SIAE Wedding Fees in Italy 2026: Real Costs, Paying Online and Fines

Dealing with SIAE, the Italian copyright collecting society, is one of the first real bureaucratic hurdles a couple faces when planning a wedding. The fear of getting it wrong or of being fined often takes the peace of mind out of planning. Let us reassure you right away: it is a standard, manageable process, but you need to be clear about costs, responsibilities and roles.

In this guide we explain, simply and transparently, everything you need to know about the SIAE permit for the music at your wedding.

When you have to pay it and when you don’t

SIAE (Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori, the Italian Society of Authors and Publishers) protects artists’ copyright. You have to pay a fee if music is performed or played during your wedding, because for legal purposes your reception is considered an “event open to the public”.

Is it mandatory?

Let’s start with a general rule: yes, music performed during a wedding reception requires paying copyright fees.

• The golden rule: SIAE is due for any form of music played or performed during the party (live music, a DJ or a playlist), but not for the music performed during the wedding ceremony.
• Who pays: The legal responsibility for paying the fee always lies with you, the couple, as the event organizers.
• The risk: If there is an inspection, the fine and penalties fall on you.

But let’s look at it in more detail…

Copyright vs. public domain (the technical fine print)

You only have to pay the SIAE fee if the piece of music is still under copyright. If the composer died more than 70 years ago, the work is in the public domain and the fee for the composer is not due.

Music during the ceremony: here you don’t pay

Don’t worry about the music performed during the ceremony: SIAE is not due when the performance is strictly functional to the ceremony and has no entertainment purpose.

1. Religious ceremony (church or place of worship)

• Full exemption: As a rule, SIAE is not due for music performed inside the place of worship, as long as it is sacred or liturgical music, or music functional to the ceremony.
• Watch out: If the musicians perform concert-style and for entertainment, the exemption no longer applies. It isn’t the place that makes the difference, but whether the music being performed is accessory and functional to the rite that is taking place.

2. Civil ceremony (town hall or authorized venue)

• Partial exemption: Music used as background accompaniment during the civil ceremony (readings, signatures) is considered part of the formalities and does not require a specific permit.
• Watch out: If the musicians carry on entertaining once the ceremony is over, for example while the guests enjoy the aperitivo (the drinks reception before dinner), the exemption no longer applies, even if both guests and musicians have stayed physically in the same venue where the ceremony took place.

Be clear about who does what

Wedding bands don’t usually act as SIAE consultants, and they are not in a position to work out the costs.

Why? The cost depends on two facts about the event and on SIAE’s rates, and it is the couple, together with the venue manager, who know them:

• Number of guests: The price varies by guest bracket. SIAE splits its rates into two brackets: up to 200 guests and over 200 guests.
• Type of music: SIAE rates change depending on whether the music is live only or also recorded (a DJ or a playlist).

Finally, the couple and the venue manager usually discuss the SIAE details with each other, because they share a common (though not identical) responsibility if the fee goes unpaid, in full or in part. Here it is in a simple table:

Legal responsibility in case of an inspection

It is essential that you understand where responsibility lies:

SIAE wedding costs 2026: the official rates

The cost of the SIAE permit depends on the number of guests and on how the music is played. These are the rates SIAE publishes for weddings (VAT and administrative fees included; checked on October 28, 2026):

• For a standard wedding with up to 200 guests, the permit therefore costs €272.58 with the band alone and €384.73 if there are also recorded breaks. Use these figures for your budget planning.
• Tip: Remember that SIAE reviews its rates from time to time: before paying, always check the “Feste Private” (private parties) section of the official SIAE website for current rates.

Neighboring rights: already included in the price

With recorded music, neighboring rights are also due: the fee owed to the record producers and to the artists who recorded the songs.

• For private parties, SIAE already includes them in the recorded-music rate: there is no second permit and no second payment.
• That is why recorded music, alone or together with live music, costs more than live music only.

How to pay for the permit (big change in 2023!)

Once you’ve clarified the cost with the venue, the procedure is quick.

Paying for the permit (your responsibility)

1. Online request: The most convenient way is to request and pay for the permit through the SIAE > Servizi Online > Permessi Feste Private portal (Online Services > Private Party Permits); alternatively, go to the SIAE office nearest to the venue.
2. Information needed: You’ll be asked for the date, time, venue, expected number of guests and type of music.
3. Timing: SIAE sets no minimum notice, but it is wise to pay for the permit with some margin, for example 15 days before the wedding date.

The big news: no more borderò for private parties!

The bordereau (or music program) is the official document listing every song performed. Since July 8, 2023, however, SIAE has abolished the borderò (music program) for private parties, weddings included.

This means that:

• You no longer have to hand the music program to anyone (neither the DJ nor the musicians)
• Musicians and DJs no longer have to fill in the list of songs played during the event
• The procedure has become much simpler: just pay for the permit online and you’re all set!

Why this change?

SIAE simplified the process because the borderò forms from private parties were not used for itemized distribution. The fees paid went into a general “pot” and were redistributed according to other criteria. By dropping the borderò for private events, the paperwork for both organizers and musicians was cut considerably, without changing how copyright royalties are distributed.

Careful: the permit is still mandatory!

It’s important to stress that dropping the borderò does not remove the obligation to get a SIAE permit.

• You always have to request and pay for the permit
• The rates are unchanged
• If there is an inspection, you have to show the paid permit

The simplification only concerns the music paperwork: there is no longer any need to keep a detailed record of which songs are played at a private party.

And to wrap up…

Quick FAQ on SIAE at your wedding

If the DJ and the band play their own songs, do I have to pay?

If only original material is performed, no SIAE copyright fee is due. At weddings, though, this is extremely rare, since couples usually want well-known songs.

Can I use live music only to avoid paying neighboring rights?

Yes. If you use live music only, with no recorded music in between (playlists or DJ sets), you pay the lowest rate, without neighboring rights: up to 200 guests, €272.58 instead of €384.73.

Does the venue already have a SIAE subscription?

That doesn’t exempt you from paying. The venue has a subscription that covers the rights for background music or general use, but every single private event with music requires its own specific permit.