Capacity to marry

Your attention is kindly drawn to Section 18 of the Marriage Act, 1975 which states that:

A marriage whether celebrated in Malta or abroad, shall be valid of all purposes of law in Malta if

(a) as regards the formalities thereof, the formalities required for its validity by the law of the country where the marriage is celebrated are observed

(b) as regards the capacity of the parties, each of the persons to be married is, by law of his or her respective domicile, capable of contracting marriage.

Because of this Section of the law, may we also remind you that, should it be necessary to comply with any marriage laws in order that your marriage may also conform to the laws of your country of domicile, it is your responsibility to take care of such requirements.

Documentation

Religous Ceremonies

It is easy for a Catholic to get married in a Catholic Church in Malta. The Parish can help plan and have the wedding any any church of your choice or we can suggest venues.
Couples intending to have a wedding outside their country have to go through the same procedures as if they are administering the sacrament in their own country.  They have to follow this procedure.

Go to your local Parish Priest i.e. the Parish Priest where you live.  He will then guide you through the normal procedures, provide instructions and fill the prenuptial forms which are then sent by your church marriage office to the Church marriage office in Malta (The Bishop's Curia)
We will assist you with the procedure of the Marriage Registry in Malta after your arrival in Malta, at least 48 hours before your wedding day.

Religous Marriages are celebrated in the church of one's denomination. 
One is advised to make certain of one's place of marriage before requesting the publication of Banns.  One should also keep in mind that, in order to change the place of marriage from that originally notified, the Marriage Registry needs at least three weeks' notice.

On arriving in Malta we, as your wedding planners, we will accompany you to the Registry office to finalise matters.  When calling at the Registry you will be required to produce your and your witnesses' passports.

In addition to the above the couple must make sure that they have:

Both passports required
Both full birth certificate (Original documents and photocopies are required) to be hand carried
RZ1 (which we will provide)
RZ2 (which we will provide)
Single status document (A declaration on oath that you are both free to marry by a third party)
If divorced a Decree Absolute (including a court stamp) plus a copy.
If Widowed: Spouses's Death Certificate and previous Marriage Certificate
Parental consent required in the form of Statutory Declaration/affidavit stamped by a notary if under 18 years of age
All documents stamped, signed and dated by a solicitor and to be sent to us by registered post not earlier than 12 weeks and no later than 7 weeks prior to your intended wedding date.



Civil Marriages

Civil marriages can be celebrated in the Marriage Registry itself, which is situated in our Capital City Valletta.
A Civil Marriage may also take place at any other place open to the public and which the Registrar accepts as appropriate.  Such venues that have been accepted as appropriate are: Wedding halls, Conference Rooms and other public areas within hotel precincts.  It must be pointed out that Civil Marriages are not conducted at pool side areas, or  private beaches,  or at sea.
The following documentation are needed:

Documentation for a civil ceremony:

Both passports required
Both full birth certificate (Original documents and photocopies are required) to be hand carried
RZ1 (which we will provide)
RZ2 (which we will provide)
Single status document (A declaration on oath that you are both free to marry by a third party)
If divorced a Decree Absolute (including a court stamp) plus a copy.
If Widowed: Spouses's Death Certificate and previous Marriage Certificate
Parental consent required in the form of Statutory Declaration/affidavit stamped by a notary if under 18 years of age
All documents stamped, signed and dated by a solicitor and to be sent to us by registered post not earlier than 12 weeks and no later than 7 weeks prior to your intended wedding date.