Weddings in Cyprus: What types of weddings are possible?
The legal definition of a marriage can be complicated to a foreigner. While Cyprus doesn’t legally recognize gay marriage, same sex civil unions and registered partnerships are legally recognized.
Civil ceremonies are common. They must take place in a town hall or other authorized venue. A venue may become authorized by paying a fee and obtaining a license. In fact, couples of mixed religions often choose to marry in Cyprus if they cannot marry at home. Many countries don’t allow civil ceremonies but will still legally recognize those that were conducted abroad.
Religious weddings are also common in Cyprus, no matter your faith. Catholic marriages are typically preceded by civil ceremonies. Otherwise, marriages in Cyprus are internationally recognized to be legally binding. For Anglican weddings, civil wedding ceremonies aren’t required.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Cyprus?
The contracting of civil marriage in Cyprus is valid since 1923. As the procedure is simple many couples from all over the world come to celebrate their marriage in Cyprus and combine this event with holidays.
Persons desiring to have their marriage celebrated in Cyprus under the provisions of the Marriage Law 104(I) of 2003, may only apply, after their arrival in Cyprus, personally, to the Marriage Officer of the Municipality of their choice, in order to go through certain formalities which are necessary prior to their marriage.
The legal requirements to get married in Cyprus aren’t very strict. Most importantly, you must apply in-person for the wedding with a marriage officer. You can do so in the municipality where you’ll be marrying. You must provide all required documentation and be in Cyprus for three clear business days before your wedding day. You’ll need two witnesses for the ceremony.
These rules apply whether you’re an expat in Cyprus or a foreigner and whether you’re marrying a foreign citizen or a Cypriot.
What do you need to get married in Cyprus?
Necessary paperwork and documentation
You’ll need the following documents to complete your marriage application:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
- A photocopy (or two just to be safe) of the photo page of you and your fiancé’s passport
- A photocopy (or two) of the photo page of each of your two witnesses
- Your birth certificate
- If you plan to change your name, you’ll need a name change deed poll certificate
- A sworn affidavit or statutory declaration from a solicitor for oaths or notary public
If you or your partner are divorced, you’ll also need to provide a decree of the absolution of the previous marriage. If your partner is widowed, you’ll need a death certificate of your prior spouse.
If you’re a non-UK citizen, you’ll require a certificate of no impediment bearing the apostille stamp. The process of obtaining this will require different steps for different countries. Check with your country’s Office of Authentications for specific details.
The process
To apply for a civil marriage or a civil partnership in Cyprus, you must go in-person to the marriage officer in the municipality of your choice. The Union of Cyprus Municipalities gives a great overview of this process.
For religious weddings, you must contact the registered officiant at the house of worship where you plan to marry.
Normally, you must marry within 15 days at the earliest and three months at the latest from the time you apply. Therefore, plan to stay in Cyprus for around 20 days. Alternatively, you can pay a fee to get married within three business days. If you wait until after three months from your application, that application is considered void.
After the wedding, the marriage officer will send a certified copy of the marriage certificate to your home country’s embassy in Cyprus.