Getting Married in Cyprus
Welcome to our guide to getting married in Cyprus. Before you go into depth about the specifics for your wedding in Cyprus we have a couple of articles that we suggest you read first.
UK residents wishing to marry in Cyprus have two options available.
Civil Ceremony
Couples wishing to have a Civil Ceremony need to apply in person to the Marriage Officer of the Municipality or Town Hall in the place where they intend to marry, on their arrival in Cyprus, in order to satisfy the necessary requirements prior to their marriage. The ceremony will be performed in English.
The number of documents required to marry may vary from one Registry to the next so it is vital that you seek clarification on exactly what documents are needed.
Religious Ceremony
Couples wishing to have a religious ceremony can either have an Anglican or Catholic Wedding Ceremony, both of which will be conducted in English.
Couples are also required to visit the Marriage Officer of the Municipality or Town Hall in the place where they intend to marry, on their arrival in Cyprus in order to satisfy the necessary requirements prior to their marriage but the religious ceremony can be held in a church.
To have an Anglican ceremony at least one of the bride and groom will need to provide a Baptism Certificate. To have a Catholic ceremony both the bride and groom require a Baptism Certificate.
For more information you should consult with the minister at the local parish you intend to marry, to find out what other arrangements need to be made.
Residency Stay
There is a minimum residency stay of three clear working days prior to your wedding day.
A 3-day stay is only applicable to couples that have applied to the Marriage Officer for a Special License. If you do not apply for the Special Licence and choose to apply for a Normal License then your marriage cannot be celebrated until 15 clear days after you submit your Notice of marriage.
Wedding License Fees
- Special License – CY£165.00
- Normal License – CY£75.00
If you choose to marry outside the Town Hall, in another location such as your hotel, you may incur additional fees. Contact the local Municipality or Town Hall, and the venue where you intend to marry, for further information.
Basic Documentation
The basic documents needed include:
- A valid 10-year passport (not due to expire within the next six months).
- An full birth certificate.
- An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy, stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Decree Absolute (the final divorce paper, if applicable), and if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment.
- Death Certificate (if you are a widow or widower).
- Change of Name Deed (required if you have changed your name), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
- Adoption certificate (if you have been adopted).
- Written consent from your parents or guardians (if either of you are under 18 years of age), stamped and signed by a solicitor.
You should give yourself plenty of time to organise your documents particularly if you are sending them through the post. Remember also to allow time for your marriage Banns to be posted in your local church or Town Hall prior to your wedding day.
Marriage Certificate
After the wedding ceremony the couple will be give a Certificate of Marriage by the Marriage Officer. If the couple require additional certified copies they can be obtained at a cost of CY£8.00 from the Marriage Officer or the Ministry of Interior.
In accordance with Cypriot Law the Marriage Officer will forward a certified copy of the couples Marriage Certificate to the Embassy or the Consulate of the UK, in Cyprus.
Useful websites
High Commission of Cyprus
93, Park Street,
London, W1K 7ET.
Tel:0207 499 8272
Fax: 0207 491 0691
IMPORTANT
Whilst every effort to ensure that the above information is correct, it may be subject to change at any time. Please always check with the official authorities before proceeding. If you notice some outdated information please let us know.
