With 300 days of sunshine a year and some of the Mediterranean’s most stunning locations all concentrated into an area that’s just 316km2 , Malta makes a fabulous wedding destination. That is all made even better by the fact that the country is a Member State of the European Union and part of the eurozone.
But, if you’re travelling here to get married, there are a few things you ought to keep in mind!
1. Do you have the right documentation?
In order to get married in Malta, you will need a Birth Certificate and a Certificate of No Impediment (which states that you are not currently married). These need to be originals or certified (usually by a notary) and, if they’re not in English, you will also need a translated version of each in Maltese or English, which need to have the certification of a notary as well.
Moreover, don’t forget to register with the Marriage Registry three months to six weeks before the wedding day. The Registry, which is found in Valletta in Malta, or in Victoria in Gozo, will also provide you with an officer to conduct the civil ceremony. On the actual day, you will also need to have two witnesses (who have known you for at least two years) with a Maltese ID card, so be sure to inform them!
2. Have you thought about the weather?
While it doesn’t usually rain that often in Malta, it can get pretty hot with temperatures reaching 40°C in the summer. For that reason, it’s important to keep in mind the season you’ll be getting married in. Usually, April, May, October and November tend to be the best months due to little rain and bearable temperatures. If you’re getting married outside, it does pay to have a venue with both an outdoor and indoor area should the worst – weather-wise – happen.
3. Have you started doing your research?
If you have any friends residing in Malta, their help could be invaluable to ensuring you get the wedding of your dreams. This is also when our website becomes your best aide, as it allows you to get multiple quotes through one simple form for practically anything, be it venue, make-up, catering or photography. You can get started on this here.
4. Are you eligible for a VAT refund?
If you’re a foreigner who resides in Malta and has a Maltese ID card, then be sure to keep all your wedding-related receipts. If you fill out this form within six months of your big day and send in your VAT receipts, you can get back some 13% of your expenses – which would amount to around €3,250 on a €25,000 wedding. Just be sure that every VAT receipt you get includes the seller’s VAT number.
5. You’re done, but have you confirmed everything?
If you’re travelling from abroad for your big day, it’s important to have confirmations of everything in writing. Not only will this give you peace of mind but, should anyone not deliver, you will be able to provide proof of what had been agreed upon.
And, with all that in mind, let the festivities begin!
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