Get married in Italy with a symbolic rite

First of all, organizing a symbolic ceremony means choosing the ritual that best captures your love and is able to create a magical atmosphere in which to celebrate the most important moment for you.

Even the location, clothes and decorations must be in perfect harmony with the chosen symbolic rite. Such a spiritual ceremony is very evocative if celebrated in places surrounded by nature. Green lawns and enchanted woods undoubtedly represent an ideal setting, but even beaches and lakes are no less so. Choose a vineyard in Chianti, a castle nestled among Tuscan hills, a breathtaking location in the heart of the most famous Tuscan cities and start planning your symbolic Italian wedding

Symbolic wedding ceremony checklist

The symbolic wedding is a ceremony in which the couple chooses to celebrate their own union giving maximum importance to spirituality. There are different types of symbolic ceremonies, each with its own peculiarity and with a specific and fascinating ritual that reflects the couple’s values and personalities. It can also be accompanied by a civil or religious rite.

What do you need for a symbolic ceremony? First of all, you should choose a central ritual: you will discover the most famous and beloved ones in this article. You also need a celebrant, maybe even a bilingual one if you have both Italian and foreign guests. A microphone and speakers are often provided by the location, and a trusted wedding planner in Italy will make sure that everything is smooth and every guest is included.

Why choose a symbolic rite?

First of all, it is interesting to analyze the motivations that drive couples to favor this type of ceremony. The symbolic rite is ideal for those who do not recognize themselves in any kind of religion and also for those who do not feel the need to sign a contract to be able to declare their love union valid.

It is also a ceremony that is undoubtedly perfect for a vows renewal, perhaps on the occasion of their wedding anniversary. Another valid reason that can push a couple to prefer this ceremony is the possibility of being able to choose a friend, a relative or anyone who has an important bond with you as a celebrant. In this way the ceremony will be unique and really personal.

The ceremony: which rite to choose?

There are many types of symbolic rites: the sand ceremony, the light ceremony, the handfasting and the rings ceremony. 

Sand Ceremony

Without a doubt, this is one of the most beloved rituals. It is characterized by the use of glass jars containing colorful sand. The bride and groom will pour a little bit of sand from their jar into an empty container while exchanging wedding vows. This symbolizes, through the birth of a new color, the beginning of their life together. The couple can also include special people in their life to represent the valuable community around the new family.

Light Ceremony

A highly suggestive ritual that involves the use of candles. The bride and groom will have their own candle which they will use to light a third candle, representing the strength of their union. It can also be accompanied by other candles that, following the same methodology, will symbolize the arrival of a child or the support of family and friends.

Handfasting

This ceremony has its origins in an ancient Irish ritual. The celebrant ties the hands of the couple with a rope or a colorful ribbon that symbolizes the union of their souls forever. An absolutely suggestive and fascinating ritual that creates perfect photo opportunities and an emotional moment for guests.

Ring Ceremony

The guests will all hold the wedding rings, passing them along the aisle, squeezing them for a few moments between their hands while formulating a positive thought towards the couple. The rings, once returned to the bride and groom, will be filled with the love of relatives and friends.

Everything to know about symbolic weddings in Italy

What is a symbolic wedding and how is it different from a legal wedding?

A symbolic wedding does not involve any legal requirements. It could be accompanied by a legal or religious rite or be completely on its own. It’s a way to celebrate the couple and their spiritual union, without any legal requirement per se.

Can we have a symbolic wedding in Italy without doing legal paperwork there?

Yes. Being completely separated by any legal meaning, the symbolic wedding doesn’t require paperwork. You can even have your legal wedding in your home country and then fly to Italy with friends and family for a symbolic rite and wonderful celebration.

Do we need a celebrant for a symbolic ceremony in Italy?

Yes, you always need a celebrant for a symbolic wedding. It could be a professional (and your local wedding planner will help finding the right person) or one of your friends or relatives. The inclusion of a loved one makes the ceremony even more personal and unique.

Can we include cultural elements or personal rituals in a symbolic wedding?

Of course you can! Since there are no legal requirements, you can add anything to your celebration. Cultural or religious elements, personal vows and passages of a beloved poem or book make the day even more special.

How long does a symbolic wedding ceremony usually last?

The usual duration of a symbolic celebration is between 15 and 40 minutes (depending on the rite you choose and the speeches or readings involved). Keep in mind the comfort of your guests. A short and sweet ceremony will keep everyone invested and emotional. 

Is a symbolic ceremony suitable for all guests?

Usually yes. It eliminates discomfort due to differences in faith and is highly emotional. Just remember to pick a bilingual celebrant if there are guests for different countries, ensuring everyone understands the rite and can be involved without language barriers.