wedsandhons 9-12 16/3/09 12:05 Page 56
knowledge ceremonies
ttglive.com
Religious
Weddings
that you can
swear by
Many weddings overseas are simple civil ceremonies,
but it’s also possible to hold a religious ceremony
abroad. Debbie Ward finds out where
W
hen holy matrimony means
just that to your client,
SHORT HAUL.
finding a wedding venue Cyprus has the widest choice of religious
abroad can be a little more weddings for non-residents, bookable
tricky. through several operators including Olympic
The view of the local religious head will Holidays, Planet Holidays, Cosmos, Sovereign,
influence if and where non-residents can Argo Holidays, First Choice and Thomas Cook.
marry in church so couples may not always Olympic weddings executive Fanoulla
get their first choice destination but there Spyrou recommends the numerous resort-
are plenty of attractive options, with Cyprus built chapels for hassle-free holy matrimony:
leading the way. “In most cases, the service can be either
Planet Holidays offers Christian nuptials Catholic or Anglican and after the ceremony
in Cyprus, Gozo, Mauritius and, soon, Zante. couples can hold their reception in the hotel
Managing director Mathilde Robert says: and the guests can stay there as well.”
“Only 10% of weddings are church weddings; Olympic offers such weddings at 11 resorts
civil ceremonies are far more popular. Of the across Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca, Ayia Napa,
10% only 2% are Catholic and the remainder Protaras, Pissouri and Latchi.
8% are Anglican weddings.” Planet has a good selection of local
Kuoni also books small numbers of church Catholic and Anglican church venues in
ceremonies but warns there can be more Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. It particularly
paperwork involved. recommends Paphos where services can be
Red tape varies between countries and conducted in either religion at St George,
religions but couples may be expected to which boasts stunning frescoes, and Ayia
ys
prove, for instance, that they’ve been Kyriaki, an 11th-century church set amid the
baptised. In a few destinations, including 4th-century foundations of its predecessor.
Planet Holida Mauritius, religious services must be coupled While religious weddings are not generally
St Catherine’s Catholic church in Limassol is featured by Planet Holidays with a civil wedding. possible for visitors to Greece and its islands,
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