SARAH WILLIAMS @ HAYS TRAVEL

Abta L9519

Freephone: 0800 086 2698 / 01772 393061  / 07834 853478 - Email sarah.williams@hays-travel.co.uk

** PLEASE NOTE, THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN CREATED BY SARAH FOR YOUR INFORMATION **

One of the most popular destinations for weddings is GREECE & CYPRUS, and we have attached some information below in conjuction with our partner CYPLON HOLIDAYS.

Thinking of getting married abroad?

From Las Vegas to Cyprus anything is possible!   Sarah has dealt with weddings abroad, and is your one stop shop to assist, plan and book all your needs!  Working with established operators such as Cyplon Holidays, Olympic Holidays, Premier Holidays, If Only and lots more, let us make your dreams a reality, and guide you through all the paperwork needed for your magical trip!   

Weddings & Honeymoons

A wedding abroad is quite simply a magical experience – the sun-kissed beaches and the crystal-clear Mediterranean Sea creating an idyllic setting for your ceremony, reception or honeymoon. You can be virtually guaranteed to have the warm sunshine on your special day and to create memories for a lifetime.   Working with our operators, we always endeavour to make the process of arranging your special day, as simple and stress-free as possible. And with 100% financial protection, you can rest assured that from A to Z, we will have all bases covered. So relax – Your fairytale journey begins here!

Weddings in Cyprus.

The birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, Cyprus has that special something extra when it comes to a wedding abroad. To be able to say that you were married on the island of love is quite something! Take in the glorious sun at one of our incredible hotels and marvel through the infinite combination of ceremonial and reception options. Use our expert local knowledge to make your dreams come true.   Destinations for your vows include: 

  • Amphitheatre, Ayia Napa - The perfect outdoor venue for your civil ceremony is the impressive amphitheatre. The amphitheatre has unlimited space for guests, allowing you to share your special moment with as many people as you wish.
  • Town Hall, Ayia Napa - The town hall of Ayia Napa is an indoor wedding venue providing civil ceremonies for couples. It’s very modern and immaculate, allowing you to enjoy a relaxed day, holding up to 40 guests seated.
  • Ayia Kyriaki Chapel, Paphos - Situated in the centre of Paphos, this ancient church allows you to feel the true tradition Cyprus has to offer. Built in the early 13th century, the chapel offers its marriage services to both Anglican & Catholic wedding services with a backdrop of Roman ruins and magnificent mosaics.
  • Ethnographical Museum, Paphos - With everything taken care of to the smallest detail, the museum leaves you no other choice but to relax and enjoy your big day with no stress. The exquisite outdoor garden area creates an exclusive venue and gives it an impressive touch, impossible to recreate.
  • Kiouyiouka Watermill, Paphos - Ageing back 2000 years, this venue can bring a touch of class and tradition to your wedding. The Kouyiouka Watermill allows you to educate your guests with the aged customs and traditions of Cyprus, letting them experience a different approach to weddings.
  • Town Hall, Paphos - Paphos town hall is located in the old town of Paphos and was built in 1955. As well as being in easy access to all venues, it means it brings a rare sense of occasion and atmosphere. Equipped with two wedding rooms and able to hold 25-80 people, it’s fit for any size wedding of your choice.
  • Peyia Village, Paphos - In the traditional village of Peyia, a beautiful little courtyard is found. With a stone staircase leading up to the magnificent village square, this is where your ceremony takes place. Surrounded by the culture of Cyprus at its best, this simple but undeniably gorgeous backdrop creates the most stunning wedding pictures.
  • St George's Church - Paphos - This stunning chapel is the ideal place to get married if the idea of an intimate wedding interests you. Holding 30 guests comfortably making it even more private and special, the architectural touches give it an authentic feel, setting the perfect scene on your special day.
  • Yermasoyia Cultural Centre - Located in the village of Yermasoyia, this beautifully renovated cultural centre, which can hold up to 40 guests is made with authentic stone walls and has an amphitheatre as a backdrop. Its stunning gardens create a natural but impressive look which makes it the perfect setting to have a memorable celebration.
  • St Catherine's Catholic Church - Located on the seafront, this stunning church provides an exceptionally elegant backdrop to your wedding day as well as an 80sqm Byzantine painting behind the altar. This church holds up to 100 guests and has disabled access.
  • Paralimni Town Hall - The white covered walls, white carpet and white décor are sure to make the elegant flower arrangements stand out. This venue holds up to 100 people, the perfect number to be able to have your loved ones there to celebrate your special day.
  • Exclusive Yacht Weddings - For a truly unique wedding experience, why not get married on board a luxury yacht? Catering for all tastes, a yacht wedding can be both unique and spectacular.

As well as this of course you have many hotels on the island that can give you an amazing backdrop for your big day!

 

Legalities of Getting Married in Paphos, Cyprus.

Rest assured that it is very common for UK citizens to marry in Cyprus and the marriage will be perfectly legal in the UK. However, according to Cyprus law, before the marriage can proceed you must meet the following legal requirements: 

  • Be resident for a minimum of three working days (excluding weekends, public holidays and the day of arrival) before the wedding day. It is not now compulsory to have to stay a minimum of two weeks but for your enjoyment, it is highly recommended.
  • Have valid ten-year passports not due to expire within six months, plus photocopies of all pages relating to the personal information contained therein.
  • Each have your own Single Status Statutory Declaration confirming that you are free to get married. These must include your name, address, nationality, religion, passport number and occupation; state whether single, divorced or widowed; that you intend to marry in Cyprus; and be signed and stamped by a UK solicitor, stating 'solicitor' on the document.   These documents will need to be sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London to receive an Apostle Stamp.
  • Scottish nationals should obtain a Certificate of No Impediment from the local registry office in place of the Declaration.  These documents will need to be sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London to receive an Apostle Stamp.
  • If either of you have been previously married, then the Original Decree Absolute is required and, if Catholic, a copy of the marriage annulment.  This document will need to be sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London to receive an Apostle Stamp.
  • If either of you have been widowed, then the Original Death Certificate is required, and this document will need to be sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London to receive an Apostle Stamp..
  • If either of you have had an official change of name, the Original Deed Poll certificate is required, and this document will need to be sent to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London to receive an Apostle Stamp.
  • Proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor. 
  • Birth certificates.
  • Adoption certificates if adopted.

PLEASE don't let the above list deter you from this magical island, as Sarah and our wedding partners, can help you every step the way, to make things easier we do ask that you do scan across copies of all the above documentation (for the sections that apply), to Sarah who can then liaise on your behalf with our wedding co-ordinators within our partner providers. 

Weddings in Greece

Lush landscapes, tiny churches, unspoiled beaches... the only problem with getting married on the Greek islands is choosing which best satisfies your idea of a dream wedding. From luxurious spa resorts to a charming and intimate beach hotel, it has the perfect location for your destination wedding and big day.

Wherever you choose for your wedding day, Sarah and our partner Olympic Holidays can arrange a civil ceremony and a beautiful Greek Island setting to delight you and your guests on one of these islands: Rhodes,  Zante, and Santorini.

Say your vows in a grove of olive trees or declare your love whilst looking out towards the Aegean Sea, there is nowhere quite like the Greek Islands for a truly special destination wedding, and our choice of wedding venues will not disappoint.

 

Weddings in Rhodes

Blessed by the Sun God Helios, Rhodes has an average of 300 days of glorious sunshine, every year to warm its secluded coves and golden beaches.

Ceremonies arranged with Rhodes Town Hall take place with the romantic backdrop of Mandraki Harbour, while at St Paul's Bay a couple can marry by the waters edge, and the quaint white and blue church of St Apostollo, in Kallithea Municipality, is near Faliraki harbour.

The old monastery of Filerimos is on the mountain in the Trianda area with views of the Aegean and Turkey. The restored, Italian Kalithea Spa lives up to its English translation of 'good view', close to the sea on the coast between Rhodes Town and Faliraki white the traditional St Sophia Chapel, in the grounds of the Esperos Village hotel, also has breathtaking views of the sea and horizon. Ceremonies can take place outside.

Weddings in Santorini - Marriages made in Heaven!

Imagine a heavenly wedding at the spa of the Gods – one of the magical places where couples can be married on the island of Santorini. The backdrop to your Santorini wedding, famed for its stunning, fiery sunsets, will be perfect!  

Santorini, claimed by some to be the ‘lost city’ of Atlantis, is a truly romantic destination for your wedding. Formed by a volcanic eruption in around 1650BC, it offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Greek islands – for instance, at the Santorini Winery in Pyrgos, where vows can be exchanged in sight of the volcano and the Aegean sea. The winery can host indoor or outdoor ceremonies, and receptions, as well as the chance to try wine-tasting.

Smaller ceremonies, for parties of up to 25, can be held at Irini Church, honouring the saint who gives the island its name, and situated on the cliff edge of Fira. Your wedding will take place outside in the courtyard near to St Irini Church. It is full of archways, steeples and beautiful features making this an ideal venue for spectacular photos of your big day.

Santorini has some of the most luxurious, boutique hotels in the Greek islands, many located for guests to enjoy simply breathtaking views. The inner curve of the crescent-shaped island plunges almost 900 feet into the sea, and the outer coast has long, black volcanic beaches. 

One of the best places to enjoy the sunset is the little, whitewashed village of Oia, on the northern tip of the island, where you can drink in the view of a lifetime from a taverna.

Exploring the island further is a treat, with ancient sites like Akrotiri, a Minoan archaeological discovery, and the renowned vineyards, some of which can be toured – and toasted with their exceptional wine.

 

Weddings in Zante - Paradise found

If you are a couple of beach lovers, the Ionian island of Zante is a wedding setting in paradise, with landscapes ranging from beaches to gentle hills and imposing mountains.

Zante Town, with its historic squares and reconstructed neo-classical buildings, also has plenty of nightlife and a bountiful choice of restaurants for evenings among friends.

There is a fantastic choice of romantic venues in breathtaking settings, including Cameo Island, a picture-perfect backdrop for romantic wedding photographs, an aerial video and fabulous post on Instagram!, while at Agios Sostis, accessible only by boat, the iconic Navagio Beach is one of the island's most sought-after wedding locations.

Ladofanaro traditional tavern, at Aboula Beach in Tsilivi’s Tragaki area, has a restaurant above two lower levels, on the grass and sand, with more gorgeous sea views, and the traditional menus offer gourmet cuisine and homemade wine.

At Akrotiri North, the bride can make a grand entrance for the ceremony and open air banquet, with a choice of three-course, meze-style or barbecue menus.

The Vardiola Restaurant offers seafront or indoor receptions, and can arrange an elevated dance floor, and at Laganas packages for the Republic Beach Club are suitable for intimate affairs and larger-than-life celebrations.

Like all the Ionian islands, Zante basks in gloriously hot summers, and offers golden sands and gentle seas, as well as picturesque countryside and dramatic cliffs.

Ideal for a chilled-out getaway, with peaceful, secluded spots, it also attracts couples seeking a more active start to married life, with plenty of opportunities for watersports thrills and a party atmosphere in lively Laganas.

Explore further with a traditional Kaiki sailing boat to Marathonissi island, home of the loggerhead turtle, and see the Blue Caves at Skinari and the shipwreck at Smugglers’ Cove – not forgetting to sample the island’s favourite Mandolato nougat.

Legal Requirements

A very important part of ensuring that your wedding plans abroad run smoothly is to ensure that you have all the correct documents with you. This little bit of paperwork can make all the difference so please take a look at the below for a guide. Legal document requirements will vary from destination to destination. 

Wherever you decide to get married, you will need official documents to do so. These will be used to provide important information about your identity, where you were born and to verify that you are eligible to marry. 

The essential paperwork you will need:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Certificate of no impediment (for Greece) or Affidavits (for Cyprus)

You will also need (if applicable): 

  • Any decree absolutes (if divorced)
  • Deed poll certificate (if name changed)
  • Adoption certificate
  • If widowed – the death certificate and marriage certificate

Depending on where you marry certain documents will need to be apostilled and then translated into Greek. 

It can seem a bit daunting now, but don’t worry. Once you have confirmed your wedding we will send a full guide explaining each document needed and when to obtain it to ensure everything is in order to get married abroad. 

If you have any questions along the way do not forget that Sarah is on hand to help you and to assist the process. 

Please note if you are NOT a British passport holder you must seek advice from your Embassy concerning documentation, and permission to marry.

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