SIAE: the wedding music licence explained
If you're having music at your wedding in Italy, whether a band, a DJ or a playlist, you'll almost certainly need an SIAE licence. It's straightforward once you know how it works, but it catches a lot of couples out because it has to be bought by you, not by your band or venue.
What is SIAE?
SIAE (Società Italiana degli Autori ed Editori) is the Italian collecting society for songwriters and publishers, similar to PRS in the UK. When music is played at an event, SIAE collects a licence fee and passes royalties to the people who wrote it.
Who has to pay?
The organiser of the event, which for a wedding means one of the couple. SIAE issues wedding licences to private individuals, so your band, DJ, planner or venue can't buy it for you, although they'll usually help you with the process and tell you what to apply for.
How much does it cost?
The fee depends on two things: whether the music is live or recorded, and whether you have more or fewer than 200 guests. As a guide, the published wedding tariffs have recently been:
| Type of music | Up to 200 guests | Over 200 guests |
|---|---|---|
| Live music only | about €273 | about €413 |
| Recorded music (DJ, playlist, karaoke) | about €385 | about €583 |
If you have both a band and a DJ, the recorded-music tariff applies. Music for the religious part of a church ceremony doesn't need a licence. Tariffs are updated from time to time, so check the current figure with SIAE when you apply.
How to apply
- Decide what you need. Live only, or live plus DJ? How many guests? Your musicians can confirm.
- Apply online or at an SIAE office. The applicant needs an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). Non-residents can get one through an Italian consulate or a local tax office, and many planners help with this. Some couples find going in person to a local SIAE office simpler.
- Pay before the wedding. Aim for a few weeks ahead rather than leaving it to the last days.
- Keep a copy on the day. Save the licence on your phone and give a copy to your planner or venue manager, as venues often ask to see it.
Since 2023, private events no longer have to file a list of songs played afterwards, which has made things simpler.
What happens if you don't have one?
SIAE inspectors do visit weddings, particularly in popular areas during peak season. If there's no licence, you can be charged the fee plus a surcharge, and in the worst case music can be stopped. It's not worth the risk for a few hundred euros.
Tip: ask your musicians to confirm, in writing, which SIAE category applies to your day. If anything changes, such as adding a DJ for the after-party, update the licence before the wedding.
Questions couples ask
Can my band or wedding planner buy the SIAE licence for me?
No. SIAE issues wedding licences to private individuals, so the licence must be in the name of one of the couple. Your band or planner can help you apply.
How much is SIAE for a wedding with a DJ?
With a DJ or recorded music the tariff has recently been around €385 for up to 200 guests and around €583 above that. Check the current tariff when you apply.
Do I need SIAE for music in a church ceremony?
Music forming part of the religious service in church does not need an SIAE licence. Music at the reception does.
Do I need an Italian tax code to apply?
Yes, the applicant needs a codice fiscale. Non-residents can obtain one through an Italian consulate or tax office.
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