Is a wedding in Cyprus legal in the UK?

Yes. A legal civil wedding in Cyprus is recognised in the UK. Here is what UK couples need to know about the paperwork, the notice period and the ceremony itself.

Cyprus is one of the simplest places in Europe for UK couples to marry. A civil wedding performed by a Cypriot municipality is legally binding and recognised in the UK, so there is nothing to repeat at home.

The paperwork. Each of you will need your passport and your full birth certificate, plus a document confirming you are free to marry. Depending on where in the UK you live, this is a statutory declaration made before a solicitor or a Certificate of No Impediment. If either of you has been married before, you will also need the decree absolute or the death certificate. UK documents other than passports must carry an apostille.

The notice. You give notice in person at the municipality where you marry, once you arrive in Cyprus. With a special licence the wedding can take place after one working day; without it, after 15 days.

Civil or church? The civil ceremony is the legal one. Many couples hold it at the town hall or their venue, then have a blessing or a symbolic ceremony by the sea. An Orthodox church wedding has its own requirements, arranged through the church.

Our advice. Most couples arrange the paperwork through their venue or planner, who books the municipality and the Marriage Officer. Requirements can change, so always check the current list with your municipality before you travel.