The Protestant Church in Italy is represented by different denominations: Adventist, Anglican, Baptist, Reformed, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Evangelist, Methodist, Episcopalian, and others. The differences in theology and practice are reflected in the wedding services. In protestant weddings, God’s will is presented and the Lordship of Jesus is proclaimed. The wedding guests are part of the service and they share hymns, and readings and respond to the couple’s exchange of vows.
Protestant Churches can be found in fairly large cities like Venice, Florence, Rome, and Naples, however Pastors are normally happy to travel and the Protestant Wedding ceremony can be performed all over Italy with the background of beautiful villas, castles, in private chapels, or outdoors, in romantic and secluded gardens.
Protestant wedding ceremonies in Italy can be legally binding if spouses meet all the necessary requirements.
How protestant ceremony is performed?
The traditional marriage ceremony usually includes a welcome to guests, an Introduction, a reading of Scripture, a Declaration of Consent, an exchange of vows and rings, and the Solemn Nuptial Blessing. It also includes the Lord’s Prayer and the signing of documents (or parchment) at the end of the ceremony. The attendants are active participants in the ceremony. By taking part in the ceremony through personal remarks, scriptural readings, and responses, guests can help to share in the experience of an Italy wedding. Furthermore, the couple can personalize their own ceremony by choosing favorite readings or lessons (from suggested Bible passages or other romantic works) by adding their own personal vows or promises to the formal one or adding special parts like “the exchange or roses”, “lighting of candles” or the traditional Jewish “breaking of the glass” etc. If requested by the couple, our Ministers may perform a simpler ceremony to meet and satisfy their own religious and personal wishes. The couple may discuss the style of ceremony directly with the Minister or his/her personal secretary.
To plan a Protestant wedding, the couple must contact, by phone or email, the Minister/Pastor (or his/her personal secretary) who will perform your wedding in Italy. This is a simple process, but must be done in enough time, before your coming to Italy. Our team will help with the timing and choice of minister. Marriage between people of different denominations or faiths is possible. It is required, however, that at least one of the parties be a baptized Christian. We arrange everything for you.
Locations
Should you prefer to celebrate your Italian Protestant marriage in a church, Italy has a rich history of beautiful Protestant churches of various denominations, particularly in cities such as Rome, Trieste, Venice, and Florence. One of the finest venues in the 18th-century Protestant church in Florence with stunning stained glass windows, Gothic arches, and a white marble exterior. Contact us to find other locations.