Getting Married in Malta: A Complete Guide to Legal Requirements & Documents

Planning your dream wedding in Malta? Beyond the stunning venues, historic architecture, and Mediterranean charm, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for getting married in Malta.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Malta’s marriage laws, including ceremony types, required documents, timelines, and practical tips—so your wedding day is seamless, stress-free, and legally recognised.

Why Choose Malta for Your Wedding?

Malta is one of Europe’s most wedding friendly destinations. It offers:

  • Full legal recognition of civil, religious, and same-sex marriages

  • English as an official language

  • Straightforward procedures for foreign nationals

  • Internationally recognised marriage certificates

Types of Legal Weddings in Malta

Before beginning the paperwork, it’s important to understand the types of ceremonies legally recognised in Malta.

Civil Marriage in Malta

  • Conducted by a Marriage Registrar

  • Takes place at the Public Registry or an authorised venue

  • Most popular option for international couples

Religious Marriage in Malta

  • Recognised by Maltese law

  • Still requires compliance with Public Registry documentation

  • Common for Catholic and other recognised denominations

Same-Sex Marriage in Malta

  • Fully legal and recognised

  • Malta is one of the most progressive countries in Europe for LGBTQ+ marriage.

Civil Marriage in Malta: Timeline & Banns

When Should You Start?

  • Couples must notify the Marriage Registry at least 3 months before the wedding date

  • This allows time for the publication of marriage banns

  • The wedding must take place between 6 days and 3 months after banns are published

📌 Pro tip: Appointments at the Public Registry should be booked well in advance, especially for summer weddings.

Documents Required to Get Married in Malta

Below is a complete checklist of documents required for marriage in Malta, particularly for civil ceremonies.

Mandatory Forms

Form RZ1 – Joint Request for Publication of Banns

  • Completed and signed only by the couple

  • Declares personal details and intention to marry

Form RZ2 – Declaration Under Article 7(5) of the Marriage Act

  • Signed individually by each spouse

  • Sworn in front of a notary, solicitor, or legal professional

  • Confirms there are no legal impediments to the marriage

Identification Documents

  • Photocopy of valid passports of both spouses

    • Including a valid visa, if applicable

    • Originals must be shown on the wedding day

  • Photocopy of passports or IDs of both witnesses

Civil Status Documents

  • Original full (non-abridged) birth certificate showing parents’ details
    or

  • Adoption certificate, where applicable

Proof of Freedom to Marry

Depending on your country of origin, one of the following is required:

  • Free Status / Freedom to Marry Certificate, or

  • Third-Party Affidavit

The affidavit must:

  • Be sworn by someone over 18 who knows the couple well

  • Be signed in front of a notary, solicitor, or commissioner for oaths

  • Confirm marital status (never married, divorced, widowed, or annulled)

If Either Party Has Been Divorced

  • Previous Marriage Certificate with divorce annotation

  • Or Divorce Absolute / Final Decree

Apostilles, Legalisation & Translations

Document Authentication Rules

  • EU-issued documents: Generally do not require an apostille

  • Non-EU documents: Usually must be apostilled or fully legalised

  • Foreign language documents: Must be translated by a certified translator

An apostille is an official stamp issued under the Hague Convention to authenticate documents for international use.

Practical Tips for Getting Married in Malta

  1. Start Early – Apostilles, translations, and affidavits can take weeks.

  2. Work With a Wedding Planner or Legal Advisor – Especially recommended for international couples.

  3. Check Validity Periods – Many documents are valid for only three months.

  4. Bring Originals – The Registry retains original documents.

  5. Choose Witnesses Early – Witnesses must present valid identification.

  6. Budget for Additional Fees – Registry fees, notary costs, translations, and apostilles.

Important Notes About the Ceremony

  • Ceremonies are conducted in English or Maltese

  • Couples must provide chauffeur-driven transport for the Marriage Officer

  • The Marriage Officer must be informed in advance about:

    • Venue location

    • Previous marriages

    • Children from the relationship

    • Periods of residence abroad

  • A pre-wedding meeting is always held with the officiator

⚠️ Punctuality is critical—late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Applying From Abroad

Couples applying from outside Malta must:

  • Visit the Marriage Registry in Marsa in person

  • Attend at least 2 working days before the wedding

  • Present valid identification

  • Appointments can be booked weeks in advance

📄 Documents must be submitted:

  • No earlier than 3 months before the wedding

  • No later than 6 weeks before the wedding

Obtaining Your Maltese Marriage Certificate

Your official Marriage Certificate can be obtained:

  • From the Public Registry after 5 working days

  • Online via certifikati.gov.mt

Certificate Options & Costs (subject to change)

  • Extract: €2.60 (€2.50 online)

  • Full Version: €10.25 (€9.95 online)

If the certificate will be used abroad, an apostille from the Maltese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Valletta is required.

Final Thoughts: Is Getting Married in Malta Easy?

Yes, with the right preparation. Malta offers one of the most transparent and internationally recognised wedding legal frameworks in Europe. With proper planning, your wedding will be both romantically unforgettable and legally flawless.