The place where you get married needs to be cleared by the Marriage Registrar
These include wedding halls, hotels, restaurants, public gardens, castles, palaces, and local councils. Venues are considered on a case by case basis.
2. To apply at the Marriage Registry online, you have to apply for the Publication of Banns
You can do so by submitting the forms RZ1 and RZ2 and submitting the documents requested from the list according to your status in Malta. You should prepare for your application three months before the date of marriage.
3. You’ll need a number of documents
- Request for the Publications of the banns (Form RZ1)
- Declarations on Oath (Form RZ2)
- Original long birth certificate which include the names of both your parents
- Photocopy of your passport (original must be brought to the wedding ceremony)
- If you have not been previously married, a free status certificate from your local registrar
- If you are a divorcee, a Decree Absolute and previous marriage certificates, and an affidavit by a third person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that you have not remarried since the date of your divorce
- If you are widowed, a certificate of your first marriage, the death certificate of your former spouse, and an affidavit by a third person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that since the death of your former spouse, you did not re-marry
- If your name or surname is different to that shown on your birth or adoption certificate, you have to produce the deed poll/certificate displaying the change.
4. Documents which are not in Maltese or English must be translated and legally authenticated
They also have to reach the Marriage Registry not earlier than three months before the marriage and not less than six weeks before the marriage.
5. You’ll also need a Marriage Officer
The Marriage Officer would be present on the selected date to officiate the ceremony and witness the signatures of the bride, groom and the two witnesses on the act of marriage. The marriage officer would then endorse the act and submit the Marriage Act for registration at the Public Registry for it to have the legal/civil effect.
6. The couple has to pay for a taxi for the Marriage Officer
From a pick-up point they choose to the venue of the marriage ceremony and back. This is not included in the Marriage Registry Fee.
7. You have to contact a separate registry if you’re getting married in Gozo
While the Marriage Registry regulates all marriages celebrated in Malta and Gozo, the Gozo Public registry needs to be informed if the marriage ceremony is to take place in Gozo.
8. You can’t get married on a sandy beach
Weird, but true. The ceremony must be conducted on a hard ground platform for example decking or a cemented platform that can accommodate the table and chairs for the registrar, the bride, the groom and the witnesses.
9. Marriage registry fees vary
If both spouses are resident in Malta and the ceremony is held at the Marriage Registry - €25.65
If both spouses are resident in Malta and the ceremony is held at a place other than the Marriage Registry - €51.30
If one of the spouses is resident abroad and the ceremony is held at the Marriage Registry - €51.25
If both spouses are resident abroad and the ceremony is held at the Marriage Registry - €76.95
If one of the spouses is resident abroad and the ceremony is held at a place other than the Marriage Registry - €76.95
If both spouses are resident abroad and the ceremony is held at a place other than the Marriage Registry - €102.60
10. You can pick up the Marriage Certificate five working days after the marriage ceremony
You can procure it from the Public Registry, or online.
While all efforts have been made to make sure that the information here is correct at time of writing, it’s best to treat this article as a guideline rather than legal advice. If you have any questions, call the Maltese Marriage Registry on +356 2590 4241/47 or email [email protected]