Are you looking for the perfect destination for your dream wedding? From quaint outdoor affairs to wowing your guests in one of the many luxurious locations, there’s no end to the matrimonial possibilities in Malta! Along with its stunning wedding venues, the island also gets 300 days of sunshine a year. An added bonus about getting married in Malta is that you will already be at your ideal honeymoon destination!
Malta is just a three and a half hour flight from Ireland and with direct flights from Dublin and Shannon so your guests will have plenty of options to get to the island! You can have either a civil or a religious wedding ceremony in Malta. Religious marriages are celebrated in the church of your own denomination. Malta is also recognised as a Roman Catholic country. Couples having a religious ceremony can choose from some of the elegant splendour of baroque parish churches, or the more intimate and secluded countryside chapels.
Malta is also a great destination for gay marriages. Malta has been ranked first for the eighth consecutive year amongst 49 countries in Europe and Central Asia for LGBTI rights and safety. In Malta, gay marriage is now the same as marriage between a man and a woman. The civil union legislation of 2014 was amended in 2017 so that same-sex marriage carries the same rights and obligations outlined in state laws regarding marriage in Malta.
For couples having a civil ceremony there are some wonderful civil venues to choose from too. The ceremony can be celebrated in the marriage registry itself, which is located in Malta’s capital Valletta or it can take place at any other place open to the public, such as wedding halls, conference rooms and other public areas within hotel precincts.
To help you plan your big day, Visit Malta have put together this guide of some of Malta’s fantastic wedding venues to help you choose where is right for you.
Palazzo Parisio
With its breathtaking interior and manicured Italianate gardens, 18th century Palazzo Parisio is one of Malta’s most spectacular private houses. Its location near the bustling streets of Valletta also gives guests plenty to do in the days and hours around the wedding celebrations. From the Grand Entrance Hall with its vaulted ceilings and frescoed walls to the dazzling glamour of the Palazzo Ballroom, every space offers a setting in which to pause and pose. The Palazzo Parisio is licensed for marriage ceremonies in the Ballroom, the Sala Lombarda and the gardens. For those who prefer a church setting, ceremonies can be arranged in the nearby Church of our Lady of Victory – followed by a reception at the Palazzo.
Villa Bologna
Villa Bologna is a remarkably pretty 18th century country house, with all the baroque symmetry and architectural romance couples dream of. With its sprawling gardens that can be decorated and tailored to suit the size and requirements, a photogenic backdrop with historic architectural touches, and a back-up indoor option, the Villa Bologna has it all. The Villa Bologna is licensed for wedding ceremonies. A reception style celebration in the back garden can hold 600 people, in the front garden 700 people, and the marquee 400 people.
Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery
The Saluting Battery is one of Valletta’s most theatrical venues, which enjoys a privileged vantage point high on the bastions, just below the lush Upper Barrakka Gardens. Guests will be amazed by the extraordinary views over the old town and across the harbour. The pomp and ceremony is a fitting backdrop for a full-throttle wedding celebration and the venue can host up to 150 guests seated and is licensed for ceremonies. The Saluting Battery is an exclusive Corinthia Caterers’ venue and their wedding pedigree is an appealing prospect for couples hoping to lean on their years of expertise and tailored approach.
Villa Bighi
Overlooking the majestic Grand Harbour sets the stylish and elegant 17th century neo-classical Villa Bighi apart from other venues. A vast variety of rooms and spaces gives couples flexibility on format and guest sizes, (with smaller rooms ideal for more intimate weddings), while the palatial style warrants little-to-no decoration. The Villa also features the latest catering and event facilities, ensuring that catering providers and other wedding service suppliers are able to perform at their best. It can accommodate events for up to 1,000 persons standing and 600 persons seated. It is also licensed for ceremonies.
So no matter what type of wedding you have in mind, from a lavish reception in one of Malta’s luxury five-star hotels or an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception in local gardens, or a garden gazebo overlooking the sea, Malta has you covered! Start planning your dream wedding in Malta today.
