Gala Placidia's activity

This is the best way to go, Vesparina. The Comune is the one that has to confirm their requirements, as they are the ones who are going to celebrate the ceremony. Relax! I am sure that they will help you. But it is always better to check with the local authorities to avoid last minute problems. In any case, I wish you luck and all the best.

Aletori, I do hope that everything is Ok in your marriage, because you broke the most basic rule in the marriage contract "one of the parties cannot interpret for the other party" and your husband could have sufficient grounds to request not only a divorce, but an annulment. Granted that it is not your fault, whoever performed the ceremony is responsible for accepting this. In any case, technically it is wrong, although sometimes in Italy things are not very clear. I have found several versions of what is needed to get married in Italy, in the case of foreigners. In my opinion, the most comprehensive is the one given by the Australian Embassy, and the law does not put specific requirements according to different nationalities. I have problems pasting the link, but search Australian Embassy Italy Marriages and you will find the text. Vesparina, my advice would be to contact whoever is performing your ceremony and ask the authorities to tell you what you need to do. By the way, I used to be a Justice of the Peace and an accredited interpreter/translator. I do know what I am talking about.

Contact your nearest UK Consulate (it should be Rome in your case) and they should be able to inform you. There is also some general information through this site www.gov.uk

Sorry, but I have to disagree with the above advice. Marriage is a legally binding contract and if one or both parties do not master the language in which the ceremony is performed, this would constitute sufficient grounds for an annulment. If you were to buy a property, the notary will need to ascertain that you fully understand the terms of the contract. Interpreting and translating are both recognised professions and you should always use accredited professionals. 

Wise decision! You know the old saying: "While in Rome, do as Romans do" (contemporanean ones, of course)" 

I totally agree with Badger. What you intend to do in Italy will cost you a fortune in electricity bills. You must investigate all possibilities, and there are a few, before choosing which will be the most convenient for you. And do not think for a minute that Italians do not know anything about underfloor heating. In Ancient Rome, patrician homes already had it. They used to build special rooms or spaces underneath the room (s) they intended to heat and have fires permanently set and attended to, ensuring that they would run smoothly. Obviously, nowadays you would need a cohort of slaves and servants to keep your underfloor heating system running...

What type of problem are you having? Most insurers will offer that policy. Your bank in Italy can also help.

France is generally more expensive than Italy, or say... Spain. Living for 6 months in each country may be a good idea for a year, in order to find out which one you prefer; however, it will not be practical. If you like the two countries, perhaps you should have a look at Liguria or Northern Tuscany (not mentioning the French Riviera or Provence as both are very expensive). Do you speak French or Italian? In order to "survive" in both countries you definitely need to have at least some knowledge of their languages, or you will feel isolated.These are important things to consider before deciding to move anywhere. Also, ask yourselves another question? Are you going to miss friends and family back in Australia? If your answer is affirmative... don't consider moving. Australia is too far away!

I can confirm that Praiano is lovely. We spent a week there about a year ago and we had a great time. It has kept a village atmosphere, something difficult to find on the Costiera Amalfitana, no matter how wonderful it is. Go there, you will not be disappointed.

Italy has a very high level of unemployment and to get a work permit may not be easy for you. Teaching English may not be an option in some villages where the majority of the population may not be young. Cities will provide better opportunities; however rentals will be higher. Language institutes will require formal qualifications in teaching English as a second or foreign language (you may have these...) I do not wish to discourage you, but I think that your chances of getting a job to complement your income may not be very good. Don't count on it, otherwise, your Italian dream may turn into a nightmare. Sorry!