If you’ve found yourself dreaming about a wedding bathed in golden light, with ancient stone, the lull of the sea, and centuries-old charm—Malta is quietly calling your name.
But once the excitement settles, reality knocks: Should we have a religious or civil wedding in Malta? Oh yes, the choice between sacred vows in a baroque cathedral or free-spirited “I do’s” on a sun-drenched cliffside.
Let’s dive in. Not with boring bullet points (well, maybe just a few), but with real stories, local tips, and the kind of heartfelt guidance you’d expect from a friend who’s photographed dozens of Maltese love stories.
✨ Malta: Where History Meets Romance
First, the good news: Both religious and civil weddings are legally binding in Malta. No awkward second ceremonies back home. No Vegas drive-thrus (unless that’s your vibe). Just one wedding, one certificate, and all the Mediterranean magic you can handle.
Malta, with its mix of Valletta’s grandeur, Gozo’s rustic charm, and Mdina’s silent romance, gives you the ultimate wedding canvas.
🕊 Religious Weddings in Malta: Tradition with a Golden Halo
Think: echoing church bells, candles flickering in 16th-century stone sanctuaries, and architecture that whispers devotion.
Roman Catholic weddings are the most popular here, with churches that rival palaces in their detail and drama.
💒 Top Venue: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta
A baroque masterpiece that stuns with gold leaf, Caravaggio paintings, and sacred beauty.
🔗 Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Requirements:
-
At least one partner must be Catholic
-
Pre-marriage preparation course (mandatory)
-
Ecclesiastical permissions from both countries (yep, there’s paperwork)
-
Coordination with the local parish priest
🕊 Non-Catholic religious ceremonies are also possible—Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant, and others—each with its own set of procedures.
👀 Insider note: Religious weddings tend to be more structured, more ceremonial, and well, more “churchy.” Think big family moments, sacred vows, and sometimes—choirs.
🌊 Civil Weddings in Malta: Flexibility, Freedom & Sea Breezes
Now picture this: barefoot on the beach in Gozo, a ceremony under an ancient olive tree, or exchanging vows on a castle terrace as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
That’s the civil wedding magic in Malta.
👰🏽♀️🤵🏼♂️ It’s creative, flexible, and open to all couples regardless of religion or background.
🌿 Top Civil Venue: Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens
A Maltese gem combining nature, history, and open-air elegance. Perfect for ceremonies and receptions.
🔗 Explore Limestone Heritage
Requirements:
-
Submit “Request for the Publication of Banns” at least 6 weeks before the date (3 months is safer!)
-
Valid passports, birth certificates, and single status affidavits
-
An official Marriage Registrar will perform the ceremony
-
Venue must be approved by Maltese law—but don’t worry, most beautiful places are
💡 Cool perk: You can write your own vows, include rituals (like handfasting or sand ceremonies), and even have a bilingual ceremony.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison: Civil vs Religious Wedding in Malta
| Feature |
Religious Wedding |
Civil Wedding |
| Legal Validity |
Yes |
Yes |
| Religious Affiliation |
Required |
Not needed |
| Venue Flexibility |
Limited to places of worship |
Almost anywhere (approved venues) |
| Language of Ceremony |
Typically Maltese or English |
Maltese, English, or both |
| Customization |
Limited |
Highly customizable |
| Paperwork |
More complex |
More straightforward |
| Vibes |
Sacred, formal, traditional |
Relaxed, creative, intimate |
💡 Real Wedding Flash: Emma & Leo’s Maltese Moment
Emma (London-born free spirit) and Leo (Italian romantic) had one mission: a wedding with soul. They opted for a civil ceremony on the Gozo coast—just them, two friends, a barefoot officiant, and a salty breeze.
They wrote their own vows. They laughed. They cried. They even had gelato mid-ceremony. And yes, their photos? Chef’s kiss.
🧾 Legal To-Do List (Don’t Worry, You’ve Got This)
Here’s your checklist, whether you choose church bells or seaside vows:
-
✅ Valid passports
-
✅ Birth certificates (official and translated)
-
✅ Affidavit of single status
-
✅ Notification to Maltese Public Registry
-
✅ Any necessary religious documents (if applicable)
-
✅ Two witnesses (age 18+)
📌 Visit the Public Registry for official documents and forms.
💬 FAQs: Because You’re Wondering
Do I have to be a resident of Malta to marry there?
Nope. Malta welcomes international lovebirds with open arms (and open venues!).
Can we marry outdoors?
Absolutely—for civil weddings. Just get the venue approved.
Can we have a symbolic wedding instead?
Yes! Ideal if you’re already legally married or want a spiritual ceremony without the paperwork.
Is Malta LGBTQ+ friendly for weddings?
YES. Malta is one of the top-ranked countries for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe. Love is love here.
📸 And Now, a Word from the Guy Behind the Camera…
Hi, I’m Serg, your warm, calm, slightly goofy guide to breathtaking wedding photography. I’ve captured love stories in Malta’s churches, cliffs, alleys, gardens—and each one was utterly unforgettable.
I don’t just take photos. I tell your story. With every glance, tear, giggle, and sparkle.
So whether you’re walking barefoot toward your soulmate in Gozo or down the aisle of a cathedral echoing with history—I’d be honored to be there with you.
✨ Explore my portfolio of destination wedding magic: Your Happy Moments Blog
📷 Curious about packages? I’ve crafted them with love: Photography Packages
💌 Let’s make magic together. Write me your story: Contact Me
