According to Greek Mythology, Aphrodite rose from the waves on the beautiful Cypriot coastline. Legend has it that if you swim around Aphrodite’s rock with a partner you will have everlasting love – so with Aphrodite’s blessing, Cyprus is the perfect place to exchange your vows. It’s also idyllic for those dreaming of cloudless blue skies, the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and stunning settings for their wedding.Cyprus has much to offer couples wanting to tie the knot in a sunny island location, but who don’t want to travel long-haul to far-flung destinations. One of the benefits is that friends and family can easily fly out and join the celebrations – it’s just a four-and-a-half hour away from London and is serviced by most of the budget airlines and tour operators.

“If you want to push the boat out, you can have a right royal wedding in Cyprus, as did Richard the Lionheart, King of England”

Best of all, the Mediterranean climate means you can rely on sunny weather for most of the year. June to September are the hottest and most popular months, however, if you would rather avoid the crowds, then October to May are quieter, and at this time of year the landscape flourishes with a blaze of colourful wild flowers.Whether you’re getting married for the first time, enjoying a second honeymoon or celebrating your jubilee, the island provides some of the most romantic locations, and can cater for anything from a quiet, intimate gathering to a lavish banquet at a luxury hotel. Cyprus offers excellent value for money and plenty of choice.If you want to push the boat out, you can have a right royal wedding in Cyprus, as did Richard the Lionheart, King of England, when he married Berengaria of Navarre on the island in the Middle Ages. You can also drink a toast to your future with one of the oldest wines in the world.Many hotels in Cyprus now have their own wedding chapels, including the colourful little church at the Columbia Beach Resort and the sparkling white traditional church at Anassa, complete with its own courtyard. There are also many churches, which welcome wedding couples. Most churches cater for both Anglican and Catholic denominations. Wedding ceremonies are conducted in English and their format is similar to the civil marriage ceremony conducted in the UK, on which the Cypriot system is based.

Legal Requirements

You can get legally married in Cyprus, but you must make your marriage application in person to the Marriage Officer at the Municipality of your choice after you arrive in Cyprus.

Special Licence

You must be resident in Cyprus for three clear working days prior to your wedding day if you apply to the Marriage Officer for the issue of a Special Licence. If you do not apply for the Special Licence you can’t be married until 15 clear days after you submit your Notice of Marriage and you will need to be resident in Cyprus for approximately 20 days. Special Licence fees are CY£165. Normal Licence fees are CY£75.

Certificate of Marriage

After your wedding ceremony you will be issued with a Certificate of Marriage. If you require additional certified copies they can be obtained for CY£8. The Marriage Officer will forward a certified copy of your Certificate of Marriage to the embassy or the consulate of your home country.

Religious ceremonies

If you are planning a religious ceremony you will also need to contact the Registered Minister of the church where you plan to get married to make the extra arrangements required for a religious ceremony. A Catholic ceremony costs CY £250 and is not legally binding unless you first have a civil wedding ceremony. If you have an Anglican wedding ceremony you are not required to have a civil wedding ceremony.

Civil ceremonies

Civil ceremonies can be conducted in the local town hall of the town where you are staying, in a hotel or in one of Cyprus’s designated civil outdoor wedding venues. You can customise your civil wedding by choosing your own music and readings.