Getting Married in a Castle in Britain

Marriage is recognised in the forms of both civil and religious unions. The legal minimum age to enter into a marriage is sixteen years although this requires parent consent in in England and Wales (but not in Scotland) if a participant is between the ages of sixteen and eighteen.

There is a distinction between religious marriages, conducted by an authorised religious celebrant, and civil marriages, conducted by a state registrar.

Civil partnerships are available to same-sex couples in the United Kingdom. Rights and responsibilities are virtually identical to civil marriage. In 2013, the UK Government introduced the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill to Parliament, to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales.

There are residency conditions that have to be met before people can be married.

Getting Married in a Château in France

France has specific laws concerning marriage. These must be followed by French citizens and by foreign nationals. A marriage in France is recognised as valid in most other countries.

French law recognises only civil marriage. This must be performed by a French Civil Authority usually a mayor (maire). The ceremony will be conducted in French. You are not required to have a translator present. Religious ceremonies are optional. They have no legal status and may only be held after the civil ceremony has taken place (which can be and often are on the same day.)

Because of France's residency requirements, many couples choose to get legally married in their home country and have a "blessing" in France. A popular type is a Humanist wedding ceremony. You can have a Humanist wedding ceremony at any location so can take advantage of the many beautiful settings that France has to offer.

Getting Married in a Castle in Italy

Italy does not have many requirements for getting married – convenient if you want to organize your wedding without much advance notice. Couples who want to travel to Italy for a wedding abroad need arrive only a few days before their wedding date.

The Italian marriage requirements can easily be fulfilled - mainly a document known as a Nulla Osta which all foreign non-Italians must provide prior to marrying in Italy. The main thing to look out for are public holidays interfering with the timing. Public offices and consulates are closed during holidays and at weekends.

US citizens require an Apostille. This is a document stapled to an original certificate by the Secretary of State or Notary Public of the State, which means that the documents can be used officially in a foreign country. Apostilles must be placed on any birth/divorce/death certificates presented for your civil wedding ceremony in Italy.