Can I get married in a civil marriage in Cyprus?
Yes — civil marriage at any municipality. Civil marriages are performed by the Marriage Officer at the municipality of your choice, under the Marriage Law of 2003; both parties apply in person. On the standard route ("Notice of Marriage"), the ceremony is no earlier than 15 days after notice (and within 3 months). There's also an urgent procedure for marriage within a few days, for an extra fee. You need passports/IDs, a birth certificate and a certificate of single status; divorcees the decree absolute. Same-sex couples can enter a civil union (since 2015), not a marriage. In short: yes, with notice and documents.
📋 The rules
- Civil marriage at any municipality
- Standard: ceremony after 15 days' notice
- Urgent procedure: within a few days, extra fee
- Documents: ID, birth, single-status certificate
- Same-sex: civil union (since 2015)
🔓 Exceptions
- Minors: written parental/guardian consent
- Divorcees: decree absolute; widow(er)s: death certificate
- Fees vary slightly by municipality
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Key numbers: 15 clear days' minimum notice (max 3 months); a ~20-day stay on the standard route; under 18 needs parental/guardian consent. Indicative fees (Limassol Municipality, 2026): €128 Notice of Marriage; €282 Special Procedure; €14 per certified copy; €130 surcharge for Saturday/out-of-hours ceremonies. Beware a myth: "Cyprus has full same-sex marriage" is false — Cyprus recognises same-sex civil unions (Law 184(I)/2015) with the same legal effects as marriage except joint adoption; same-sex marriage as such is not yet enacted. Tip: gather single-status certificates and translations early.
📎 Official sources
- Limassol Municipality · civil weddings →
- gov.cy · civil marriages (Ministry of Interior) →
- Kyprianou · civil partnership →
❓ Frequently asked
How does civil marriage work in Cyprus?
A civil marriage is performed by the Marriage Officer at a municipality of your choice, under the Marriage Law of 2003. Both parties apply in person. On the standard route, the ceremony takes place no earlier than 15 days after the notice of marriage.
How quickly can I marry?
On the standard route, at least 15 days from the notice are required, and the marriage must take place within three months. There's also an urgent procedure that allows marriage within a few days, for an extra fee.
What documents do I need?
You need a valid passport or ID, a birth certificate and an original certificate of single status. Divorcees produce the decree absolute and widow(er)s the spouse's death certificate. Documents must be in Greek or English, or translated and certified.
What does it cost?
Fees vary by municipality. In Limassol, for example, the Notice of Marriage costs €128, the Special Procedure €282, each certified copy €14, and there's a €130 surcharge for Saturday or out-of-hours ceremonies.
Can same-sex couples marry?
Not by marriage, but by civil union. Since 9 December 2015, under Law 184(I)/2015, same-sex couples can enter a civil union with the same legal effects as marriage, except the right to joint adoption.
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