Weddings under the Sun

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 2015

in&out

32 PAGE PULL-OUT

> ARTS > EVENTS > FILMS > TRAVEL > BEST OF TV > MUSIC > BOOKS > GAMES > DVD > CROSSWORDS > RECIPES

Why Cyprus is the best place to get hitched

Weddings under the Sun SUPPLEMENT >46-51

46

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 2015

WEDDINGS

Wedded bliss in Cyprus Plenty of reasons why Aphrodite’s island is a hit with brides and grooms

I

t’s easy to see why couples of all ages and nationalities choose Cyprus as their dream wedding destination.

As the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, there is plenty that makes this romantic Mediterranean island the ideal place for couples to make their lifelong commitment to each other and celebrate their 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.

This range of attractive—and often The romantic island unique—civil wedis a highly attractive ding venues make option for local and Cyprus a highly atoverseas to couples tractive option for local and overseas couples, particularly those for whom the island of love is just a short flight away.

An added attraction for those flying in for the ceremony is the many options for accommodation available, particularly handy when couples are combining their special day with their honeymoon. Civil ceremonies can also, in some circumstances, be carried out at hotels. 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.

Plus, Cyprus has a strong and highly-experienced wedding industry infrastructure. There are plenty of choices when it comes to adding the extras overseas visitors are not able to bring along with them, including a wedding car or even a horse-drawn carriage or bus, flowers, cakes and more.

Once the paperwork and arrangements are out of the way, look forward to enjoying your very special day on the island of love.

Nicosia nuptials Amongst the most popular venues for civil weddings in the capital are the

Alluring Ayia Napa Ayia Napa’s most popular civil wedding venue is Ammos (Kambouri) beach but other venues are equally alluring. These include Cape Greco with its breathtaking sunsets, Aoratos (Juniper Tree) the most photographed tree in Ayia Napa, Thalassa Museum, Poseidon Palace, Ayia Napa Town Hall and its Amphitheatre.

Choices also come in the form of Ayios Epifanios including the Cross on the Hill venue, the Cave of Ayios Epifanios and the area outside the Old Church.

All three enjoy panoramic views of Ayia Napa. There are also hotel wedding venues.

Contact the municipality’s wedding department at 23816309 or email weddings@agianapa.org.cy and visit www.agianapa.org.cy for more information.

Sotira and the sea You’re sure to find the wedding venue of your dreams in Cyprus

gardens of Nicosia’s Town Hall and Famagusta Gate, including its historic Trench and the municipal multipurpose centre next door. But the city’s municipal pool, Pallouriotissa Old Market, Melina Marcouri Hall, Municipal Garden and Mills Cultural Centre are also attractive options. Some can host as many as 2,000 guests for cocktails or 500 for sit-down dinners. Others are best for more intimate events.

For more information, visit www. nicosia.org.cy, e-mail civilmarriages@nicosiamunicipality.org.cy or telephone 22797000.

Loving Larnaca Aside from offering its town hall and an extensive range of hotels and restaurants for civil weddings, Larnaca also boasts some unique and beautiful

outdoor venues for those who want a ceremony with a difference. For a wedding steeped in romance and history, the Mediaeval Fort at the end of the Phinikoudes promenade is second to none. Aside from the castle, the newly-constructed pier located directly beside it is also a favourite choice for weddings.

At the other end of the promenade is a larger pier and marina where wedding ceremonies can also be performed to a backdrop of bobbing boats.

The Larnaca Salt Lake is another of the region’s top attractions and if you choose to marry between October and March, migrating flamingos may also be on hand to witness your vows.

E-mail civilmarriage@larnaka. com, visit www.larnaka.org.cy or call 24816564.

Also particularly popular with couples wanting to exchange vows by the sea. Sotira is situated on the opposite side of Cyprus to Paphos, within the region of Famagusta.

As noted by its municipality, nothing quite prepares you for the romance of a Cyprus beach wedding and, since becoming an independent municipality in 2011, Sotira has become an increasingly popular venue choice.

With mild weather all year round, you can plan your wedding on a beautiful sandy beach for most of the year and rest assured that you will have a most beautiful day which will leave you and your guests with timeless memories.

E-mail weddings@sotira.org.cy for more information or visit the municipality’s website www.sotira.org. cy. You can also telephone the relevant municipality department through 23821568.

Picturesque Protaras-Paralimni

Protaras and Paralimi offer couples more than crystal waters and golden sands

The natural beauty of the Protaras- Paralimni area, blessed both with Europe’s earliest sunrise and romantic sunsets as well as crystal waters and golden sands, could well have been created especially for weddings and honeymoons.

As well as the specially-modified site at Paralimni Town Hall, other available locations include a traditional house and outdoor areas by the waves.

Profitis Elias Gardens is a location characterised by romanticism and calm with seasonal flowers adding a burst of colour.

For a traditional flavour, a 19th-century house in the old centre of Paralimni may be

the place for you. Restored to its former glory, the house’s picturesque interior courtyard boasts traditional Cypriot archways.

Visit www.cyvirtual.com/heartcy/ paralimni/traditional_house/traditional_house. html to enjoy a virtual tour.

Pernera Blue Waters is an idyllic location. Couples can choose this venue and wed by the waves, just metres away from the pedestrian walkway. Visit: http:// www.cyvirtual.com/heartcy/paralimni/ pernera_blue_waters_wedding_venue/ pernera_blue_waters_wedding_venue.html for a virtual tour.

Located on an extension of the bay of Ay-

ia Triada and overlooked by the eponymous chapel, the Ayia Triada Beach Venue forms the perfect choice for those couples looking for a romantic beach location. The small fishing shelter makes the venue even more picturesque and creates a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.

The municipality also lists several hotels as other licensed venues.

For more information, e-mail the municipality’s civil weddings department at marriage@paralimni.org or call 23744268.

More information is also available from the municipality’s website www.paralimni. org.cy/lifestyle weddings

FRIDAY OCTOBER 23 2015

WEDDINGS

Weddings in the west Popular Paphos, Polis and Peyia…and Geroskipou

T

he south west of Cyprus is a particularly beautiful part of the island and there are plenty of choices when it comes to ‘tying the knot’ there.

Paphos Whether you are committing for a lifetime, or reaffirming your love, in the town of Paphos you are guaranteed a wedding and honeymoon experience to treasure.

The town hall itself is a picturesque neoclassical building but other venue choices are available for civil weddings including Paphos’ MediLegend has it that Aphrodite aeval frolicked with Adonis in this Castle, Ethnopart of Cyprus graphic Museum, Municipal Park or even on a yacht. Hotel venues are also an enticing option.

As a first step, couples can fill out the online form on the municipality’s website, http://pafos.org.cy/en/civil-marriages/, e-mail civil.marriages@pafos.org.cy or call 26822350 or 26822353.

Polis Legend has it that Aphrodite frolicked with Adonis in this part of Cyprus and the Polis area also boasts the Baths of Aphro-

dite grotto. So there’s no stopping you following in the gods’ footsteps and celebrating your love in Polis.

There are many beautiful spots where the responsible Polis Municipality official can officiate civil marriage ceremonies, including along the picturesque coastline.

At the time of going to print, the municipality’s website carried information on civil weddings in Greek only but officials will be happy to tell you more.

Call the Civil Marriage Department on 26321321.

Peyia Amongst its many options for a special civil wedding venue, Peyia boasts the Vrisi ton Peyiotisson (Peyia Women’s Fountain) a traditional venue set amongst the greenery of the municipal gardens.

If the beach is more your speed, there

Polis Chrysochous For The Romance Lover Enjoy the most beautiful day of your life in the area of Polis, the place where Aphrodite-the Goddess of love and beauty used to meet Adonis, her lover, where natural beauty is exceptional, where myths and legends are still alive.

The smell of jasmine fills the air and the night cricket's song accompanies the clinking of champagne glasses. Plan an outdoor wedding ceremony, book the town hall or a chapel for your vows. Drink a toast to your future with one of the oldest wines in the world, part of a 4,000 year old tradition of winemaking on the island. Impress your guests with a lavish banquet of local dishes or international cuisine.

Polis, provides the perfect backdrop whether you’re committing for a lifetime or reaffirming your love.

With its breathtaking sunsets, natural wilderness, sparkling blue seas and some of the most beautiful locations, Polis is sure to put a sizzle into your love life.

Experience the meaning of real relaxation in Polis area, the least developed coastline of Cyprus. The Akamas National Park will appeal to nature lovers or those in search of peace and quiet. It is an area of exceptional beauty with rocky promontories, sandy coves and "The Baths of Aphrodite". This is where, according to mythology, the goddess Aphrodite frolicked with her lovers, bathing in a fresh-water grotto shaded by a wild fig tree.

Indulge in a peaceful rural life in harmony with nature in a region that is one of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean.

Visit one of the last Mediterranean nesting grounds for the green loggerhead turtles, whose numbers have greatly been increased thanks to a successful conservation project on the sandy beaches of Lara.

Follow one of the many beautiful nature trails and spot rare endemic plants, like the Cyprus orchid, tulip and crocus that grow there, or watch migrating birds fly by overhead.

Polis Municipality P.O.Box 66019 Polis Chrysochous 8830 Cyprus Tel: +357 26 321 321 / +357 26 321 079 Fax: +357 26 322 278 email: polismunicipality@cytanet.com.cy www.polis-municipality-cyprus.com

Nature at its Best

are plenty of opportunities in this part of the region including at popular Coral Bay. Then there are exciting hotel and yacht options.For more information contact Peyia Municipality’s wedding coordinator at m.yiangou@pegeiamuniciplaity.com or info@pegeiamunicipality.com or call 26623991 or 26621113. Also visit the website at www.pegeiamunicipality.com to access an online wedding brochure.

Geroskipou Geroskipou is a very popular spot for weddings which, given its mythological pedigree, is hardly surprising. The name of the village translates as Sacred Garden specifically that of the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite.

Ceremonies take place at the old springs behind Geroskipou Town Hall, situated in the heart of the traditional village.

Ceremonies are also held at the town hall, at certain hotels and restaurants, at Geroskipou Beach and Petra tou Romiou, birthplace of Aphrodite. For inquiries please contact Geroskipou Municipality by e-mailing weddings_geroskipou@cytanet.com.cy, or calling 26960797. Also visit http://www.geroskipou-municipality.com/ for more information.

47

Limassol love Tapping into the town’s magnificent seafront landscape, Limassol Municipality offers couples the opportunity to get married at locations as diverse as a seafront pier, the Limassol Zoo, or even the Mediaeval Castle in the old town centre.

In addition to civil wedding ceremonies at the Town Hall, couples are offered a range of beautiful location options that also include the Municipal Gallery gardens, the Panos Solomonides Municipal Cultural Centre and GSO Phytidio Sports Centre on the seafront.

Visit www.limassolmunicipal.com.cy or call 25884345 or 25884354 for more information.

Yermasoyia unions Yermasoyia beautifully combines the elements that bring couples to Cyprus including the sea and mountains. The municipality officiates weddings at its beautiful traditional cultural centre and its gardens as well as hotels and other licensed venues. Yermasoyia’s marriage officers visit all Limassol hotels between Le Meridien Beach Hotel (east) and Crowne Plaza (west,) as well as other licensed venues, on weekdays, both in the morning and in the afternoon.

For any further information concerning the procedure of civil wedding and in order to arrange an appointment for the application or the celebration of a civil wedding please contract the wedding registry office of Yermasoyia Municipality on yermasoyia.municipality@ cytanet.com.cy or 25879812.

Visit www.yermasoyia.org to see the municipality’s website.

Civil Weddings with Glamour & Class

Limassol Municipality offers delightfully unusual places to suit this special day with extravagance, romance and love.

AYIA NAPA MUNICIPALITY P.O. Box 30026/ CY-5340 AYIA NAPA/ CYPRUS Tel: +357 23816309/ +357 23816307/ +357 23816327 Fax: +357 23722607 E-mail 1: weddings@agianapa.org.cy E-mail2: mariacultural@agianapa.org.cy www.agianapa.org.cy www.ayianapatv.tv facebook.com/AyiaNapaCivilWeddings

23 Arch. Kyprianou Street 3036 Limassol - Cyprus Tel +357 25 88 43 45 / 25 88 43 54, F: + 357 25 88 43 77 Email: civilweddings@limassolmunicipal.com.cy

Dream wedding at Pegeia Municipality

Romance is always in the air in the land where Aphrodite once roamed, so there are few places better than Pegeia for affirming your vows.

With yearround sunshine practically guaranteed and some of the most beautiful locations as a backdrop, it is certain to be a day to remember.

Convenient marriage formalities and excellent facilities make getting married in Pegeia an easy process.

Whether for an intimate family gathering or a lavish banquet at a luxury hotel, the facilities on offer are excellent value for money.

For further information please contact: Maria Yiangou.

Tel: 26 - 623991, 26 - 621244 E-mail: m.yiangou@pegeiamunicipality.com

Pafos is not just a

town, it is the touch of the Goddess. Legend has it that Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, rose from the waves. All the more reason to declare your love for each other on the “Island of Love”. Make it a day to remember, with a wedding at the Pafos Town Hall, the Pafos Castle, on a yacht, in a Museum, at a Park, a luxurious resort or by the sea, for that once in a life time occasion.

28th, October Square, P.O.Box 60032 8100 Pafos, Cyprus T. +357 26822350,+357 26822353, F. +357 26822364 Ε. civil.marriages@pafos.org.cy www.pafos.org.cy

Your wed life begins here Cyprus, an island rich in ancient history, myths and legends, and known as the island of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, promises love and happiness to all who visit it.

Apart from being a wonderful place for their holiday, for a large number of these visitors, Cyprus represents the ideal place for a very special and personal occasion, that of their wedding.

The marriage ceremony is officiated by the Mayor or a person authorized by the Civil Council of the Municipality according to the Marriage Law of 104(l) of 2003.

Yermasoyia Town Hall is proud to inform you that since its establishment in 1994 holds weddings at its beautiful traditional Cultural Center and its gardens.

As it is the only Registry Office that is situated in Eastern Limassol and closest to the tourist area is considered to be the most popular and reliable Town Hall for weddings and since 2007 holds weddings at hotels and other licensed venues as well as the Cultural Center.

The Marriage Officers visit all Limassol Hotels between Le Meridien Beach Hotel (east) and Crowne Plaza (west) as well as other licensed venues, on week days, both in the morning and in the afternoon.

The interested parties after their arrival in Cyprus must apply personally to the Marriage Officer of Yermasoyia Municipality in order to go through certain formalities which are necessary prior to their wedding and are valid for three months.

For any further information concerning the procedure of civil wedding and in order to arrange an appointment for the application or the celebration of a civil wedding please contract the wedding registry office of Yermasoyia Municipality.

The Municipality of Yermasoyia is approximately 17Km2 with a beach stretching for 3.5Km, of which a large part has been transformed into the tourist industry of the region.

It is an especially beautiful area for both locals and visitors because in such a small area you can find everything: mountains, plains and sea, a modern cosmopolitan environment as well as the traditional, justifying those who call Yermasoyia the two - sided coin.

Yermasoyia Municipality 39, Agias Paraskevis Str CY - 4044 Yermasoyia Limassol - Cyprus Tel.: 00 357 25879898 Fax: 00 357 25873434 e-mail: yermasoyia.municipality@cytanet.com.cy Wedding Dept. Tel. 00 357 25879812 Fax: 00 357 25873434 e-mail: yermasoyia.weddings@cytanet.com.cy

Municipality of Pafos