Romance in Malta: The Perfect Mediterranean Backdrop for LGBTQ Destination Weddings and Honeymoons

Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, boasts a year round sunny climate and 8,000 years of intriguing history. It is no wonder that “The Bachelor” selected Malta for one of its episodes (E4) from the latest season. With its picturesque backdrop, coastal views, historic architecture and sites that create a romantic ambiance, Malta is the best destination for stunning wedding settings as well as unforgettable honeymoons.

Malta, home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is perfect for couples who are looking for unique and memorable venues. Valletta itself, Malta’s Capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the proud Knights of St. John, and offers plenty of spectacular historic settings. In addition to luxury hotels, baroque palaces with gardens, and converted farmhouses (in Gozo), some of these historical venues are themselves Heritage Malta sites such as St. Angelo Hall, the Terrace at the Malta Maritime Museum, Egmont Hall at Fort St. Angelo, Castellania Courtyard and the Garden at the Inquisitor’s Palace. Couples opting for a Monday through Thursday wedding will only have to pay for set-up and catering, and are exempt from venue rental fees. Discounts are also available at other Heritage Malta sites if the wedding is held Monday through Thursday.

In Maltese culture, marriages are lavish affairs, but whether couples are planning a laid back “I do” for close family or a spectacular affair for 200, any wedding held there will be one to remember. The celebration can take whatever form couples wish from a meal or cocktail party to a lavish reception, the old-fashioned way. Large buffet receptions are very much part of the traditional Maltese wedding.

This Mediterranean archipelago has a wide selection of experienced, professional caterers who can offer local fare including dressed tuna to barbecues, mouth-watering buffet and finger foods. The ‘Going away' ritual can be memorable: whether couples choose a horse-drawn Karozzin, a sleek limousine, or even a traditional Dgħajsa boat on the Grand Harbour.

Honeymoons

Following a wedding held in Malta, couples then have time to explore and discover the diversity of the Maltese Islands. With something for every interest, the possibilities are endless, ranging from the cosmopolitan side of Malta to the lure of Calypso's Isle, Gozo, and the solitude of Comino.

Malta: Popular LGBTIQ+ Wedding and Honeymoon Destination

Diversity is ingrained in Maltese culture, and over the past few decades, Malta has made significant progress toward becoming an LGBTIQ+ friendly destination reinforced by anti-discrimination laws introduced in the Maltese Constitution in 2014. In 2017, Malta voted to legalise same-sex marriage and amend the marriage act, replacing words such as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’ with the gender-neutral ‘spouse’. For this reason, it should be no surprise that since October 2015, ILGA-Europe has ranked Malta in top place of the Rainbow Europe Map & Index for the past eight years!

More information on Weddings in Malta may be found on: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/weddings-in-malta/, where couples can also find the 4 official Destination Wedding Planners for contacts in Malta.

Malta Marriage Registry to get to know more about the documents required to get married in Malta: https://identita.gov.mt/marriage-registry/