Married in…
MALTA
Malta: The Mediterranean’s Best-Kept Wedding Secret
Let’s be honest. When you think of a luxury destination wedding, your mind likely drifts to the Amalfi Coast or the lavender fields of Provence. But what if I told you there’s an island in the Mediterranean that offers the same sun-drenched sophistication, minus the eye-watering price tag and the seasonal stampede of tourists? An island that, frankly, I hadn’t given a second thought to until a recent trip left me utterly speechless. I'm talking about Malta.
As a wedding planner, I'm trained to spot a diamond in the rough, and Malta is a flawless one. It's a logistical dream. The island is compact, making travel between stunning venues and high-end hotels a breeze for you and your guests. And while "budget airlines" might not be a term you typically associate with luxury, the sheer number of accessible flights from all over Europe—including options with British Airways and a new national airline, KM Malta Airlines—means guests have no excuse not to attend. It's about effortless elegance, not a harrowing journey.
The true magic, however, lies in the venues. Forget paying a small fortune for a sliver of history. In Malta, the history is the venue. You can literally get married in a palace. Take the magnificent Palazzo Parisio, for example. I was captivated by its ornate ballroom and breathtaking Italianate gardens—a space so enchanting it recently hosted the fairytale wedding of singer Delta Goodrem. For a different kind of romance, the majestic Villa Bologna offers a world of its own. This aristocratic villa, with its sprawling walled gardens and Baroque architecture, feels both grand and incredibly intimate. The best part? These venues and their exceptional local suppliers offer more for your investment, allowing you to allocate your budget to those lavish details that truly make a wedding unforgettable.
But Malta's charm is more than just its beautiful buildings. It’s a cultural playground. English is an official language, so communication is never an issue. This makes planning seamless and gives you the freedom to incorporate authentic Maltese elements without a hitch. Imagine welcoming your guests with a traditional pastizz platter or surprising them with a performance of għana, the local folk music. It’s a subtle nod to the island’s heritage that adds a uniquely personal touch.
For your guests, the experience extends far beyond the wedding day. They can indulge in some of the island's most luxurious hotels, like the historic Phoenicia Malta or the modern Hilton, while exploring ancient temples and wandering through the medieval streets of Mdina.
Malta is more than just a wedding destination; it’s an entire experience waiting to be discovered. It’s for the discerning couple who wants a wedding that is both sophisticated and deeply personal, all wrapped up in a Mediterranean paradise that, for some reason, we've all been sleeping on. It’s time to wake up.
Key facts & random info:
Malta has its own Hollywood. The island has been a popular filming location for decades, standing in for everything from ancient Rome to a post-apocalyptic world. Most notably, a full-scale village was built on a secluded bay for the 1980 musical film Popeye starring Robin Williams. The set still exists today as a popular tourist attraction known as Popeye Village.
Flight Time from the UK: A direct flight from London to Malta takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair and British Airways.
Number of Churches: The Maltese archipelago has a staggering number of churches and chapels—estimated to be 365, or one for every day of the year. This reflects the country's deep Catholic heritage and provides countless options for a stunning religious ceremony.
Weddings per Year: In 2024, there were over 2,100 marriages registered in Malta and Gozo. A significant number of these are destination weddings, highlighting the islands' growing popularity as a nuptial hotspot- could it be you in 2026?
Interesting Fact: The Megalithic Temples of Malta are older than both the Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge, with some dating back to 3600 BC. They are among Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Random Fact: Malta is one of the few countries in the world where people drive on the left-hand side of the road, a remnant of its long history as a British colony.