Cyprus wedding success depends on getting the legal bit right
Before any Cyprus wedding can be a success you really must be sure you've got all your legal documentation and have made all the relevant applications and declarations. Under The Cyprus Sun has gone straight to the horses mouth for all the information within this page, collating everything from the civil marriages section of the Union Of Cyprus Municipalities website. Like a lot of government info sources it's a bit heavy going so I hope Under The Cyprus Sun's Cyprus wedding guide will get you on the right track. The first point to note is that couples wishing to have their wedding in Cyprus must apply to the marriage officer of their chosen municipal location in person when they arrive in Cyprus. Then after they've both completed and submitted a joint application known as a “Notice of Marriage” the Marriage officer will offer the choice of two licenses permitting their marriage. A special license can be applied for enabling you to marry 3 days after your application. This license currently costs €281,90 approx £229.28stg. UDATE REGARDING THE SPECIAL WEDDING LICENSE Earlier today, (Thursday 18th September 2008) I spoke to a member of the weddings department at the Limassol municipality (Town Hall). They confirmed that as long as all the relevant documentation is correct (please see below) and that you have prebooked the appointment to process the wedding license application and prebooked your civil wedding service it is possible to cut down the three day period previously quoted. Apparently it is even possible to complete everything on the same day. I don't think I would advise couples to cut things this fine as it leaves little room to iron out any last minute glitches and must surely add to the stress of the whole event. However I suppose if you only have a few days to spare for your wedding in Cyprus this information may be beneficial. A cheaper option that involves you being resident on island 20 days before your Cyprus wedding day is available and costs €128,15 approx £104.518stg. Due to the length of time most couples can spare for their trip to Cyprus and subsequent wedding the Special license tends to be the most popular option.
There are various documents ORIGINAL that you will both need to bring to Cyprus depending on your status, in order to accurately complete the paperwork process for your Cyprus wedding. I hope the following list is comprehensive. Please prepare these documents carefully before you come and put them ready in your suitcase. There is nothing worse than arriving here without a vital document and the marriage officers WILL NOT COMPROMISE....
A 10 Year Passport with at least 6 months validity remaining. For first marriages you will need Sworn Affidavits declaring you're free to marry. A Uk solicitor can provide signed and stamped documents for you both declaring your single status. These must be prepared one month or less before your wedding date. If you don't do this the Cypriot marriage officer is required to have you swear an oath to your single status before Registrar of a District Court (try to avoid this inconvenience. It's time consuming and stressful) Notice of Marriage – this must be submitted to a marriage officer prior to your wedding. If you are getting married in a church you'll need a baptism certificate (check with the marriage official regarding this) If either or both of you are divorced you will need your ORIGINAL Decree Absolute. COPIES ARE NOT ACCEPTED If you are a widower you'll need your spouses Death certificate and your previous Marriage Certificate. If you are adopted bring your Adoption certificate. If you are under 18 you will need a letter of consent from a parent or guardian. If you have changed your name by deed poll you will need stamped proof of this from a solicitor. If you have an Irish Passport bring a Freedom to Marry Certificate (obtained from the Registry office in Ireland or from an Irish Embassy if living outside of Ireland).
RELIGIOUS CEREMONY A civil marriage may be celebrated either by the Marriage Officer, or by a Registered Minister of Religion at his church. In this case all the same procedure should also be followed at the municipality, but the religious ceremony can be held at a church. All necessary arrangements with the Registered Minister and the church should be carried out by the interested persons. It should be noted that the ministers of any religion or any other denomination must be registered/recorded in a special register (upon their application) kept by the Ministry of Interior. So basically you have to go through the same paperwork process regardless of the type of wedding service you choose.
It's worth noting that if you plan a Cyprus wedding.... depending on your nationality if there is an embassy or consulate of your country of origin within Cyprus they will be notified of your marriage.
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It's packed with information about planning a wedding in Cyprus and keeps you up to date with Cyprus wedding legalities, location ideas and available venues. There'll be regular information about service providers and products on the island. All topped off with some great insights into wedding style, planning tips and great cost cutting ideas that don't compromise quality.
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