Malta Wedding Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget

Malta Wedding TeamBy Malta Wedding Team
Malta Wedding Costs: What to Expect and How to Budget

One of the first questions every couple asks: how much does a wedding in Malta actually cost? The honest answer is it depends — on your venue, guest count, and how many extras you go for. But having a realistic picture of what things cost helps you plan smarter and avoid surprises.

This guide breaks down the main expense categories so you know what to expect.

The Big Picture

Most couples in Malta spend between €25,000 and €45,000 for a wedding with 80–100 guests. Intimate celebrations can come in around €15,000, while larger or more lavish affairs can push past €80,000. These figures cover all the main expenses but don't include honeymoon costs.

Venue Costs

Your venue is typically the single biggest expense, accounting for 30–40% of your total budget.

Budget-Friendly (€2,000–€5,000)

Garden venues, restaurant private rooms, and smaller historic properties. These work well for intimate weddings of 50 guests or fewer. Many include basics like tables, chairs, and lighting.

Mid-Range (€5,000–€15,000)

This is where most popular Malta wedding venues sit. Expect elegant gardens, restored farmhouses, and boutique hotel spaces. Many include coordination services and offer flexibility with guest numbers.

Premium (€15,000–€35,000+)

The big palazzos and exclusive estates. These come with extensive grounds, multiple spaces, and dedicated event teams. You're paying for the wow factor and the full-service experience.

Always ask what's included in the venue fee. Some bundle catering, furniture, and coordination; others charge for each separately.

Catering

After the venue, catering is usually the second-biggest cost.

Per-Person Costs

  • Cocktail reception with canapés: €40–€60
  • Buffet dinner: €80–€120
  • Plated three-course dinner: €100–€150
  • Premium multi-course with wine pairing: €150–€200+

Drinks

Standard open bar packages (wine, beer, soft drinks) add €30–€60 per person. Premium packages with champagne and spirits can reach €80–€100 per person.

Wedding Cake

A traditional tiered cake runs €300–€800 depending on size and design. Dessert tables or alternative sweets can be more cost-effective while giving guests more variety.

Photography and Videography

Your photographer and videographer are an investment you won't regret.

Photography: €1,500–€5,000

Most packages include 8–10 hours, a second photographer, edited digital images, and an online gallery. Albums and prints are usually extra (€300–€1,500).

Videography: €1,500–€4,000

Typically includes a highlight film (3–5 minutes) and a longer documentary edit (20–45 minutes). Drone footage and same-day edits are common add-ons.

Flowers and Decorations

Décor costs vary dramatically based on your vision.

Flowers: €800–€3,500

  • Bridal bouquet: €80–€250
  • Bridesmaid bouquets: €50–€120 each
  • Boutonnieres: €15–€40 each
  • Ceremony arrangements: €200–€800
  • Reception centrepieces: €50–€150 per table
  • Arches, aisle markers, etc.: €300–€1,000+

Choosing seasonal flowers that grow locally — bougainvillea, jasmine, olive branches — keeps costs down and ensures freshness.

Styling

Professional styling services range from €500 for consultation to €3,000+ for full design and installation, covering lighting, linens, furniture rentals, and all the finishing touches.

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner can save you time, stress, and often money through their vendor relationships.

  • Day-of coordination: €800–€1,500
  • Partial planning: €1,500–€3,000
  • Full planning: €3,000–€8,000
  • Luxury/bespoke: €8,000–€15,000+

Even if you don't go for full planning, day-of coordination is worth considering. Having someone manage the timeline and handle problems on the day lets you actually enjoy it.

Entertainment

Live Music

  • Ceremony musicians (string duo/trio): €300–€600
  • Cocktail hour: €400–€800
  • Reception band: €1,500–€4,000

DJ

Professional DJs charge €600–€1,500 for a wedding reception. Premium DJs with high-end setups may charge €1,500–€2,500.

Other Costs

These add up faster than you'd think:

Legal and Admin

  • Marriage licence and registration: €100–€200
  • Civil ceremony fee: €150–€300
  • Church ceremony donation: €200–€500

Beauty and Attire

  • Bridal hair and makeup: €200–€500
  • Groom grooming: €50–€150
  • Wedding dress: €1,000–€5,000+
  • Suit rental or purchase: €300–€1,500

Transport

  • Vintage car hire: €300–€800
  • Guest shuttle: €400–€1,000

Stationery and Favours

  • Invitations and stationery: €200–€800
  • Wedding favours: €3–€15 per guest
  • Signage and menus: €100–€400

Budget Allocation Guide

A balanced split looks roughly like this:

  • Venue and catering: 45–50%
  • Photography and videography: 10–15%
  • Flowers and décor: 8–12%
  • Entertainment: 5–8%
  • Wedding planner: 5–10%
  • Attire and beauty: 5–8%
  • Stationery and favours: 2–3%
  • Transport: 2–3%
  • Contingency: 5–10%

Always keep a contingency fund of at least 5%. Something unexpected always comes up.

Ways to Save

Pick Your Timing

Shoulder season weddings (March–April, October–November) cost 15–25% less than peak summer. Weekday weddings can save you 20–30% on venue costs alone.

Prioritise

Figure out what matters most to you and spend there. If photography is your thing, invest in a great photographer and simplify the décor. If food is everything, splurge on catering and keep the flowers simple.

Use Package Deals

Venues with in-house catering, photographers who include albums, and planners with vendor partnerships often offer better value than booking everything separately.

Watch Your Guest Count

Every extra guest adds per-person costs for catering, favours, and seating. A smaller wedding lets you spend more per person on quality.

Start Planning

Browse our directory of wedding vendors to start gathering quotes. Working with experienced wedding planners can help you navigate pricing and make sure you're getting fair value across the board.

Find trusted Malta wedding vendors in these categories: