Dreaming about a destination wedding? Consider getting married in Cyprus, an enchanting Mediterranean wedding destination. So, discover everything you need to know about getting married in Cyprus with Cyprus Villas.
Sunny and sandy Cyprus is a top wedding destination. The Mediterranean’s third-largest island has become very popular with people who like the mild weather, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. Cyprus receives 300 days of sunshine in a year. Even in the winter, the island receives 6 hours of sun a day. Those who want to get married outdoors love the island’s craggy shoreline, stunning beaches, hills, forests, beautiful towns, and villages. There are many villas with scenic backgrounds and huge gardens that are the perfect setting for outdoor weddings.
According to mythology, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and passion. Cyprus was also the playground of Adonis and Aphrodite. This is also a romantic reason why the island is such a popular wedding destination.
A civil ceremony is very common on the island. They are held at an authorised venue or a town hall. The venue can become authorised by getting a license and paying a fee. Inter-faith couples can also get married in Cyprus, but Cyprus doesn’t recognise same-sex marriages. Civil ceremonies that are not allowed in some countries can be legally conducted in Cyprus. Religious weddings of all faiths are common in Cyprus. A wedding on the island is also recognised internationally.
Symbolic Wedding
Foreigners can have a symbolic wedding, non-religious ceremony, or a humanist ceremony. Many couples sign at home, get their marriage document and come to the island for celebrating the event and spending their honeymoon. A symbolic wedding is not legally binding, but can be an incredibly romantic option. Many couples like to come here as, according to legend, strong family connections are created on the island.
Formal Wedding and Laws in Cyprus
Cyprus has liberal laws, which allow foreigners to get married here, hold their celebrations, and sign during the ceremony. Prior to the wedding, the couple must both appear in person to the selected municipality to apply for the wedding officially.Â
During this procedure, they are required to take with them a set of original documents. The following documents (all originals) must be carried for the application.
- Valid passports for both. They should be valid for 6 months minimum from the marriage application date.
- Official single status certificates, confirming that both are single.
- Photo page of the passports of two people who will be witnesses for the wedding. They should be over 18 years of age.
- The official proof of divorce if one or both of the wedding couple was married previously.
- Death certificate of the spouse if one or both of the wedding couple is widowed.
- Parental consent evidence if one or both parties is below 18 years of age.
The marriage registration preparation must begin a couple of months before the ceremony. First, select a city where you want the wedding and the registration. Then select a hotel or private villa for the accommodation. Finally, search for a videographer and photographer so they can capture the moment!
Villa Wedding
A luxury villa for rent can be the best venue for a wedding in Cyprus. There are many fantastic villas on the island at breathtaking locations. You can get married with the blue Mediterranean Sea as the background. Or you can choose the hills, in a medieval village, with forests and traditional houses all around. Many luxury villas on the island come with manicured lawns and lush tropical gardens where you have ample space to organize the ceremony with a picturesque backdrop.
These are fully staffed villas with housekeeping, chef service, bartender, laundry service, pool and property manager, and security. There are also professional wedding managers who can make all the arrangements. Many villas have 6-8 bedrooms in Cyprus, providing luxury accommodation for an entire group.
The villas have a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, games for kids, terraces and balconies with stunning views, and a lot of space where your guests can spread out and relax. They can unwind in the pool and Jacuzzi, and get a tan. Unlike hotels, the entire arrangement is private, so the couple and guests will their privacy during the event and the entire stay.
A private villa wedding will be very memorable. What is better than celebrating and enjoying sunny Cyprus with your wedding guests. What's more, many villas are also close to major tourist attractions. So, your guests can see some of the attractions before or after the wedding.
Choosing a City for the Wedding
You have to apply to the municipality before the wedding. So, it is important to select the city or area where the villa, hotel, or town hall is located. Cyprus has so many interesting cities to choose from.
The entire city of Paphos is UNESCO Heritage listed. All around this historic city, you will find many ancient sites, including the Aphrodite Rock, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess. Protaras on the east coast has the Blue Flag Fig Tree Bay. The picturesque Cape Greco region is also close. There are golden sandy beaches, hidden coves, and a natural rock bridge.
Ayia Napa, close to Protaras, is the party capital of Cyprus. There are 80 bars and 12 nightclubs here, which makes this area a favourite with young couples and guests. It also has the beautiful Nissi Beach. Larnaca and Limassol are also popular. Beach weddings can also be organized at the Coral Bay municipality in Peyia. It is close to the Akamas Peninsula, so you and your guests can enjoy activities such as sailing or a hiking trip.
Wedding Cost in Cyprus
Every year, hundreds of couples from Russia, England, Israel, and the Middle East come to Cyprus to get married. This has created a matured wedding industry on the island. You will find many wedding planners that can successfully organize everything. There are professional photographers, videographers, car rentals, and everything else you could imagine. The couple can expect a wonderfully organised wedding in a scenic location without any problems.
Also, the cost of organising everything is often cheaper than at home. Even accommodation in a villa will be cheaper compared to a star property. The paperwork and marriage registration will cost €28 for the couple. A hairdresser will cost €60, while a make-up artist €80. You can also rent a luxury yacht for €5000 - €6000 for a trip around the island. That will be a fantastic post-wedding celebration. Drink champagne to celebrate the wedding while enjoying a stunning sunset view over the Mediterranean Sea.
If Things Don't Go To Plan
Everything is perfect: the sea, the sunset, and a kiss. Follow that with a safe flight home and you’ve got the most wonderful memories for a lifetime. A destination wedding often involves a big investment as well as meticulous preparation. But what if something goes wrong? Regardless of the wedding destination or whether it is a small ceremony or a grand gala celebration, you need to be prepared for any surprise when getting married outside of the country.
Of course, a lot can go wrong but there’s no need to panic. One of the most potential pitfalls is getting sick prior to departure, or after arriving at the destination country. On the other hand, there is the possibility of lost baggage, a damaged dress, and a million other things. However, travel insurance with wedding cover can provide peace of mind. So that all efforts and finances are not wasted, you can protect the most romantic day in your life not only from possible illness but also from ceremony cancellation. On top of that, you can insure your wedding attire, wedding bands, photography, and even wedding gifts. Everyone wants to have a wonderful wedding day experience. So, stay calm and enjoy your romantic story.