Easy wedding abroad: Get married in Cyprus
Located in the Mediterranean Sea close to Turkey, the large island of Cyprus is a fantastic country to visit thanks to its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and fascinating ancient history.
A year-round wedding destination loved by couples, Cyprus enjoys hot summers and mild to moderate weather during April and October - with temperatures often reaching 30 degrees Celsius - perfect for those shoulder-season weddings. Summer days can reach 40 degrees Celsius quite easily so bear in mind that the wedding ceremony might take place only in the early evenings.
The country is also one of the most popular wedding destinations for UK couples, due to the high standard of venues and services on offer, as well as the high level of English spoken.
With intriguing historical sites to see, a wealth of stunning beaches, and gorgeous nature opportunities, Cyprus is a wonderful place to choose for your destination wedding.
Paphos
Situated on the southwest coast of the island, Paphos is one of the main tourist hubs and one of the most popular places to stay. Combining beautiful beaches, the charming Old Town, and a plethora of fascinating historical sites, Paphos is one of the best destinations in Cyprus for you to celebrate the wedding of your dreams.
Take a wander around the harbour and marvel at the majestic Paphos Harbour which juts dramatically out into the ocean. The ancient archaeological site ‘Tomb of the Kings’ is a UNESCO-listed spot where you can get up close to the resting places of ancient kings. The Old Town is a fascinating look into the history of Cyprus. Wander the narrow streets and check out the various street markets.
Limassol
Situated in the south of the island, Limassol is one of Cyprus’ biggest resorts which features a port, fishing harbour, and historic Old Town. You’ll find a cosmopolitan promenade where you can stroll along the palm-covered walkway and enjoy the ocean views, as well as fantastic shopping, beautiful sandy beaches, and historical sights to boot.
Aiya Napa
Located in the southeast corner of Cyprus, the large resort of Ayia Napa is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Most popular with young people, who head to the town’s main square to sample one of the many bars and clubs, Ayia Napa has plenty to offer holidaymakers and couples looking for a perfect wedding destination. With some of the best beaches on the island and gorgeous crystalline waters, those who love beach life will be in heaven here.
Similar to Greek cuisine, Cypriot food is heavily influenced by Ottoman, Byzantine, Italian, and Catalan cuisines, just to name a few, and consists of dishes such as souvlaki (grilled meats), fried halloumi cheese, olives, pitta bread, lamb, artichokes, chickpeas, and rabbit stew.
Limassol Carnival
Taking place in February or March, the Limassol Carnival is the island’s largest event taking place over 10 days. Celebrated before Easter, the week is known as ‘meat week’, as it is the last time to eat meat before the Easter period. Parades, music, costumes, dancing, and feasts are all part of the fun.
Limassol Wine Festival
Limassol is the wine capital of Cyprus and every year hosts a wine festival during September. Lasting 12 days, the festival celebrates the long tradition of Cypriot wine-making and includes tastings, traditional food, folk dancing, and theatrical performances.
If you are traveling from the UK, there are a number of airlines that fly directly to Cyprus in around 4 and a half to five hours. The two southern airports of Paphos (PFO) and Larnaca (LCA) serve passengers traveling from the UK. It is good to remember there is a two-hour forward time difference between the UK and Cyprus.
Uber is not present in Cyprus, however, taxis are present at the airports and every hotel can organise airport transfers for you. Ask your receptionist ahead of time about their airport shuttle.
You’ve chosen the gorgeous setting of Cyprus for your destination wedding, but now you need help arranging the logistics. The best way to ensure you get the correct support for your destination wedding is to seek the services of a dedicated wedding coordinator. Luckily, all our wedding venues in Cyprus already include this service!
There are various ways to get your wedding organised in Cyprus. You can choose a travel agent that offers a full package inclusive of travel, and a local wedding planner or book directly with a wedding venue that offers a wedding coordinator too. The dedicated team of professionals will help with your wedding date, organise travel arrangements, and liaise with the local suppliers at your chosen venue, to ensure everything goes smoothly for your big day.
Legal requirements for getting married in Cyprus
For British nationals, a Single Status Statutory Declaration is required. A UK-based solicitor stamps this document and is valid for no longer than three months. This includes your full name, address, nationality, passport number, and marital status. Once this has been obtained it must be sent to the foreign office to receive an Apostille Stamp.
You will also need copies of your birth certificate, valid passports with at least 6 months left, and your witnesses’ passports.
The high level of English spoken on the island, and the use of English in the wedding ceremony means a translator is not needed - a popular reason why Cyprus is one of the best destinations for your wedding abroad.
Same-sex weddings are somewhat welcome in Cyprus, each venue has its own policy and it is a good idea to research particular venues first.