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Legal Requirements for weddings Abroad

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Civil Ceremony, Religious Ceremony or Blessings are all possible in Malta.
Whatever type of religious ceremony is chosen, there are officiates who are able to perform the wedding ceremony in English. But if the ceremony is conducted in Maltese an interpreter should be present if neither of you speak Maltese.

Documentation;

  1. A copy of the full birth certificate for both the bride and groom authenticated by a solicitor (lawyer or notary). The full original birth certificate must also be supplied. Under Maltese Law the original birth certificate along with all the other completed legal documentation must remain in Malta.  A copy of the full birth certificate can be obtained from the local registry office in the UK for a small fee. (This should be done before surrendering the original)

  2. A copy of valid passports for both the bride and groom authenticated by a solicitor and a photo copy of valid passports of two witnesses.

  3. Two separate Certificates of No-Impediment (this can be obtained from the Superintendent Registrar. The document should not be issued more than 3 months before the wedding date). Bare in mind it takes approximately 1 month to issue the certificate.
  4. If previously married, a copy of the Certificate for your first marriage authenticated by a solicitor which should then be accompanied by a copy of the Decree of Absolute authenticated by a solicitor.
  5. If widowed a copy of a spouses death certificate and a copy of the previous marriage certificate must be authenticated by a solicitor. And an Affidavit by 3rd person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that since the death of former spouse / date of divorce, one did not re-marry (if applicable).
  6. If you have changed your name by Deed Poll or you were adapted, proof is required which then must be authenticated by a solicitor.
  7. Adoption certificate (if applicable)
  8. Parental consent required in the form of Statutory Declaration/affidavit authenticated by a solicitor.
  9. An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy.
  10. Complete form RZ1 certificate (Application Form), which does not need to be authenticated by a solicitor.
    Complete RZ2 certificate (Declaration Form). The bride and groom must each complete a separate form, both of which need then be authenticated by a solicitor

All the basic documentation with the exception of the (originals) should be forwarded to the Marriage Registry in Malta not less than 7 weeks prior to the wedding day, but not more 3 months.
For a Church wedding the Marriage Registry will have to be supplied with the following information:
The date of the wedding.

  • The church where the marriage is to be performed.
  • The name of the priest or minister who is the perform the ceremony.
  • The name which the bride will be using after she is married (either her maiden name of her husbands name).

Allow enough time to organise your documents especially if they have to be sent by post.
Allow time for your marriage Banns to be posted in your local church or Town Hall prior to your wedding day.

Residency Requirements:
 There is no residence requirement. However couples are required to visit the Marriage Registry in Valletta to finalise the paperwork before their wedding day, so it may be advisable to arrive several days earlier. Passport presentation is mandatory.

Marriage Licenses:tba

Marriage Certificate:
This must be applied for at the Civil Status Section, Public Registry, in Valletta. A fees is charged for a full copy of the original Act of Marriage. Contact the Civil Status Section in advance so they can advise you on the necessary paperwork.
Although marriage in Malta is legally binding, it cannot be registered in the UK. This however in no way makes your marriage invalid.

Blood Test: None

Civil Ceremony:
Civil Ceremonies are legally recognised in Malta and are conducted by a local Registrar. They can take place in the local Register Office, in a licensed venue such as a hotel, castle or Palace.
A check should be made with the Marriage Registrar that the chosen venue is acceptable. An additional Fee is payable if the marriage venue other than the local Register Office.
The ceremony will be conducted in English. Two witnesses must be present who are eighteen years or older. Ceremonies can be adapted and personalised with readings.

Religious Wedding Ceremony:
Religious weddings are legally binding provided the couple comply with the requirements of the local Public Registry in Malta. Malta is a Roman Catholic country. (90% of people are Roman Catholic.) Anglican weddings can be celebrated.

Anglican Church Weddings
Either the bride or groom must be baptised Anglican if you wish to have an Anglican wedding. Contact the Senior Chaplain Revd Tom Mendel on 00356 21225714 for further details.

Catholic Wedding Ceremony:People wanting a Roman Catholic wedding in Malta should contact the curia, the marriage section on 00356 21 245350 and speak with Dun Tarcis Delicata with regards to the required paperwork.
Six months should be allowed before their wedding date to prepare the required church documents. They should contact your local parish priest in the UK to obtain the following documents:

  • Pre-nuptial Investigation forms,
  • Affidavits of Freedom to Marry for both bride and groom,
  • Baptism and Confirmation Certificates (this can not be issued more than six months in advance),
  • Priest’s written statement that pre-marital instructions have been given,
  • Permission by the Ordinary or his delegate for marriage to be celebrated outside his Diocese (in this case Malta)
  • Any required dispensations from the Diocese of the Catholic party,
  • Promises in the case of a mixed marriage (that the other non-Catholic part will not obstruct his/her future children from being brought up in the Catholic faith, if the Catholic spouse so wishes)


Completed documents have to be forwarded by your local parish to the Chancellery (or your Bishop’s administration offices). They are then checked and forwarded onto the Maltese Curia (Archbishop’s administration). Here the documents will again be checked and finally be forwarded on to the local parish priest in Malta, who is to perform your wedding.
There is an administration fee to pay, associated with the above process, and a contribution fee.
Restrictions
It is most unlikely that a couple will be allowed to have a Roman Catholic wedding if either party have been previously divorced. However you may still wish to ask
Dun Tarcis Delicata will regards to the possibility.

Religious Blessing
This is popular with couples where one or both have been previously divorced.
Religious blessing, ceremonies are not legally binding so a Civil Wedding in the UK first is advised.

Other Ceremonies: tba

Additional Rules and customs: none known

Fees and Charges:tba

Legality: See above

Flowers: Fresh flowers cannot be flown in from abroad due to customs regulations. Silk or artificial flowers are permitted.

Foreign Pesters, Priests, Vicars, JP's: Only officials registered in the Cyprus can perform the ceremony.

Related Links:

Registering foreign marriages in the UK

Honeymoon Inoculations

Exotic Honeymoon Destinations

Wedding Insurance