With a choice of bustling beach resorts, ancient ruins, scenic mountain and sea vistas, Cyprus is the perfect spot to say 'I do' – and the ideal destination for that long dreamt of beach wedding in Europe!
The island of Cyprus boasts 330 days of sunshine a year and offers a wide choice of stunning venues for a destination wedding. What could be more romantic than exchanging vows on the ‘island of love’ – the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
The legal requirements for getting married in Cyprus are fairly straightforward, but to remove any stress it is recommended that you work through a wedding co-ordinator, and with a clergy member in the case of a religious ceremony.
Non-resident couples who wish to get married in Cyprus must first apply personally for a marriage licence at the office of the municipality (mayor’s office) where they intend to marry.
In Cyprus, it's common to get married outdoors on a beach or with a villa or monastery setting.
There are no specific residency requirements for foreign nationals wishing to marry in Cyprus. However, you need to be in Cyprus for three working days prior to your wedding day if you intend to apply to the Marriage Officer for a Special Marriage Licence.
If you do not apply for the special licence your marriage cannot be celebrated until 15 working days after you submit your Notice of Marriage. For this you need to be resident in Cyprus for approximately 20 days.
Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name.
All documents – originals or certified copies – must be translated into English or Greek and need to be certified with an Apostille stamp affixed. Contact the Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in your home country for an official translation, or your Embassy in Cyprus.
Documents required for both the bride and the groom, include…Note: an Apostille is a unique stamp that is attached to an official document, usually by a local Embassy, Court or Government Department, that certifies the authenticity of that document.
The civil ceremony is conducted in English and takes place in the Town Hall or at authorised venues, which have a government licence – an additional fee is usually necessary.
Marriages performed in Cyprus are internationally recognised and legally binding.
Some faiths may require additional documents for a church service. Couples are advised to contact their respective clergy as early as possible to determine what is required for their particular religion.
Additional documents for an Anglican ceremony must include baptism or christening certificate into the Christian faith, from either the bride or the groom. If you have an Anglican wedding ceremony you are not required to have a civil wedding ceremony.
Additional documents for a Catholic ceremony must include permission from your own local priest to get married overseas. Your local priest will be expected to forward this permission directly to the priest here in Cyprus.
Couples of the Roman Catholic faith should allow at least three months before the wedding date in order to process all the necessary paperwork (certificates of baptism, dispensations, statements of freedom to marry, etc.).
Paperwork should be completed at home, usually through the bride's parish. Documents should reach the church you wish to be married in at least two months before the wedding date.
Note: A Catholic ceremony is not legally binding unless you first have a civil ceremony.
Your marriage licence and all paperwork will be issued in English and will be valid in your home country. Additional certified copies can be obtained on payment of the relevant fee.
According to Cypriot Law, the Marriage Officer will forward a certified copy of your Certificate of Marriage to the Embassy or the Consulate of your home country (if they are located in Cyprus).
European Union citizens (except the United Kingdom and Ireland) may need to have their Marriage Certificate apostilled (or authenticated).
This does not apply to citizens of United States, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Citizens of Asian countries, South and Central America should check with their Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer as to whether an Apostille is required for your country.
A special stamp (Apostille) is required to validate the marriage certificate obtained after the civil ceremony for certain nationalities. Your wedding planner can assist you in obtaining the Apostille, if required.
Special Marriage License – EUR 282
Many hotels and resorts in Cyprus can provide wedding co-ordinators who can insure that getting married in Cyprus, including fulfilling all legal requirements, is stress free.
For further information you can contact the Cypriot Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence, or the Municipality in the town where you intend to marry…
Nicosia Town Hall: Tel: +357-22-797000, Fax: +357-22-663363, Email: municipality@nicosiamunicipality.org.cy Website: www.nicosia.org.cy
Limassol Town Hall: Tel: +357-25-884300, Fax: +357-25-365497, Email: limassol.municipal@cytanet.com.cy Website: www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy
Larnaca Town Hall: Tel: +357-24-653333, Fax: +357-24-653384
Email: municipality@larnaka.com Website: www.larnaka.com
Ayia Napa Town Hall: Tel: +357-23-816300, Fax: +357-23-722607 Email: info@agianapa.org.cy Website: www.agianapa.org.cy
Paphos Town Hall: Tel: +357-26-822270, Fax: +357-26-934762
Email: town.hall@pafos.org.cy Website: www.pafos.org.cy
Further information may be obtained directly from the Union of Cyprus Municipalities (P.O. Box 22033, CY 1516, Nicosia, Email: endeky@cytanet.com.cy).
For more information on getting an Apostille Certificate (Australian citizens) for Australian public documents, visit Apostille Australia Certicifate Service. When affixed or attached with an Apostille Certificate, the documents will automatically be accepted for legal use in foreign countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention, including Cyprus.
Please note: while accurate at time of publication this information is for guidance purposes only and liable to change without notice. Please check with your wedding planner at your resort of choice or the relevant embassy of the country in which you intend to marry for up-to-date details before your wedding.
Latest update: How to get married in Cyprus: 24 April, 2022
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