Destination Wedding in Malta
Planning Starter Guide for a wedding abroad
Image –Wed in Malta
Why Get Married in Malta?
For a stress free wedding abroad in a stunning Mediterranean setting, consider a wedding in Malta. With predictable sunny weather, a vast range of wedding venues, no minimum residency rules and English-language paperwork, the Maltese Islands make an ideal backdrop for your celebration.
A wedding in Malta offers a perfect blend of Mediterranean sunshine, rich history, and effortless planning. Whether you choose the stunning Baroque palazzos of Valletta or charming coastal venues in Gozo, Malta provides a variety of breathtaking settings to suit every style. Located just 95 km south of Sicily, the islands enjoy a reliably warm climate ideal for outdoor celebrations most of the year.
With English widely spoken, excellent flight connections from the UK and Europe, and a straightforward legal process, Malta stands out as a top destination for a stress free and memorable wedding abroad. The islands’ combination of historic charm and easy logistics makes planning your special day simple and enjoyable.
Wedding in Malta: Section Links
Planning: Quick Links
What to Expect From a Wedding in Malta
Stunning Venues & Flexible Celebrations
Choose from:
- Historic registry offices
- Baroque palazzos and castles
- Seaside chapels and coastal venues
- Vineyard estates and countryside villas
- Luxury hotels and approved outdoor locations
Experienced Local Wedding Planners
Malta has a strong network of English-speaking wedding planners who manage everything from legal paperwork to supplier coordination, styling and on-the-day logistics. For couples planning from abroad, a local planner is invaluable.
Professional Photographers & Videographers
Malta’s light, architecture and landscapes are ideal for photography. Local professionals know how to make the most of the island’s unique backdrops.
Affordable Mediterranean Luxury
Compared with many mainland European destinations, weddings in Malta often offer better value across venues, catering and services, even at the luxury end.
Ease of Legal Paperwork Requirements
Getting legally married in Malta is straightforward compared to many other destinations, provided your documents are in order. Most couples find it easy to arrange with help from a local wedding planner who handles document verification and submission.
Easy Accessibility for Guests
Malta International Airport, short transfer times and a compact island layout make attending your wedding simple for guests.
Real experience: Lauren & Jonathan
“Planning a wedding is a full time job and planning one abroad can feel nearly impossible. If you want a stress-free experience and to truly enjoy your time in Malta, hiring a local wedding planning team is essential. We chose Malta based purely on venue images online and didn’t visit until a few days before the wedding. From day one, our planner understood exactly what we wanted. Communication was seamless throughout the year, we exchanged countless emails full of excitement and when we finally met in person, it felt like greeting an old friend. We were guided through every step, from choosing suppliers to finalising the schedule, and everything was expertly handled. On arrival, we visited our venue, Villa Bologna, which was even more stunning in real life. The walk-through gave us total peace of mind, and from that moment on, we simply relaxed and enjoyed the experience. The team managed everything on the day perfectly. We just had to show up, get married, and celebrate. They even helped us stay under budget, without compromising on anything we wanted. It was the best decision we made, and we couldn’t recommend the experience more.”
Wedding Planned By Wed Our Way
Weather & Best Time of Year to Marry in Malta
Malta enjoys over 300 sunny days per year, making it one of Europe’s most reliable destinations for outdoor weddings.
Best Months
April–October: perfect for outdoor weddings
Summer Weddings
July–August: Very warm, consider late afternoon or evening ceremonies
Off-Season Weddings
Nov–Mar: Mild and quiet, ideal for indoor or small-scale weddings
Top Wedding Venue Locations in Malta
Malta offers an exceptional range of wedding locations to suit every style, and budget. Whether you envision exchanging vows in a historic Baroque palace, a charming countryside chapel, or a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean, Malta’s diverse settings provide unforgettable backdrops. From the fortified streets of Valletta and Mdina to the tranquil countryside of Gozo and dramatic sea views along the southern coast, couples can find venues ranging from intimate, budget-friendly spots to lavish, full service wedding destinations.
Here’s a breakdown of the top wedding locations in Malta, highlighting what makes each area unique and offering insights for couples planning their destination wedding in Malta.
Valletta & The Three Cities
Renowned for their stunning Baroque architecture, historic streets, and picturesque waterfront views, these locations offer an elegant and timeless backdrop for your wedding
Mdina & Rabat
Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina boasts medieval and Renaissance charm with its narrow, winding streets and grand palaces, perfect for couples seeking a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Nearby Rabat also offers beautiful historic venues and gardens for unique wedding celebrations.
Gozo
Malta’s sister island, Gozo, is famous for its rustic charm, scenic coastline, and peaceful countryside venues, ideal for a relaxed and nature-inspired wedding.
Southern Coast & Dingli Cliffs
For dramatic sea views and breathtaking cliffside settings, this area provides a stunning natural backdrop, especially popular for outdoor ceremonies and sunset weddings.
Luxury Hotels & Villas
Malta offers a wide range of full service luxury venues, including five-star hotels and private villas, catering to upscale weddings with comprehensive packages, expert planning, and premium amenities.
Legal Requirements for a Wedding in Malta
Legal requirements for a wedding abroad in Malta are relatively straightforward, involving minimal bureaucracy. Both religious and civil ceremonies are internationally recognised and legally binding provided couples complete the correct paperwork in advance.
Residency
There is no residency requirement for foreign couples to marry in Malta. However, you must attend a final meeting with the registrar in person a few days before your wedding to complete the legal formalities.
Civil Weddings
Civil ceremonies can take place at the Marriage Registry in Valletta or Gozo, approved wedding halls or hotel function rooms, public spaces within hotel premises, provided it has approval from the Registrar.
Religious Weddings
Both Catholic and Anglican weddings are possible but require additional paperwork and civil registration after the wedding.
Symbolic Ceremonies
Popular for couples who complete the legal part elsewhere; flexible locations and no legal paperwork needed in Malta.
Required Documents
Exact requirements can vary by nationality and canton, but generally include:
- Valid passports for couple and witnessess
- Full birth certificates
- Proof of legal capacity to marry (Free Status, Certificate of No Impediment or equivalent)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- Declaration of intended surname post wedding
- Certified translations into English or Maltese and apostilled where required
- Submit Forms RZ1 and RZ2 between 3 months and 6 weeks before your wedding.
- Banns are published for at least 8 days, and the ceremony must follow 6 days to 3 months after banns publication
Interpreter
If neither partner speaks English or Maltese, an interpreter may be required during legal proceedings.
Officiant & Witnesses
- Ceremony must be conducted by a licensed Registrar, Mayor, or approved clergy
- Includes two adult witnesses (18+)
- You must use official officiant
Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex civil unions and marriages are legal and recognised under Maltese law.
To learn more about the legal requirements for getting married in Malta [Click Here].
Note: Subject to change, correct as of January 2026
Real experience: Claire & Collette
“We had the most incredible dream wedding in Malta and we couldn’t have been happier with how the planning went and on the wedding day itself. Our wedding was a small, intimate family gathering, just the two of us and 10 guests. We chose Palazzo Falson in Mdina as our venue, and although it wasn’t our first choice, it turned out to be absolutely perfect and even more beautiful than we imagined. Our planner stayed in close contact with us over the months before the wedding. She was very responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful. She recommended the makeup artist, photographer, videographer, and registrar, all of whom exceeded our expectations. She even helped us book a vintage Maltese bus, which was the perfect way to travel to and from the ceremony. On the day, she was calm and attentive, making sure everything ran smoothly. We’re so grateful for everything she did. Malta is a fantastic place to get married, and choosing Wed in Malta as our planners was the best decision we made.”
Wedding Planned by Wed in Malta
Average Cost of a Wedding in Malta
The cost of a wedding in Malta varies based on the venue, guest count, time of year, and service level. On average, couples spend between €15,000 and €30,000 for a destination wedding with 60–100 guests. The prices below should be used as a general guide.
Note: All costs are listed in euros (€), which is the official currency of Malta. When planning your wedding in Malta, it’s important to budget in euros to align with local pricing and account for any exchange rate fluctuations.
Small, Intimate Weddings & Elopements: €3,500 – €9,000
Ideal for small groups (2–15 guests), registry or outdoor ceremonies.
Mid-Sized Weddings: €12,000 – €25,000
For 40–80 guests, quality catering and decor.
Premium Destination Weddings: €25,000 – €40,000
Historic venues, high-end vendors.
Luxury Weddings: €40,000+
Palazzos, estates, full-service planners.
Note: Subject to change, costs January 2026
Typical Wedding Expense Breakdown in Malta
Below is a typical cost breakdown for key wedding suppliers in Malta:
Note: All costs are listed in euros (€).
Venue Rental (Full Day): €1,500–€8,000
Depends on whether it’s a private villa, hotel, or outdoor venue.
Catering Per Person: €60–€120
A standard wedding meal typically includes: canapés or welcome drinks reception, 3-course seated dinner (starter, main, dessert), coffee or tea service, some caterers may include a midnight snack or dessert table.
Beverages Per Person: €20–€50+
Often charged separately from catering. Packages vary but may include: welcome drinks (e.g. prosecco or cocktails, free-flowing wine, beer, and soft drinks during dinner, open bar options available for an additional cost.
Photography & Videography: €1,000 - €4,000+
Ranges based on hours of coverage and services (e.g. drone footage, highlight films).
Wedding Planner (Full Service): €1,500–€6,000
Includes coordination, supplier management, timeline planning, and on-the-day support.
Flowers & Décor: €800–€5,000
Based on floral quantities, table styling, arches, ceremony setups and season.
Hair & Make-up: €200–€800
Bridal styling; party add-ons.
Entertainment: €800–€3,000
Includes DJs, bands, Maltese musicians.
Legal Paperwork Assistance: €300–€1,000
Covers help with document preparation, translation, and submission.
Note: Subject to change, costs January 2026
Real experience: Rania & Umar
“We had the absolute pleasure of working with Siemenjov for our wedding and we truly couldn’t have asked for anyone better. From our pre-wedding shoot in Gozo, where he went above and beyond to take us to the most beautiful spots for stunning photos, to capturing our entire three day wedding celebration, he put in so much care and effort from start to finish. Ours was a multicultural celebration blending Maltese, Moroccan, and Pakistani traditions, with big, loving families and a lot of moving parts. From our colourful Mehndi night to the emotional wedding ceremony and the joyful Walima, Siemenjov captured each moment so naturally and beautifully. He understood the tone and energy of every event and the photos reflect that perfectly. What really stood out to us was not just his incredible talent behind the camera but his calm and warm personality. He made everyone feel at ease, was incredibly understanding of all the dynamics, and brought such a relaxed and friendly presence to our wedding days. He fit in seamlessly with our guests and became a part of the celebration without ever being intrusive. By the end of the weekend we didn’t just have an incredible collection of photos, we felt like we had gained a friend. Thank you, Siemenjov, for preserving these moments so beautifully. We will cherish them forever.”
Wedding Photography by Siemenjov Galdes
Our Tips for a Seamless Wedding Experience
Here are some easy tips to help you get started and avoid common headaches when planning your wedding in Malta:
1.Book Early & Consider Seasonality
Malta is a popular destination for weddings, particularly between May and October. To secure your preferred venue and suppliers, it’s advisable to begin planning 12 to 18 months in advance. Summer dates fill up quickly, especially weekends.
2. Hire a Local Wedding Planner
A local planner brings invaluable knowledge of the Maltese wedding industry. They will help you navigate legal requirements, recommend trusted vendors, and coordinate logistics on the ground. They are especially helpful with organising paperwork for your marriage licence and ensuring that nothing is missed in the lead up to your big day.
3. Prepare for the Climate
Malta’s Mediterranean weather is one of its biggest draws, but the hottest months, particularly July and August, can be intense. Consider holding your ceremony later in the day, when the temperature drops and lighting is better for photography. Provide shaded areas and plenty of water for guests, especially if any part of the celebration is outdoors.
4. Understand the Legal Process
There is no residency requirement for a wedding in Malta, but couples must attend a final appointment with the Marriage Registry in person a few days before the wedding. All required documents must be submitted between six weeks and three months in advance. Originals, apostilles, translations, and witness information all need to be correctly prepared. Your planner can help ensure every detail is in order.
5. Plan Guest Logistics Carefully
Although Malta is a compact island, traffic in and around Valletta and popular tourist areas can cause delays. To avoid timing issues, choose accommodation close to your venue when possible, and arrange guest transport in advance. Many couples also provide itineraries to keep guests informed and reduce confusion on the day.
6. Make Time for Photos
The island’s diverse backdrops, from Baroque city streets to golden beaches and quiet countryside, are ideal for wedding portraits. Many couples schedule time either the day before or after the wedding to take additional photographs in Valletta, Mdina, or even on a private boat. This also reduces time pressure on the wedding day itself.
7. Know What’s Included in Catering
Malta has a well established catering scene, and most wedding menus include a starter, pasta or risotto, a main course, and dessert. Canapés during the cocktail hour and traditional dessert tables are common additions. Beverages are typically priced separately, so confirm whether your package includes wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks, or if they are charged per guest or on a timed basis. Maltese wines and craft beers are often a cost effective and popular choice.
8. Keep Guests Informed
Once your date and venue are confirmed, send out save the dates and provide practical information to help guests plan their trip. Include flight options, hotel recommendations, local transport details, and suggestions for things to do during their stay. Many couples add pre-wedding gatherings or post-wedding brunches to extend the celebration and make the most of their time with family and friends.
9. Schedule a Menu Tasting
Most venues and caterers in Malta are happy to arrange a menu tasting in advance. This gives you the opportunity to finalise your selections, cater for special dietary requirements, and ensure that the food and presentation match your expectations. It’s also a good time to discuss timings for each course and how drinks service will be handled throughout the evening.
10. Discover Your Wedding Style
11. Tools & Experts to Guide Your Planning
Use our expert planning tools, to help you plan your destination wedding and bring your vision to life.
Expert Tips for Planning a Wedding in Malta
We’ve gathered insights from top wedding planners and vendors across Malta to help you prepare:
“Mediterranean countries like Malta and Croatia are very laid back and slow. It is important to keep in mind that sometimes it takes dozen follow ups and weeks to get responses from suppliers (especially if you start planning in summer – middle of wedding season). Starting with your wedding planning with plenty time ahead will save you from stress and headache. Plus you get to negotiate better deals and save more money for fun bits…like fireworks! – which are quite affordable in Malta.” Martina – Wed Our Way
“The best gift a wedding planner could give, is peace of mind. You should feel you are guests at your own wedding. It is all about you and your experience and enjoyment of your special day. Once you find the perfect venue to get married at, the rest of those wedding day details should quickly fall into place. Just like your wedding dress, you will know it’s “the one” when you feel the sense of rightness and utter perfection.” Alex – Wed In Malta
“When planning your luxury wedding, remember that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Focus on a few exquisite details, prioritise quality over quantity, and let the elegance of your vision shine through.” Rosselli AX Privilege
Malta Wedding Suppliers
Legal Requirements & Ceremony Options
Planning Tools & Resources
Now that you know what’s involved in planning a wedding in Malta, it’s time to take the next step!
- Download our FREE Wedding Planning Tools: These resources will help you start the process.
- Start Building Your Supplier List: Use our Easy Supplier Finder to connect with trusted wedding vendors from around the world. We’ve made it easy for you to find the perfect suppliers for your destination wedding.
- Join the Wedding Abroad Community: Connect with other couples who are planning their destination weddings. Join our Weddings Abroad Guide Facebook Group and get tips, advice, and support from people who’ve been there.