Quick answer
Foreigners, residents and visitors alike, can marry in a civil ceremony before a municipal Marriage Officer in Cyprus. You give notice with proof that you are free to marry, then marry 15 days to three months later. A special licence lets you marry sooner, even the same day. As of 2026 typical fees are about €128 for the standard procedure and €282 for a special licence, plus extras.
- Civil weddings are performed by municipal Marriage Officers; you don't need to live in Cyprus.
- Each partner needs a passport, birth certificate and proof of single status, apostilled and translated where required.
- Standard procedure: marry 15 days to three months after giving notice; a special licence allows earlier dates.
- As of 2026, typical municipal fees are about €128 (standard) and €282 (special licence), plus extras for off-site venues.
- Same-sex marriage isn't legal in Cyprus, but civil unions are available.
Cyprus is a popular place to marry, both for couples who live here and for those flying in for a beach or town-hall wedding. The civil process is simple once your documents are in order. Here's what you need and how it works.
Who can get married in Cyprus?
Anyone who is legally free to marry, usually from age 18, can have a civil wedding in Cyprus. You don't need to live here. Both partners must appear in person before the Marriage Officer of a municipality. Most couples choose the municipality where they live or where their venue is.
Same-sex marriage is not legal in Cyprus. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples can instead enter a civil union, which has its own procedure.
Religious weddings follow the rules of the church or faith concerned. For legal purposes, many couples have a civil ceremony as well.
What documents do you need?
Requirements differ by nationality and by municipality. Always ask your chosen municipality for its current list. Here is a typical picture:
| Document | EU citizens | UK citizens | Other non-EU citizens |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Birth certificate | Yes, translated into Greek or English | Yes | Yes, translated |
| Proof of single status | Certificate of no impediment from home authority, translated and certified | Usually a No Trace Letter from the General Register Office plus a statutory declaration, both apostilled | Certificate of no impediment from home country, translated and certified |
| Affidavit of marital status | Often requested | Often requested | Often requested |
| Proof of legal residence in Cyprus | If resident | If resident | Usually a residence permit valid for at least one month |
| Divorce decree or death certificate | If previously married | If previously married, apostilled | If previously married |
Some municipalities treat UK citizens who were resident in Cyprus before 2021 like EU citizens. Non-EU residents may need to file documents first with the Ministry of Interior's civil marriage section in Nicosia before going to the municipality.
Apostilles and translations: Foreign documents usually need an apostille (or other legalisation) and an official translation into Greek or English. This takes the longest, so start early.
How do you get married? Step by step
1. Contact the municipality
Choose your municipality and ask for its document list, available dates and fees. Many will check your documents in advance.
2. Give notice of marriage
Both partners attend with original documents and sign the Notice of Marriage.
3. Wait out the notice period, or get a special licence
- Standard procedure: you can marry from 15 days after giving notice, and no later than three months after. After three months the notice lapses.
- Special licence: you can marry within 15 days, even the same day if a Marriage Officer is available. This is popular with visiting couples.
4. The ceremony
You need two witnesses, usually aged 18 or over with ID. The ceremony takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If either of you doesn't speak Greek or English well, an official interpreter is arranged, and you pay for it.
5. Get your marriage certificate
The Marriage Officer issues the certificate, often on the day. Order extra certified copies; you'll need them for residence, banks and name changes.
How much does it cost?
As of 2026, typical municipal fees are about €128 for the standard procedure and €282 for a special licence, with a small charge for each extra certified copy. Ceremonies on Saturdays, outside office hours or at hotels and outdoor venues cost extra. Fees vary by municipality, so confirm before booking.
Will your marriage be recognised at home?
Usually, yes. Many countries ask for an apostille on the Cyprus marriage certificate, and some require you to register the marriage with your consulate or home registry. Check with your home country's authorities.
Common problems
- Expired documents. Proof of single status and affidavits are often valid for only about three months.
- Missing apostilles. Documents without them are routinely rejected.
- Divorce paperwork. Bring the final decree, not an interim one.
- Booking venue before notice. Confirm the municipality can marry you on your date before paying for a venue.
What to do next
- Ask your municipality for its document list and dates.
- Start your apostilles and translations.
- If a non-EU spouse will live here, read our residency permits guide.
- Planning ahead? See our guide to wills and probate in Cyprus, since marriage changes who inherits.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners get married in Cyprus?
Yes. Municipalities perform civil marriages for foreign residents and visitors, as long as both partners are legally free to marry and have the right documents.
How long do you need to be in Cyprus to get married?
There is no residence requirement. Under the standard procedure you marry at least 15 days after giving notice; with a special licence you can marry sooner, sometimes the same day.
How much does a civil wedding cost in Cyprus?
As of 2026, typical municipal fees are about €128 for the standard procedure and €282 for a special licence. Weekend, out-of-hours and off-site ceremonies cost more.
Is a Cyprus marriage recognised abroad?
Generally yes. Many countries require the marriage certificate to carry an apostille, and some ask you to register the marriage with your home authorities.
Can same-sex couples marry in Cyprus?
No. Same-sex marriage is not legal in Cyprus, but same-sex couples can enter a civil union.
Do British citizens need a certificate of no impediment to marry in Cyprus?
Municipalities usually ask British citizens for an apostilled document from the UK showing they are free to marry. Check your municipality's exact list.
