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The crystal waters and the all year round sunshine at Malta create an awesome backdrop for wedding and honeymoon. Malta is perfect for couples looking for a different wedding with a historical backdrop.
Organising a wedding at Malta is a less tiresome task and there are many luxury resorts and hotels which organize lavish wedding and parties for foreigners. In Malta you could have a Civil Ceremony, Religious Ceremony or perhaps consider a Blessing.
Your wedding could be purely in civil form or combined with a church ceremony. In either case, there would be legal formalities although paperwork in Malta is relatively simple and can be done from your home country in advance.
Basic Documentation
If you intend to marry in Malta you will need the following documentation:
A copy of the full birth certificate for both the bride and groom authenticated by a solicitor (lawyer or notary). You are also required to bring the original full birth certificate with you to Malta. Under Maltese Law the original birth certificate along with all the other completed legal documentation must remain in Malta. You can obtain a copy of your full birth certificate from your local registry office in the UK for a small fee. It would be wise to do this before you hand over your original in Malta.
A copy of valid passports for both the bride and groom authenticated by a solicitor.
A photo copy of valid passports of two witnesses.
An affidavits / statutory declaration confirming single status also know as a Certificate of Celibacy.
If previously married, a copy of the Certificate for your first marriage authenticated by a solicitor which should then be accompanied by a copy of the Decree of Absolute authenticated by a solicitor. If widowed a copy of a spouse's death certificate and a copy of the previous marriage certificate must be authenticated by a solicitor.
An Affidavit by 3rd person drawn up in the presence of a solicitor, stating that since the death of former spouse / date of divorce, one did not re-marry (if applicable).
If you have changed your name by Deed Poll or you were adapted, proof is required which then must be authenticated by a solicitor.
Parent consent required in the form of Statutory Declaration/affidavit authenticated by a solicitor.
Complete form RZ1 certificate (Application Form), which does not need to be authenticated by a solicitor.
Complete RZ2 certificate (Declaration Form). The bride and groom must each complete a separate form, both of which need then be authenticated by a solicitor
All the basic documentation with the exception of the (originals) should be forwarded to the Marriage Registry in Malta not less than 7 weeks prior to the wedding day, but not more 3 months.
If you are having a Church wedding you will also need to provide the Marriage Registry with the following information:
The date of the wedding.
The church where the marriage is to be performed.
The name of the priest or minister who is the perform the ceremony.
The name which the bride will be using after she is married (either her maiden name of her husbands name).
Marriage Certificate
You must apply for your Marriage Certificate at the Civil Status Section, Public Registry, in Valletta. For a fee you can obtain a full copy of the original Act of Marriage. Please contact the Civil Status Section in advance so they can advise you on the necessary paperwork.
Although your marriage in Malta is legally binding, you will not be able to register it back in the UK. This however in no way makes your marriage invalid.
For further information contact:
Malta High Commission
Malta House
36-38 Piccadilly
London W1V 0PQ
Tel: 0207 292 4800
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London
Tel: 0207 270 1500
For details on civil ceremonies, contact:
Marriage Registry Office
197 Merchants Street
Valletta
Tel: (356) 2122 1775 / 2122 5291 / 2122 5292
Fax: (356) 2122 8247
E-mail: pubreg.marriage@gov.mt
Marriage Registry Office
197 Merchants Street
Valletta
Tel: (356) 2122 1775
Fax: (356) 2122 8247
E-mail: pubreg.marriage@gov.mt
Civil Status Section,
Public Registry,
26 Old Treasury Street,
Valletta
For details on Church weddings, contact:
Curia Marriages Office
P.O. Box 29
Valletta VLT 01
Tel: 00356 21 245350
Fax: 00356 21 242971
For details on Anglican Church weddings, contact:
Senior Chaplain Revd Tom Mendel
Assistant Chaplain Revd Peter Wolfenden
Chaplaincy Office
St Paul's Anglican Cathedral
Independence Square
Valletta VLT 12 Malta
Tel: 00356 21225714
Fax: 00356 21225867
Email: anglican@onvol.net
By: Shabina Sanad
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
