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To get married in Ticino

 

Procedures for a civil marriage for Swiss citizens living outside Ticino or foreign citizens with Swiss residency.

Step 1
The couple needs to announce to the competent authority (civil office) of their township (if the couple has different townships, they need to choose one out of the two and announce themselves), that they wish to get married. The civil office will advise them about the procedures and the papers they need to present. After presenting the required papers, the township will issue a written 3 months authorization permit. Within these 3 months, the couple will be able to marry everywhere in Switzerland.


Step 2
Depending on where the couple wishes to get married in Ticino, they need to contact one of the 8 district administrative offices in Ticino (Ufficio distrettuale dello stato civile), please find the list in the following page.


Step 3
The couple needs to present all the requested papers to the district administrative office, then decide in which wedding hall to get married, contact the competent authority (contact information are given by the district administrative office) and in conjunction with the authority set a date.


Step 4
Organization of the wedding ceremony and the celebration. If necessary contact of a local wedding planner or DMC.


Procedures for a civil marriage for foreign citizens without Swiss residency.

Step 1
The couple needs to announce to the closest Swiss Embassy/Consulate their intention of getting married in Switzerland. The Swiss competent authority will inform them about the procedures and the required preliminary papers.


Step 2
Afterwards the Swiss Embassy/Consulate invites the couple to contact one of Ticino’s 8 district administrative offices. The bride and groom-to-be will need the help of an interpreter if neither of them speak one of the three Swiss national languages (Italian, German or French).


Step 3
The couple needs to present all the requested papers to the district administrative office, then decide in which wedding hall to get married, contact the competent authority (contact information are given by the district administrative office) and in conjunction with the authority set a date.


Step 4
Organization of the wedding ceremony and the celebration. If necessary contact of a local wedding planner or DMC.