Malta and Greece both offer legally recognised, beautifully personal settings for LGBTQ+ couples planning a wedding abroad.
There is something quietly wonderful about standing on a sunlit terrace above the Mediterranean, surrounded by the people you love, exchanging vows that are recognised not just by your guests but by law. For LGBTQ+ couples, that certainty matters, and both Malta and Greece now offer it in full.
Where things stand legally
Malta has recognised same-sex marriage since 2017 and is widely regarded as one of the most progressive countries in Europe on LGBTQ+ rights, both in law and in everyday attitude. Greece followed in 2024, extending civil marriage to same-sex couples after some years of offering civil partnerships. In practical terms, this means a same-sex wedding held in either country carries full legal standing, and the marriage will be recognised when you return home to the UK or Ireland.
That said, requirements around documentation, notice periods and civil ceremony procedure can vary by municipality and are updated from time to time. Rather than rely on second-hand information, we always confirm the current requirements in writing with the relevant local authority for your chosen venue, so you know exactly what is needed and when.
Choosing between Malta and Greece
Both destinations offer a huge amount, and the right choice often comes down to the feel you want for your day rather than any legal difference.
Malta is compact, which makes it an easy destination for guests to navigate, and it offers a striking mix of settings within a short drive of one another: honey-coloured fortress walls in Valletta and Mdina, clifftop terraces in the south, and intimate courtyards that feel private even in a busy town. Its long-standing reputation for LGBTQ+ inclusion means you are never navigating unfamiliar territory with suppliers or officials.
Greece offers a different kind of magic, built on scale and variety. Santorini's caldera views are the most photographed, but islands such as Rhodes, Crete and Zakynthos each bring their own character, from whitewashed simplicity to lush, green landscapes. Athens, too, has become a popular choice for couples who want a city backdrop with easy onward travel for guests wanting to island-hop afterwards.
Neither destination will make you feel you are the exception being accommodated. Venues, celebrants and suppliers in both countries are increasingly experienced with same-sex weddings, and many have hosted them regularly for years.
Practical planning considerations
A few things are worth thinking through early. Notice periods for marriage abroad can run to several weeks, so setting your date well in advance gives everyone breathing room. Document requirements typically include proof of identity and confirmation that you are free to marry, though exact paperwork depends on your personal circumstances and the municipality involved, which is why we handle this confirmation directly with local authorities rather than relying on generalised guidance.
It is also worth deciding early whether you want a legal ceremony on the day itself or a symbolic ceremony abroad paired with a legal registration at home. Both are entirely valid choices, and the right one usually comes down to timing, guest logistics and personal preference rather than one being simpler than the other.
Creating a day that feels genuinely yours
One of the loveliest parts of planning a wedding abroad is the freedom to shape a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple, rather than fitting into a template. This might mean choosing a celebrant who understands and reflects your relationship with warmth and accuracy, writing vows that speak plainly about your story, or structuring the day around traditions that mean something to you both rather than convention.
Details matter here too: flowers, music, the order of the processional, who walks with whom. None of these need to follow a fixed pattern, and Malta and Greece both offer venues and suppliers happy to work around your vision rather than a fixed script.
What we take care of
Planning a wedding from a distance, in another country's language and legal system, can feel like a lot to hold. This is where having a dedicated team on the ground makes a genuine difference. We handle the full planning process, from liaising with municipalities on documentation to booking venues, coordinating suppliers and arranging accommodation for your guests, so you can focus on the parts of the day that matter most to you. Our destination wedding packages run from £4,999 to £12,995, depending on location, guest numbers and the level of service you choose, and every detail is planned with the same care and attention regardless of where you marry.
If you are starting to imagine a wedding in Malta or Greece, we would be glad to talk it through with you. Get in touch for a free consultation, and let us help you plan a day that feels entirely, unmistakably yours.