Want a wedding in Rome? Italy will now PAY you R34 000 to come say ‘I do’

Sounds a bit bonkers, doesn’t it? One might be thinking, “Nope, it’s a scam”, but the region of Lazio, Italy will actually fork out €2,000 (around R34 000) to couples if they choose to get married there.

The Lazio region in central Italy says they will now offer couples €2 000 cash to spend on their weddings or civil unions if they choose get married in the area, which includes one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world – Rome. The best part is that anyone can apply – even tourists.

So, what’s the catch?

According to a statement on their official website, Lazio’s new €10 million wedding fund called “Nel Lazio con amore,” or “From Lazio with Love,” was created to help couples and support companies within the wedding industry, particularly those affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

These include travel agencies, restaurants and catering, photographers, wedding planners, event companies, wedding dress packages, florists, personal services, etc.

The ‘catch’ or condition then, means that Italian and foreign couples who marry in Lazio from 1 January to 31 December 2022 must purchase services or products related to the event from Lazio-based companies.

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Say ‘I do’ in Italy

Lazio’s official website also stated that applications will be accepted from 28 February 2022 to 31 January 2023 or subject to availability (until the fund runs out). Here are some of the eligible expenses that you could cover using the €2 000:

• purchase of wedding favors;
• ceremony car rental;
• purchase of formal dress and accessories (groom or bride);
• floral arrangement;
• catering and restaurant services (maximum 700 euros);
• personal services related to the wedding day, such as hairstyle and make-up;
• honeymoon (maximum 700 euros);
• rental of rooms and locations for ceremonies and banquets;
• video shooting and photographic book services;
• animation, entertainment, show services;
• wedding planner service;
• purchase of wedding rings;
• printing of holdings.

For more info on how to apply, check out the details here.