil even the wildest of wedding fantasies!
 
Legal procedures for foreign couples wishing to marry in Italy are not too restrictive in most cases, with an even more simplified two-hour application process now available to US citizens; for couples of other nationalities, a period of 60 to 90 days for booking your Italian wedding is usually advised as a minimum to allow time for approval from both countries to be processed, in addition to considering waiting lists or booking restrictions on individual venues.  It is also important to remember that under Italian law, a wedding is only considered official if it takes place in a town hall, church or religious building - therefore if you are considering an outdoor or hotel wedding, be aware that it will be symbolic rather than legally binding and you will have to sign the wedding register in the local town hall in order to make it official.  Once all these details and their accompanying paperwork has been dealt with however, Italy is your oyster – and with available locations ranging from castles to cliff tops, you may be glad of the extra time to thoroughly consider your options!
 
Naturally Italy is also a choice destination for honeymooners to relax after the big day, and as with its weddings, there are few tastes that cannot be catered to.  Journey to Sorrento and explore its quaint seaside towns and extraordinary seascapes, stroll hand in hand through the sleepy vineyards and winding mountain roads of Tuscany, or stretch out in the sun on the sandy shores of Sardinia.  If the city is more your scene, Venice was built for lovers – take a romantic gondola ride through its historic canals, absorbing the sights as A gondolier serenades you, before sampling some of the finest cuisine in Europe (gourmet seafood is a speciality) as the sun sets sleepily on the outdoor terraces and squares.  Luxury hotels throughout the city offer not only gorgeous views of the city and canals, but outstanding honeymoon suites where the décor, façades and furnishings will immerse you in classic Venetian opulence, and a range of dedicated personalised services will make you feel like royalty. 
 
Wherever you decide to go in a country so steeped in history, drama and passion, one thing is certain: discovering your own piece of Italy on your honeymoon is sure to set your married life in motion in the most romantic manner possible.  Its unique intrigue and ancient, all-encompassing beauty will provide an experience that you will never forget.  

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