Hello Fodorites:<BR>My partner and I live in Australia. We are looking to get married in an 'elopement' style wedding. Any suggestions for beautiful yet 'do-able' wedding locations? It would be a civil wedding - not a religious one.<BR>Thanks in anticipation. Eve

I am an american who lives in Germany and will be getting married in Denmark. It is very difficult getting married in europe. Check with your embassy about getting married in other countries and then check that countries embassy for the rules and regulations.All this can be done by websites and email.

Compared to most other European countries, marriage formalities in the UK are a lot less complicated or bureaucratic. Traditional venue for runaway weddings is Gretna Green, just in Scotland north of Carlisle. You can get married at the traditional Old Blacksmith's Shop or other venues. Look at http://www.gretnagreen.com/

Eve, congratulations.<BR><BR>My friends (1 Kiwi & 1 Aussie)were married in a civil ceremony at Leonardo Da Vinci's childhood home in Vinci, Italy, in Oct this year. It was just lovely. This we organised ourselves without the help of any agent charging exhorbitant fees.<BR><BR>If you decide Italy is the place, first contact the Italian Embassy (or Consulate) and find out what is needed (there'll be lots of official translations needed, but it CAN be done).<BR><BR>Then contact Stefania Manvogli at the Tourist Information Office in Vinci. She was wonderful. She helped organise the location (there are a number to choose from), the celebrant, the interpreter (Caroline Meehan who incidentally grew up in Melbourne & Geelong) and last minute details. You can contact Stefania<BR><BR>by phone: (0039) 0571 76595 or 349 1476190<BR>or email at: terredelrinascimentoecomune.vinci.fi.it<BR><BR>The Tourist Information Office:<BR>Le Terre del Rinascimento<BR>Ufficio Turistico Intercomunale<BR>Via della Torre, 11<BR>50059 Vinci (Fl) Italia<BR>Tel/fax: (0039) 0571/568012<BR><BR>We stayed at a villa nearby, La Pasciolica, which we booked through Interhome. <BR>Their website: http://web.tiscalinet.it/Pasciolica<BR>Contact Maria & Bruno Fonatelli by email:<BR>[email protected]<BR>or fax: 0571 584856<BR>or phone: 0347 8838639 (they don't speak english)<BR><BR>There are a number of hotels, agritourismos & restaurants in & around Vinci. The Tourist Office should be able to help.<BR><BR>The local florist did a sterling job with only 2 days notice. <BR><BR>If you need any more details or would like to see photos, please email me.<BR><BR>Good luck!

Eve, sorry about the Tourist Office email address, something's missing but can't find what. Email me and I'll try to figure it out.<BR><BR>Here's a Vinci site if you're interested:<BR>http://www.leonet.it/comuni/vinci/index.html

Eve, the Vinci Tourist Office email is:<BR><BR>[email protected] <BR><BR>The Florence Tourist Office helped me with this. Their details:<BR>email: [email protected]<BR>Web: www.turismo.toscana.it<BR><BR>IF you decide to marry in Italy, you simply MUST include Venice...very romantic!<BR>

Rhonda<BR><BR>What an absolutely AMAZING idea! Getting married in Da Vinci's childhood home. Oh, wow, now I need to get married again!<BR><BR>I've copied all your suggestions into a file. Thank you for sharing this wonderful info.

Oops, think I've made another blunder. The phone numbers I gave for Stefania are Caroline's (the interpreter). Best to contact the Tourist Information Office, (0039) 0571 568012.