SKI WEDDINGS
www.skiweddings.com
SKI WEDDINGS The idea of being able to marry in the Italian Alps has captured the minds of many and become a reality for dozens of couples over the past decade. Our wedding service has provided those couples with what all describe as a unique event and the most memorable day of their lives.
Set high in the mountains of Italy, on the border with Switzerland, the traditional alpine village of Champoluc provides a stunning venue for a winter wedding. Our weddings take place in the ancient town hall with far reaching views along the Ayas Valley and are normally followed by a celebratory drink on the slopes of the Monterosa ski area, with an opportunity for bride and groom to take to the nursery slopes in wedding attire in front of the cameras. Our service includes the full support of our small, friendly team, based both here in the UK and in Champoluc. Our company is privately owned and we are renowned for our attention to detail, working closely with you and your partner at every stage to ensure that all your dreams are fulfilled.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
As well as arranging the wedding day, we offer an inclusive package, working closely with you and all your guests to arrange travel and accommodation in Champoluc. We appreciate that each of your guests might have different needs and we do our very best to provide flexible arrangements to suit all. We would always welcome the chance to discuss your individual requirements, whatever size wedding you have planned and to talk through any further questions that you might have. You might also wish to request a copy of our DVD by calling 01962 713330. We look forward to hearing from you. Roger, Simon and Fiona
what we include in our wedding pack age
– All the administration necessary with the British Consulate for production of the Nulla Osta. This is the permit that allows you to marry in Italy. – The fee to hire the Town Hall (the Comune), where you will be married – The fee for the official who will marry you both. – Translator for the meeting at the Comune the day before the wedding and during the actual ceremony. – The attendance of at least one of our staff at the pre-wedding meeting and during the ceremony.
– One copy of your International Marriage Certificate. – A bouquet of your choice for the bride and buttonhole for groom. – Transport to the Comune for bride, groom and Ski 2 guests in our own vehicles. – The comprehensive support of our friendly and experienced staff in the UK and in Italy.
Cost of Wedding: £1,199* * Subject to a minimum of your wedding party booking a minimum of 40 night’s accommodation through Ski 2. * Please note that 50% of this fee is to be paid at time of booking. The remaining 50% will be due 70 days before departure.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
TESTIMONIALS
‘We were delighted with our wedding arrangements. Nothing was too much trouble – either during the week catering for the needs and entertainment of our guests (both skiing and non-skiing), or on the day itself. Everything was precisely planned and ran like clockwork. We were particularly impressed with the standard of the facilities and service on our big day – everything was much better than we ever imagined. We would like to thank you for your attention to detail and your efforts in creating a truly bespoke service to meet the precise requirements of our wedding party. It was fantastic and a week we will never forget! With many thanks.’ J a n d N m a rr i e d i n C h a m p o l u c , 2 0 0 9
‘A big thank you to Ski 2 for making our wedding day so special. We could not have wished for a better day which was blessed with the lovely thin coating of snow from the day before, combined with the sun smiling on us all day, all of which made the scenery absolutely stunning. Everyone had a brilliant day and I am sure the karaoke at the Hotel California did raise Champoluc by a few decibels that evening! The Ski 2 team provided an extremely personal service to the whole wedding party and they made us feel relaxed for the Big Day. The staff at the Hotel California were brilliant and extremely accommodating. So once again thanks to Ski 2 and we will hope to speak to you in the future about returning to Champoluc.’ L a n d S M a rr i e d i n C h a m p o l u c , 2 0 0 6
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
a few things you need to budget for as extr a costs
– Travel to and from Italy for you and your guests. – The cost of the Ski 2 holiday package (transfers, accommodation etc.) for you and your guests. – Flowers (over and above the bouquet and buttonhole, which are included in the wedding package price) for your bridal party, to decorate the Comune, or the venue for your ‘wedding breakfast’. – A reception after the wedding ceremony. – Your ‘wedding breakfast’ meal and accompanying drinks. – Childcare costs – if required.
– Entertainment during the evening of your wedding day. – The costs of ski equipment hire and ski lessons for those guests that might wish to ski during their stay. – Photography/video services. – ‘Favours’ for your guests. – Hair and beauty treatments for the bride and bridesmaids. – Wedding cake. – The cost of Hen or Stag party. – Wintersports or travel/wedding insurance.
Costs for your Wedding Breakfast, reception drinks and other services will be quoted in Euros and added to your invoice for payment in £ Sterling prior to your departure from the UK (converted at the commercial currency conversion rate at the time.)
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
flowers, photogr aphy and childcare
F l ow e rs
You have freedom of choice when choosing your bouquet and button hole, both included in the cost of your wedding. We will closely liaise with you over this important decision and offer the necessary advice on flowers available at that time of year. Whilst we try to follow the exact requirements it is worth remembering that some flowers are not easily available in Italy. Many couples opt to decorate the table inside the Comune with a couple of themed table arrangements. These can then be transported afterwards to the reception by our staff. Additional bouquets for bridesmaids, floral arrangements for your reception and button holes can also be organised for your wedding party. Prices on request. P h oto g r a p h y
We work with two experienced English photographers, both of whom offer a quality
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
service to our wedding couples to capture the very best official and candid images. They both provide a full day shoot with a CD of images and access to a website, from which prints can be ordered at very competitive prices. Call to discuss your requirements. Childcare
We can provide high chairs and baby baths. We can also arrange baby sitters at a cost of approximately €11 an hour. We have our own créche in Champoluc, and readily have available well qualified and experienced British nursery nurses. If required, a nanny could be made available during your wedding day, please see our brochure or call for prices.
MUSIC, HEN OR STAG
MU S I C
You might wish to provide your own music either on CD or on an iPod, which can then be played on our sound system in the Comune and at your postwedding reception. If you wish to hire a DJ for the evening (9pm to 1am) the cost would be approximately €320. We also have a popular Blues band, based in Milan. Price on request Arr a n g i n g yo u r H e n / S ta g n i g h t s
These can either take place during the evening or more unusually during the day. There are a range of options available to you and your guests. You and your female guests could indulge in a days pampering session at one of the health complexes in Champoluc.
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For the more adventurous we could organise a day’s heli-skiing, cross country skiing or even a snow ball fight! If you prefer an evening event, you could take an early evening gondola from the centre of the village to Crest. From there, take a skidoo to Belvedere (an attractive slope-side restaurant) and experience a traditional dinner with wine in a memorable setting. Transfer back to the gondola by skidoo before returning to the village. Another option would be to snowshoe around one of the surrounding villages under the watchful eye of an Italian guide, finishing with a meal at one of the local restaurants. Prices for these experiences are on request. An alternative evening arrangement for your party is experiencing a tasty traditional Italian pizza at the local pizzeria.
beauty treatment
In preparation for your big day, several Brides have taken the opportunity to indulge in some well deserved pampering.
Three of our hotels offer massages and a range of beauty treatments at their health suites – Hotel Relais Des Glaciers, Hotel Le Rocher and Hotel Breithorn. Prices vary depending on the treatment you require and are available on request from our office. Even if you are not staying at one of the hotels this option is still available to you. Within Champoluc there are several hair stylists that can be booked in advance to help you get ready for your special day.
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Approximate costs for having your ‘hair up’ is approximately €110. This includes a trial appointment and an appointment at the salon on the wedding day. If you wish to have your wedding day appointment at the hotel an additional charge of approximately €25 will be made. A more detailed price can be given if a photograph of the style is supplied. If you wish to have your make up done for your wedding day, the approximate cost is €60. It is also possible to have your nails manicured and polished at the Hotel Relais Des Glaciers, and this will cost in the region of €40.
suggested schedule for the day This is one possible option, which we hope it gives you a flavour of how your wedding day could be organised. We can arrange your day to meet your own specific requirements.
0 8 0 0 h o u rs o n wa r d s
1300
Bride and Bridal Party prepare for their ‘Big Day’ – hair and make-up.
Guests meet at a restaurant at the top of the gondola for aperitif and canapés. A chance for keen skiers to be photographed on the nursery slopes in their wedding attire!
0930 – 1015
Guests congregate at one of the hotels for champagne and photographs. 1015
Guests and Groom transported to the Comune. 1100
Bride and bridal party arrive. 1100 – 1130
Wedding ceremony at the Comune. 1130 – 1215
Official photographs at the Comune.
1500
Guests to return to the village on the gondola. A chance to relax and ‘freshen up’. 1630
Guests meet for pre-dinner drinks at chosen venue. 1730 – 2200
Wedding Breakfast 2200 – 2300
1215
Bride and Groom leave, accompanied by fireworks, and head off to their hotel.
Wedding Party leaves the Comune and is transported to the bottom of the gondola, from where they will go up the mountain for aperitifs and canapés.
The day before your wedding you will be asked to go to the Comune with your witnesses’ passports to check the necessary paper work.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
the commune in champoluc
The Comune in Champoluc
Civil ceremonies in Italy mostly take place in Town Halls and these are often former palaces or villas of historical importance. In Champoluc wedding ceremonies are conducted in the attractive Comune di Ayas overlooking the village of Champoluc. The building was originally built for an Italian King and commands stunningly dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. Comune di Ayas (AO), Fraz, Antagnod 11020, Champoluc, Ayas, Italy
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
Champoluc for non-skiing wedding guests
In lieu of a full area lift pass, which is included in the cost of our holidays, our holiday package for non-skiers includes a programme of activities such as snow-shoeing, guided walks and a visit to the local provincial city of Aosta, with its cobbled main street and extensive shopping opportunities. More information on these activities can be obtained from our office.
reception venues in champoluc We can recommend a selection of very different venues for your wedding reception in Champoluc, each offering its own individual character and style.
H ot e l L e R o c h e r
H ot e l C a l i f o r n i a
This is one of our best selling hotels and is very popular with young families, and as result is very child-friendly. The hotel has an attractive foyer and large lounge area with an open fire and bar. The reception is held in their modern and beautiful restaurant; however the hotel is unable to offer exclusive use of the restaurant unless the wedding party has taken over the whole hotel.
This is a unique hotel which the owners have based around their love of music. The hotel offers a fun environment for a wedding reception with a saloon style bar (with large TV screen and pool table) and mezzanine restaurant above.
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Once again the hotel is unable to offer exclusive use, but caters extremely well for small and large groups.
MORE RECEPTION VENUES
H ot e l R e l a i s D e s G l a c i e rs
T h e B r a ss i e r e
A lovely, centrally located hotel that is extremely welcoming and friendly, particularly to those with young families. The hotel offers a comfortable lounge area with a bar which is ideal for guests to mingle and chat in. The wood panelled dining provides an attractive modern feel for a wedding reception. The restaurant is divided into areas so a smaller party can have an area designated for their reception. Unfortunately the hotel is unable to offer exclusive use of the restaurant unless the whole hotel is booked. For the younger members of the wedding party there is an additional room downstairs which can be used for their meal followed by separate entertainment.
The Brassiere is an atmospheric restaurant linked to the very popular and luxurious Breithorn Hotel.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
ATELIE R GOU R MAND
This traditional centrally-located restaurant comes highly recommended for an authentic Italian experience. Available for exclusive use and with room for entertainment for smaller parties.
legal requirements before departure A Certificate of No Impediment must be obtained from your local Registry Office in the UK. This is obtained by you making an appointment to visit your local registry office to complete all the relevant documentation. If you live in different districts then you should make separate appointments, each in your own district. A notice of marriage is then displayed for 15 – 23 days, after which you collect your certificates from the Registry Office(s). This service usually costs £30 per person. To find your local registry office, go to www.gro.gov.uk The Certificates of No Impediments must be dated as being issued within 6 months of the intended date of marriage, as the Italian authorities will not accept them if they are issued prior to this. Your local registrar will require you to provide the following documents: – Full birth certificates – original documents required. These must be in ‘long form’ to show your mother’s maiden name. – 10 year British passports. If either one of you is a non-UK citizen and does not hold a British passport, you must contact your own consulate in the UK to find out if any further documents are required.
– If divorced, a ‘Decree Absolute’**. Female divorcees must have been divorced for at least 300 days and will be required to give the nationality and maiden name of any previous spouse. – If widowed – death certificates, plus previous marriage certificates – Name change – deed poll or statutory declaration (includes divorcees who have reverted to maiden name) – Adoption certificate (if applicable) – If under 18, parental consent is required in the form of a statutory declaration, stamped and signed by a solicitor. Once you have been issued with your Certificates of No Impediments you should send these, together with originals of all the above documentation (except for passports, for which we just need a copy) to our office in Hampshire. Please use the Royal Mail Special Delivery service. We will then forward your paperwork to the appropriate authorities in Italy who will issue the Nulla Osta certificates. They will then forward these and all of your original documentation to our office in Italy prior to your wedding. You will only need to worry about bringing your passports to Italy! All other documents will be returned to you in your resort.
** The Consulate also require a certified copy of any marriage certificates of previously dissolved marriages. The information above is assuming both bride and groom are UK passport holders. Please call for advice for other nationalities.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
useful information
D o c u m e n tat i o n n e e d e d to b e
Dat e s / t i m e s
c o m p l e t e d b y t h e B r i d e a n d Gr o o m
Weddings can be arranged for you in Champoluc during the skiing season (early December to mid-April). Weddings normally take place before 1pm and are not permitted on Sunday and on some Public Holidays.
– Required Information Form – Certificates of No Impediment – Application for Nulla Osta – Wedding invitations We are happy to assist you with a standard letter that you can include with your wedding invitations and that we can help customise to suit your own wedding arrangements. This will give your guests in your wedding party details about travel, accommodation and the cost of their stay. If you wish to have a copy of the letter, please contact the office and one can be emailed to you.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
Tr a n s p o rt i n g yo u r w e d d i n g d r e ss a n d s u i t s ?
The airlines advise that you should pack your wedding dress and suits in suit carriers and carefully place these into your suitcases. When you checkin you can mention that you are carrying wedding clothes and they will place a ‘Fragile’ sticker on the cases. You may also wish to ask at check-in to see if there were any spare spaces for your wedding garments on the plane, but be prepared to unpack!
some things you will need to think about immediately By no means definitive, the following list will help you focus on some of the things that you will need to discuss/arrange before your wedding day.
– Do you have easy access to the originals of all the paper work you will require including birth certificates (showing your mother’s maiden name)? – Which is the best date and time for your wedding? – How many guests would you like to invite? – Where would you like your guests to stay? – Do you want to offer a range of accommodation? – Will your guests stay for a full week of a short break? – Who will be your two witnesses? – What will you both wear? How suitable will this be for the weather on your wedding day? – What style of Wedding Breakfast would you both like – formal/informal, indoor/outdoor, buffet style meal or ‘sit down’ menu? – Do you need assistance with your invitations and
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
an accompanying letter to send to your guests about the wedding? – Booking an appointment at your local Registry Office to discuss your Certificate of No Impediment. Additional costs
All the additional costs shown are approximate and will be confirmed at the time of booking. The cost of services booked will be added to your invoice and charged for payment in Pounds Sterling (due prior to your departure from the UK.) O u r c o n ta c t d e ta i l s
You can contact a member of our friendly team by calling 01962 713330 or by email via the contact pages on our website: www.skiweddings.com
LEGALITIES
L e g a l r e q u i r e m e n t s i n I ta ly
Originals of all the documents, including your passports and Nulla Osta, must be presented at a pre-booked meeting at the wedding hall, normally on the day before your wedding. You should also present photocopies of your witnesses’ passports at this meeting, and they should carry the originals with them on the wedding day. We will arrange for your translator and a member of our staff to attend this meeting to answer any questions that you might have.
in Italian, but you can choose to have this translated into English when you are back in the UK by an official interpreter. Please be aware that the Bride’s married name will appear as her maiden name on the certificate, as Italian wives do not take on the Groom’s surname. Insurance
If you are to marry in Champoluc, we strongly advise that you take out wintersports insurance for yourself and any members of your wedding party that wish to ski.
L e g a l i t y o f yo u r w e d d i n g
Your wedding will be a civil ceremony and is completely legal under British law. You may choose to lodge a copy of your marriage certificate with the local British Consulate so that it is entered in the registrar’s records. Your wedding certificate will be
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
You may also like to consider taking out wedding insurance in the unlikely event that you have to cancel your wedding prior to the ‘big day’. The insurance also covers wedding attire, photographs, presents and rings. Please call our office for details.
wedding cakes and fireworks
Wedding Cakes
Some of our brides and grooms have preferred to have a traditional British-style wedding cake and have therefore decided to bring their own from the UK. However it is possible to have a cake made for you out in Italy, but the style is very much different from ours, although just as delicious!
A two tiered, decorated chocolate sponge cake for 40 guests would cost approximately €240. Smaller cakes available on request. For a more elaborate wedding cake, made up of individual small cakes you will need to budget for approximately €350 – €600, depending on the number of guests. F i r e wo r k s
A more traditional heaped ‘profiterole-style’ cake can be organised for you and will cost approximately €230. This would feed approximately 40 people.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
It is normally possible to arrange a short display of fireworks at the end of the reception. Prices from €180.
favours, place names and tr ansport
‘ Favo u rs ’ a n d p l a c e n a m e s
Tr a n s p o rt
As in the UK it is acceptable to give your guests small gifts on the table at your Wedding Breakfast. We can organise for some small, traditional wooden clogs for your female guests and miniature bottles of Grappa for your male guests for instance (costs on request). Some couples have bought out their own traditional wedding ‘favours’, readily available from the internet, and we will of course place these on the tables for you.
We will provide all of your wedding guests who have booked their accommodation through Ski 2 with transport to and from the Comune on the wedding day in our own vehicles. These travel arrangements can be tailored to your requirements – you may choose to arrive separately or together with your guests. Unfortunately we are unable to transport those guests who have made their own accommodation arrangements.
If you wish to have set table arrangements, it is advisable to organise the place names at home and bring them with you to Italy. We can then follow your table plan and arrange the seating for you on your wedding day.
For an additional cost of approximately €200 we can arrange transport for you in Champoluc between your hotel and the Comune in a black Audi A6 estate with privacy glass.
Contact us via www.skiweddings.com or on 01962 713330
‘We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to you and the team in Champoluc for all your hard work over the past few months to make our big day so wonderful. We had the most amazing day – well, days! Everything went perfectly and the entire week exceeded all expectations and could not have been more wonderful; even the weather was perfect, sunshine then powder! ‘Ruth, Simon and their team endlessly ferried us all around, answered queries, solved problems, organised and informed everyone effortlessly and humorously, which meant that the days’ events ran like clockwork with no rushing or fussing, but a huge amount of laughter and fun. ‘On the day itself, the flowers and decorations were beautiful, the hairdresser fantastic (she even managed a mid afternoon tidy up for me), the fireworks were superb, the DJ great and Jonny the photographer was brilliant fun; we can’t wait to see his photos! ‘Thank you all so, so much for a truly unforgettable magical experience, I hope you enjoy looking through some of our photos’ Mr a n d Mrs T m a rr i e d i n C h a m p o l u c , 2 0 0 8
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The majority of the photographs used are provided by Jonathan Rosen For more of his images, please visit www.dr-jonathan.com
