A Canadian couple has gone viral online after sharing footage of their wedding at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, one of the most significant sites in the Catholic Church.
Emma Sluchinski, from Vancouver, posted videos of her wedding on TikTok, showing the ceremony inside the historic basilica, known for its marble interiors, mosaics and artwork.
Construction of St Peter’s Basilica began in 1506 and was completed in 1626. It was built over the tomb of Saint Peter, regarded as the first Pope, and is one of the largest churches in the world.
Sluchinski explained that her husband’s family had known one of the Vatican’s archbishops for about 20 years, helping them secure the opportunity to marry there.
“I think it is super rare to get a spot and I’ve heard that the waitlist is like three to five years,” she said in a TikTok video.
Despite the location’s prestige, couples do not pay a fixed fee for the ceremony itself.
“Everyone was wondering how much we paid for it, but it is actually by donation. So if you’re lucky enough to get a spot, you just pay a donation.”
Couples must pay separately for extras such as the choir and flowers, and there is no rehearsal beforehand.
“It was so beautiful and everyone who came just had the most amazing time,” Sluchinski said.
However, she warned that arranging the wedding from overseas could be challenging.
“But if you’re not Italian and don’t live in Rome, expect it to be bumpy.”
The wedding also prompted discussion about dress codes after some social media users criticised the bridesmaids’ outfits as inappropriate for the religious setting.
Sluchinski defended the dresses, explaining that they had been approved by the church and included nude-coloured tops underneath.
“First off, if they were inappropriate we would not have been allowed to wear them, full stop.
“What we wore was within the guidelines.”
She also said she had kept her veil on to cover her shoulders.
St Peter’s Basilica requires visitors to dress respectfully, with shoulders covered and clothing appropriate for a sacred site. Women must wear skirts below the knee or trousers, while men must wear long trousers.
Weddings at St Peter’s Basilica are possible for non-residents, but couples must meet the Catholic Church’s requirements and obtain permission.
Wedding planners advise starting the process well in advance, as the number of ceremonies is limited and approval can take months to years.
Couples must work with their local parish priest and provide documents including baptism, communion and confirmation certificates, proof they are free to marry, and evidence of completing a Catholic marriage preparation course.
Formal permission from their local bishop is also required to marry outside their church jurisdiction.
Images: TikTok
