Get married at sea in Italy: Is it legal to get married at sea on a boat in Italy? 

Italian law does not recognise a marriage celebrated at sea on a boat as legally valid.

Although getting married on a boat in the open sea in Italy may seem like a fascinating choice, the procedure is far more complex compared to a wedding held on a docked boat in a port.

Under Italian law, a wedding on a boat is possible and legal only if it takes place in a port or a bay within territorial waters. In such cases, legal jurisdiction is clearer, and the bureaucratic processes are simplified.

In open sea, however, the conditions for celebrating a marriage are more complicated, especially if the boat is outside Italian territorial waters—beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast. Beyond this limit, Italy loses territorial jurisdiction, making the legal recognition of the marriage difficult.

Outside these scenarios, a wedding celebrated at sea on a boat in Italy would simply constitute a “symbolic marriage.”

Get married at sea in Italy: Is it possible to get married in international waters? 

Yes, it is possible to get married in international waters, although there are several legal challenges to navigate, as there are no universal laws governing marriages in international waters. For some countries, a marriage at sea is legally valid, provided it takes place on a vessel flying a foreign flag outside territorial waters.

For more details on getting married in international waters, we recommend reading this article.

Get married at sea in Italy: what is a symbolic wedding in Italy? 

If you wish to make your wedding truly unique and still celebrate it on the open sea aboard a boat in Italy, it is advisable to first have a civil wedding and then organise a symbolic ceremony at sea to make your day unforgettable.

However, it is important to remember that only the civil ceremony will have legal validity.

The chosen vessel must be registered and compliant with Italian maritime safety regulations. It is also necessary for the boat to have a qualified captain on board, responsible for the safety of all passengers.

Get married at sea in Italy: How can we help you?

Getting married on a boat off the Italian coast is legal, provided you comply with the regulations and requirements established by international laws.

This type of ceremony offers breathtaking views and an intimate experience, perfect for couples who wish to make their wedding unforgettable. However, it is essential to be well-informed and meticulously plan every detail to ensure everything is conducted in accordance with the law.

If you dream of getting married at sea on a boat in Italy, our team of expert wedding planners and lawyers can help you organize the ceremony of your dreams, handling all the legal and logistical aspects. Contact us for more information and make your dream a reality!