Find your happy ending in Sorrento
With its stunning views across the Bay of Naples, dramatic coastal scenery, rich and varied history, temperate climate, and fragrant lemon groves, it is little wonder that Sorrento has become one of the best-loved destination weddings in Italy.
Saying ‘I do’ in Sorrento
Blessed with so many architectural wonders and places of natural beauty to choose from, it may be hard for couples to decide on where they want to say, “I do”.
Sorrento is able to host a number of ceremonies, including Anglican and spiritual weddings, and those representative of other faiths. There are some truly stunning churches in Sorrento, each illustrating a part of the town’s past. Other popular wedding venues include; St. Francesco Cloisters, a stunning eighth century monastery with a beautiful courtyard, sweeping archways, and trailing greenery; the Museo Correale de Terranova, a striking Sorrentine Villa, which houses some of Sorrento’s finest artwork and examples of its cultural and archaeological past; Villa Fondi, a beautiful eighteenth century villa with spectacular views across the bay, which is listed among Italy’s National Monuments; and Fattoria Terranova Farmhouse, a perfect example of the Sorrento way of life.
Having said those all-important vows, Sorrento has a plethora of gorgeous reception locations to choose from, whether the new Mr and Mrs would like to dine al fresco on the beach, entertain in a luxurious hotel, or keep things traditional in a local taverna.
Keeping it legal
When organising a wedding in Sorrento, it is imperative for couples to remember their documentation; this ensures that the marriage is legally binding, and prevents nasty surprises and stress during those final days of planning. It is also important to leave plenty of time to plan a dream wedding, allowing all legalities to be completed, for translated paperwork to be returned, and ensuring that venues are booked well in advance.
Although not an exhaustive list, some of the paperwork that may be required includes a birth certificate for the bride and groom, their passports, their witnesses’ passports, a Nulla Osta (obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs, this confirms a couple’s legal right to marriage), and previous marriage certificates and decree of divorce if applicable. For Catholic ceremonies, a baptism certificate and proof of a pre-marriage course may also be required. These documents must be translated prior to a couple arriving in Italy, as this can be a lengthy process.
Once in Sorrento, an application for a Declaration of Intention to Marry should be made to a civil registrar. Those getting married in a religious ceremony may also need to participate in a brief civil ceremony preceding their wedding.
A very Sorrento honeymoon
With an abundance of luxurious, yet cheap hotels in Sorrento, the coastal town is the ideal destination for a romantic honeymoon once the legalities have been completed.
Located along the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Drive, Sorrento is the ideal base from which to explore the rest of this beautiful region. Positano, Pompeii, Herculaneum, Capri, Vesuvius, and Ischia are all within easy reach, while Rome makes for a fantastic day trip. Of course, many newlyweds may choose to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Sorrentine Peninsular; the opportunities are endless.
Images via t0m0, marttj, The Consortium and ekieraM
