Malta Wedding Ceremony
What You Need to Know

When planning a wedding in Malta, it’s important to understand the different types of ceremonies available and their legal recognition. Whether you choose a civil, religious, or symbolic ceremony, each option offers unique features that can shape your wedding day.

Weddings by – Wed in Malta

Understanding Marriage Laws in Malta

If you’re planning to get married in Malta, it’s essential to understand the country’s legal process, required documentation, and acceptable venues. Unlike many European countires, Malta recognises both civil and religious weddings as legally binding without requiring a separate civil ceremony.

For detailed information on documents, eligibility, and step-by-step legal requirements, [Click Here].

Civil Wedding Ceremony in Malta

Legal Recognition & Requirements

Civil ceremonies in Malta are legally binding and internationally recognised. The ceremony is officiated by a Marriage Registrar and can take place at one of the registry offices or an approved public venue.

Location & Venue Rules

Civil ceremonies can be held at:

The Marriage Registry in Valletta or Gozo

Approved wedding halls or hotel function rooms

Public spaces within hotel premises (upon registrar approval)

Venues that are generally not accepted include:

Poolside areas

Private beaches

Duration & Availability

Civil ceremonies typically last between 15 to 25 minutes. Ceremonies outside the registry office usually incur an additional fee and must be scheduled within the registrar’s availability. Most civil ceremonies are held Monday to Saturday, with Saturday and evening ceremonies requiring special arrangements and fees.

Language & Translator Guidance

Civil ceremonies are usually conducted in English or Maltese. If either partner does not understand the language being used, a registered interpreter must be present. Most non Maltese couples choose to have the ceremony in English, and the registrar will accommodate this wherever possible.

Documentation & Witnesses

Couples must submit required legal documents to the Public Registry several months before the wedding. On the day of the ceremony, both partners and their two witnesses, who must be at least 18 years old, are required to present valid identification. Witnesses can be Maltese or foreign nationals.

Personalising Your Ceremony

Civil ceremonies follow a formal structure, including an official welcome, legal declarations, vows, and the signing of the marriage register. However, couples can personalise the experience by including non religious readings, personal vows, or music, subject to approval by the Marriage Registry. Religious elements are not permitted in civil ceremonies by Maltese law.

Top Tip: Use a Wedding Professional for the Legal Requirements

Navigating the legal requirements for getting married in a foreign country can be challenging. Hiring a local wedding planner in Malta can make the process much smoother, as they can assist with paperwork and, where permitted, act on your behalf. Many wedding planners offer a dedicated legal support service for a one-time fee, without requiring you to book any additional wedding planning services. Connect with trusted wedding planners in Malta [Click Here].

Wedding Planners in Malta

Religious Wedding Ceremony in Malta

Legal Standing

Religious weddings in Malta are fully legally recognised on their own and do not require a separate civil ceremony, as long as the officiating religious body is authorised to register the marriage with the Public Registry.

Catholic Ceremonies

Malta has a rich Roman Catholic tradition with over 365 churches available for weddings. Catholic weddings may include a full Mass and typically last around 50 minutes. You are requested to contact the Curia to obtain information directly about the requirements for foreign nationals, as each case has to be made individually.

Contact:
Archdiocese of Malta — Archbishop’s Curia (Marriage Office)
St Calcidonius Square, Floriana, FRN 1535, Malta
Tel: +356 2590 6238 (Monday to Friday, 09:00–16:00)

Required Documentation:

Ten days before the wedding, the couple must collect two copies of the Act of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns. These documents should be submitted to the parish priest of the church where the ceremony will take place.

Couples planning a religious ceremony in Malta must first complete all standard civil marriage procedures, including applying for a marriage licence and submitting the required forms and documents.

Ten days before the wedding, the couple must collect two copies of the Act of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns. These must be submitted to the parish priest of the church where the ceremony will take place.

In addition to the civil documentation, Catholic ceremonies require specific religious documents, which must be prepared by your parish priest and submitted to the Chancellery. Once reviewed, the documents are forwarded to the Curia.

These include:

Baptism and Confirmation Certificates

Pre-nuptial Investigation Forms

Proof of freedom to marry (such as a certificate of no impediment or similar document)

Proof of completion of pre-marital instruction

Dispensations (if required)

Permission to marry outside your diocese (if applicable)

It’s essential to begin this process several months in advance, as church documentation must typically be issued within six months of the wedding date.

For additional information visit https://identita.gov.mt/public-registry-marriage-registry-religious-marriage/

Anglican Ceremonies

The most common Anglican venue for weddings is St Paul’s Pro-Cathedral in Valletta. The chaplaincy also oversees smaller Anglican services on the islands, subject to availability and approval. One partner must be a baptised Anglican and complete pre‑marriage preparation. It is vital to contact the Chaplaincy Office well in advance to arrange the ceremony.

Contact:
Chaplaincy Office
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral
Independence Square
Valletta VLT 12
Tel: +356 21 225714 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 – 16.00)

Required Documentation:

Couples planning an Anglican wedding in Malta must first complete all standard civil marriage procedures, including applying for a marriage licence and submitting the required forms and documents.

Ten days before the wedding, the couple must collect two copies of the Act of Marriage and the Certificate of Banns. These documents should be submitted to the Anglican priest who will be officiating the ceremony.

In addition to the civil requirements, Anglican ceremonies require specific faith-based paperwork.

Typically this includes:

Proof that at least one partner is a baptised Anglican

Confirmation of completion of any pre-marriage preparation course

Proof of freedom to marry (such as a certificate of no impediment or similar document)

Other documentation may be requested by the Chaplaincy, depending on individual circumstances. These documents must be submitted to the Chaplaincy Office at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Valletta before your ceremony can proceed. It is recommended to submit them several weeks ahead of the wedding date, and to contact the Chaplaincy in advance to confirm any specific requirements.

Symbolic Wedding Ceremony in Malta

Flexibility & Personalisation

Symbolic weddings offer couples full creative freedom without legal status. These ceremonies are ideal for those who have already completed their legal formalities elsewhere and wish to host a personalised celebration in Malta.

Guest Experience

Treating a symbolic ceremony as the main celebration allows for unique formats set in dramatic open‑air venues, historic estates or private gardens. Guests usually regard this ceremony as the meaningful wedding event.

Summary: Legal Recognition

Type of Ceremony	Legally Binding?	Registered with Civil Authority Required?	Notes
Civil Ceremony	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Conducted by a registrar at the Public Registry or approved venue
Religious Ceremony	✅ Yes	❌ No	Legally valid without separate civil ceremony—conducted by recognised clergy
Symbolic Ceremony	❌ No	❌ No	Personal ceremony only, no legal standing