Getting married in Cyprus: Things to know as a UK couple

Exchanging wedding vows while overlooking the sea is a wonderful experience. There are so many reasons to get married on the “Island of Love”, with beautiful wedding venues and the Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop. Luckily, having a destination wedding isn’t complicated in places like Cyprus.

The key is being aware of all the rules and knowing precisely what you need for a smooth marriage process. Without further ado, here’s a complete guide on things you need to know before getting married in Cyprus. 

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Things you need to know before getting married in Cyprus

Before getting married in Cyprus, it’s crucial to understand the different types of marriages in Cyprus, whether they are legally recognised, residency rules, and arrival times.

Types of marriages in Cyprus

• Civil marriages: This is the most common choice for international couples and couples from the UK. These marriages are conducted by a marriage officer at local town halls, hotels, resorts, or private beach spots. A civil marriage is legally recognized in the UK; just be sure to register your marriage certificate upon return.
• Religious ceremonies: These weddings are also very common in Cyprus and must occur in a town hall or any other authorised venue. Additional paperwork from your parish may be required for Catholic ceremonies. A civil wedding usually precedes the religious ceremony and acts as the legally binding version.
• Civil unions: Same-sex marriages are not legally recognised in Cyprus at this time. However, same-sex civil unions and registered partnerships are. These provide the same rights as marriage, excluding full marital status.

How long do you have to be in Cyprus before getting married?

For a civil marriage, you’ll have to be in Cyprus for at least three working days before the ceremony and if you’re applying for a special marriage license. This license refers to when you give notice to the local register office in Cyprus. The registrar issues a marriage schedule which authorises your marriage ceremony.

 It’s advisable to arrive even earlier to finalise your marriage application and make sure everything is in order. 

Legal requirements for getting married in Cyprus

Here’s what you legally need to ensure your marriage in Cyprus is valid and recognised internationally, especially in the UK, including passports, sworn affidavits, and death certificates if widowed. 

Some general legal requirements for a Cyprus wedding are:

• You must be 18 years old to marry legally. If you’re under 18, you must have consent from a parent or lawful guardian.
• You’ll need to apply in person to a Cyprus municipality or a local town hall. If your wedding in Cyprus involves legal processes in Nicosia, the capital city, you can stay online stress-free with an eSIM for Nicosia. Upload documents, book appointments, and navigate on the go.
• A registered marriage officer must conduct the civil marriage. This officer will also be responsible for confirming all your legal documents, dates for your wedding, and fees.
• You’ll need a standard marriage license (wait 15 days to marry) or a special license (wait 2-3 working days to marry). Standard licenses cost ~£109 (€128), while special licenses cost ~£240 (€281).

Legal documents to get married in Cyprus

Bring both originals and certified copies for your marriage application, as well as:

• Valid passports
• Full birth certificates
• Marital status certificate or Certificate of No Impediment
• Sworn affidavit (signed before a notary public or solicitor in your home country)
• Decree absolute if divorced previously
• Death certificate of previous spouse if widowed
• Deed poll if your name has been changed from what’s on the birth certificate
• Previous marriage certificate (if any)

If you’re getting married in Cyprus from the UK, all UK-issued documents must be authenticated with an apostille stamp. This legalises your documents and proves they’re valid for use in Cyprus. 

How much does a wedding in Cyprus cost?

Here’s a table of potential expenses for getting married in Cyprus from the UK.

While these estimates are subject to change and can vary based on personal preference, this table can give you a rough idea of how much you’ll have to spend on a Cyprus wedding.

Best wedding venues in Cyprus 

Here’s a list of the top wedding venues in Cyprus, including beach weddings, luxury hotel venues, and resorts that are surrounded by nature.

• Costas Kaimakliotis Folklore Museum (Aradippou): a quiet and underrated intimate wedding venue for couples looking to add a touch of Cypriot folklore and tradition
• The Enaerios Pier (Limassol): a more social spot for a Cyprus wedding ceremony surrounded by picturesque views, walking paths and restaurants
• Cape Greco (Ayia Napa): a national forest park surrounded by sea caves and a small church – perfect for a wedding with scenic views
• Ammos Beach (Ayia Napa): Perfect for a wedding beach in Cyprus with a wooden trellis and the Mediterranean Sea in the background 

What you need to do after getting married in Cyprus 

You’ll receive your marriage certificate in 15 days after your wedding. In this time, make sure to:

• Keep the marriage certificate that you received on the wedding day safe.
• Request a certified copy of the marriage certificate for official use and other situations such as name changes and spouse visa applications. 

If you’re a remote worker or freelancer, you may want to explore a digital nomad visa for Cyprus to extend your honeymoon into a longer Mediterranean workcation.

Enrich your wedding with Cyprus traditions and customs 

If you’re having a Cyprus wedding, why not include some rich Cypriot wedding traditions:

1. Bake special Cypriot bread called glstarkes for guests and koulouria for decorations.

2. Ask your guests to wrap red scarves around you/the couple and place crowns called stefana on your/their heads.

3. In Christian weddings, the priest can lead the couple around a table three times to fulfill an ancient Christian tradition. 

Get married in Cyprus stress-free with Holafly 

Whether you’re getting married in Cyprus from the UK or anywhere else in the world, one thing is non-negotiable — staying connected. You’ll need to remain in contact with your wedding planner, access any legal documents, and coordinate with your guests. 

Holafly ensures peace of mind with its unlimited data eSIM for Cyprus. Enjoy fast, reliable mobile data from the moment you land — no roaming charges or SIM swapping needed. With just a simple QR code scan, it’s the easiest way to stay online for your wedding abroad. 

And if you’re planning to stay longer in Cyprus — a Mediterranean mini-moon — consider upgrading to Holafly Connect. You can choose from three monthly subscription plans covering 170+ destinations: 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data. This option is especially ideal for remote-working couples or digital nomads. 

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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