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civil weddings
FRIDAY OCTOBER 21 2016
Tying the knot in Cyprus Why so many couples choose their special day on Aphrodite’s island
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t’s easy to see why so many couples of all ages and nationalities choose Cyprus as their dream wedding destination. According to the most recent official statistics available, in 2013 there were 9,031civil weddings of which 34% involved Couples can also tie the knot only permanent resiby the sea, in the gardens dents of Cyprus, of a historic building, by a clear indication of just how many a swimming pool or in a people travel to the park, depending on the island especially municipality they choose for their big day. Cyprus’ ability to attract so many couples from abroad is not accidental. Even mass weddings have become popular especially for Israeli couples. As well as Cyprus being the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, there is plenty to make this romantic Mediterranean island the ideal place for couples to make their lifelong commitment to each other and celebrate their endless love. A wide choice of picturesque venues and close to year-round excellent weather are just some of the many factors that have made Cyprus one of Europe’s most popular wedding and honeymoon locations. Gone are the days when civil marriage ceremonies were confined to the Town Hall, although the option of a room especially decorated for the purpose is still available. Nowadays, couples can also tie the knot by the sea, in the gardens of a historic building, by a swimming pool or in a park, depending on the municipality they choose.
Civil ceremonies can also, in some circumstances, be carried out at hotels providing the happy couple and their guests with a very convenient as well as beautiful location for the day. Hotels also make up part of the many options for accommodation available, an added attraction for those flying in for the ceremony and particularly handy when couples are combining their special day with their honeymoon. The country’s ideal weather, including plenty of sunny days in winter, is also a major benefit. A warm and pleasant climate makes it easier for the bride and groom and their guests to indulge in a wide range of fun activities before and after the ceremony. They can also plan with confidence
in the knowledge that the big is unlikely to be rained off. Plus, Cyprus has a strong and highly-experienced wedding industry infrastructure. The paperwork: Check with the municipality of your choice but generally, the following procedures must be followed for a civil wedding to take place. Both Cypriot and foreign nationals have to provide the following certificates where applicable: 1. Affi Davit at a Registrar of the District Court of Nicosia 2. Statement from the Ministry of Interior (Migration) 3. Divorce Certificate (Decree Absolute)
4. Death Certificate of Spouse 5. Copy of Birth Certificate 6. Passport 7. ID Card Foreigner nationals also need to provide the following certificates: 1. Recent Certificate of marital status from a Governmental Authority ( i.e. Town Hall, Ministry of Interior, Registry Office, Embassy etc) 2. Birth Certificate 3. Divorce Certificate 4. Death Certificate of Spouse 5. Passport or European ID Card All the above documents, to be valid and recognised, must be legalised with an Apostille Stamp (if the interested party’s country is a member of the Hague Convention) or legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in the country (if the country is not part of the Hague Convention). All documents must be officially translated into the English language and recently issued, a maximum six months before the date of application. There are two different procedures a couple can follow, the Notice of Marriage and the Special Procedure. Following the usual procedure, the couple signs the notice of Marriage and can get married 15 days after their application is submitted and no later than three (3) months from that date. In case the couple wants for a certain reason to get married sooner, they can do so by following the special procedure. The wedding can take place either the same day the application is submitted or in less than 15 days from that date. Once the paperwork and arrangements are out of the way, all you have to do is look forward to enjoying your very special day on the island of love.