Planning a wedding in Malta comes with its own set of decisions, logistics, and — let's be honest — family opinions. Whether you're going for a traditional church ceremony followed by a big reception or something more low-key, having a clear plan makes the whole process a lot less stressful.
This guide covers the key steps, from choosing your venue and sorting out the legal side to building your vendor team and managing your budget.
Choosing Your Venue
The venue sets the tone for everything else, so it's worth taking your time with this one. Malta has a solid range of options, from historic palaces and garden estates to boutique hotels and countryside farmhouses.
Historic Palaces and Villas
Malta's palazzos and stately homes are hard to beat for sheer atmosphere. Properties like Palazzo Parisio, Villa Bologna, and Villa Arrigo offer grand ballrooms, manicured gardens, and that old-world elegance that photographs beautifully. Most offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, which is useful given our summers.
Boutique Hotels
Hotel venues are convenient — they handle catering, coordination, and guest accommodation under one roof. If you'd rather not juggle multiple vendors, this can simplify things considerably.
Garden Venues
Outdoor garden venues work well for spring and early summer weddings when the weather is warm but not scorching. Limestone Heritage in Siġġiewi, for example, offers a unique quarry-garden setting with a waterfall. Just make sure there's a backup plan for rain or unexpected wind.
Coastal Venues
If you want sea views, venues like Villa Bighi overlooking the Grand Harbour or coastal spots in Mellieħa and Gozo deliver. Evening ceremonies with the sunset behind you are always a winner.
Browse our collection of wedding venues to compare options.
The Legal Side
Whether you're having a civil or church wedding, there's paperwork to sort out. Best to get this moving early so it doesn't become a last-minute headache.
What You'll Need
Both partners need to provide:
- Valid ID card or passport
- Birth certificates
- Single status declaration or certificate of no impediment
- Divorce decree or death certificate (if previously married)
- Parental consent (if under 18)
Banns
Malta requires the publication of banns — a public announcement of your intention to marry. This needs to happen at least eight days before a civil ceremony. For church weddings, the timeline is typically longer. Start the process at least six weeks out.
Civil vs. Church
Civil ceremonies can be held at the Public Registry in Valletta or at any licensed venue. Church weddings follow the Catholic liturgical format and require completion of a Cana Movement marriage preparation course. Both are equally valid under Maltese law — it comes down to what feels right for you.
Building Your Vendor Team
Your vendors can make or break the day. Here's who you'll typically need and when to book them.
Wedding Planner
Not everyone needs a full planner, but even partial planning or day-of coordination can take a huge weight off your shoulders. A good planner knows the local vendor landscape, can negotiate on your behalf, and keeps everything running on the day. Browse wedding planners in our directory.
Photographer and Videographer
Book your photographer and videographer early — the good ones fill up fast, especially for peak season Saturdays. Look at full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, to get a real sense of their work.
Catering
If your venue doesn't include catering, you'll need to source a caterer separately. Maltese wedding menus typically feature a mix of local and international dishes. Tasting sessions are standard — take advantage of them.
Entertainment
Whether it's a live band or a DJ, entertainment sets the mood for the reception. Book early for peak season dates.
Flowers and Décor
Your florist and décor team will transform the venue. Seasonal, locally grown flowers tend to be fresher and more affordable than imported options.
Your Planning Timeline
Here's a practical schedule to keep things on track:
12–18 Months Before
- Set your budget
- Choose your date
- Book your venue
- Hire a wedding planner (if using one)
- Start your guest list
9–12 Months Before
- Book photographer and videographer
- Confirm catering arrangements
- Choose your florist and décor
- Book entertainment
- Send save-the-dates
6–9 Months Before
- Order wedding attire
- Book hair and makeup
- Plan any pre-wedding events
- Begin legal paperwork
3–6 Months Before
- Send invitations
- Finalise menu
- Confirm all vendor bookings
- Arrange transportation
1–3 Months Before
- Final fittings
- Confirm guest numbers
- Create seating plan
- Finalise timeline with all vendors
- Obtain marriage licence
Budgeting
Wedding costs in Malta vary widely depending on your choices. Most couples spend between €25,000 and €45,000 for a wedding with 80–100 guests, though you can go well above or below that range.
Where the Money Goes
A rough budget split looks like this:
- Venue and catering: 40–50%
- 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%
Saving Where It Counts
- Weekday weddings can save you 20–30% on venue costs
- Shoulder season (March–April, October–November) is cheaper than peak summer
- Seasonal local flowers cost less than imported ones
- A lunch or brunch reception is typically cheaper than dinner
- Package deals from venues with in-house catering often offer better value
Maltese Wedding Traditions
You might want to weave in some local touches:
Il-Konfetti
Sugared almonds — the classic Maltese wedding favour. Traditionally given in odd numbers for good luck, they symbolise the bitter and sweet of married life.
Is-Serenata
The groom's serenade to the bride the night before the wedding. While the traditional format has evolved, many couples still incorporate a musical moment or surprise into their celebrations.
The Procession
In traditional Maltese weddings, the bride would walk through the village streets accompanied by musicians. Some couples still arrange a musical element as a nod to this custom.
Fireworks
Malta loves fireworks — and weddings are no exception. A fireworks display at the end of the night is a popular way to close out the celebration.
Getting Started
The best advice? Start early, especially if you're eyeing a peak season Saturday. Popular venues and vendors book up well in advance.
Browse our directory of wedding vendors to start building your team. From planners and venues to photographers and caterers, you'll find trusted professionals who know the local wedding scene inside out.
Related Vendors
Find trusted Malta wedding vendors in these categories: