The Most Beautiful Destination Wedding Venues in Malta
Malta is a gem of an island, with its sister island of Gozo equally as splendorous. As far as wedding destinations go, Malta tops the bill. Back in 2014, the Government of Malta approved the legislation for Civil Unions, meaning that same-sex marriages can be legally held on the island. In addition to the stunning weather, the island is brimming with culture, history and perfect wedding locations offering memories to last a lifetime. Here’s eight tantalising locations to consider for a wedding of your dreams.
Pallazzo Parisio
The northern town of Naxxar is the home of this 19th-century palace, purchased in 1898 by the Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna. Scicluna renovated the palace to the highest of standards, and the palace still predominantly boasts many of these original features today. Led by an Italian architect, the restoration work combines the finest of both Maltese and Italian art. For a beautiful fairy-tale wedding, Pallazzo Parisio is the perfect location. Enjoy the baroque-style gardens and the magnificent, lavishly golden ballroom, all with a personal touch from the present family owners of the palace.
The Olive Gardens
Ideally situated in the silent historical city of Mdina, the Olive Gardens offer space inside and out. With immaculately kept gardens and a pool area, it is surrounded by luscious greenery and olive groves as an idyllic backdrop during the day and authentically lit bastions during the night. Having both upper and lower gardens provides seating areas for up to 250 guests outdoors and 100 indoors. All areas can be adapted to suit the wedding party size, and the Olive Gardens provide their own catering company, making organising a wedding run more smoothly.
Villa Bologna
Situated midway between Mdina and Valletta stands Villa Bologna. Built in 1745, this stunning country house also attracts visitors for its WWII air raid shelters and ceramic gift shop as well as being an ideal wedding location. Still lived in by ancestors of its original owners, and although on a grand scale, the villa remains informal and offers a personal touch. The gardens were extended in 1920 and remaining for guests to enjoy are features such as the sunken pond, fountains and a cactus garden. The gardens are easily transformed to suit wedding parties, with inside space available should you wish. The home itself, along with the gardens, makes any wedding photograph complete.
Villa Arrigo
Previously known as Villa Garcin, this venue was constructed in 1887 by Cesare Garcin. Remaining under this name for many decades, the villa was eventually passed in to the hands of Ralph Arrigo in 1986. For just over 30 years, this location has remained as an upmarket place for hosting events, dinners and receptions as well as weddings. Situated in San Pawl tat-Targa, Villa Arrigo promises to be exclusively yours on your wedding day with a team dedicated to you. Giving a detailed glimpse of your surroundings, their website offers a virtual tour facility alongside photographs.
Castello Zammitello
On the outskirts of the quaint village of Mġarr sits Castello Zammitello, also referred to as Zammitello Palace or Zammitello Tower, a beautiful countryside villa. Available seven days a week for any occasion, this 300-year-old castle towers over neighbouring villages with its four turrets originally used to guard against corsair raids. With immaculately landscaped gardens and an interior to match, weddings can be held both indoors and out. With both fairy-tale and romantic options, this venue has the facilities for the wedding ceremony to take place as well as the reception afterwards. With a roof terrace ideal for firework displays and just minutes’ walk from Gnjena beach, the wedding photographs are ensured to be out of this world.
Gozo Farmhouse
A short ferry ride (or even privately hired yacht) from Malta will take you directly to neighbouring island of Gozo. A perfect location for an intimate wedding is the Gozo Farmhouse. Again offering space indoor and out, you will find contemporary decor immaculately matched with original Gozitan features. A naturally well-lit large terrace offers views of surrounding Gozo countryside and if a church wedding is for you, there is a quaint chapel nearby. With a Gozitan chef providing lovingly prepared food accompanied by fresh bread made on the premises, the farmhouse provides an authentic wedding experience.
Paradise Bay
An ideal wedding venue list wouldn’t be complete without considering one of Malta’s beaches. There’s certainly plenty of beaches to choose from but for that ideal beach wedding, it would be preferable to book the ceremony through the neighbouring hotel which would have access to secluding off part of the beach specifically for your needs and can arrange everything for you. The aptly named Paradise Bay is a popular dream wedding location. With at least 300 days of sunshine blessing Malta each year, clear waters, golden sand and a cloud-free sky, this beach lives up to its name. The Paradise Bay Resort Hotel has its own private beach. Experienced in beach weddings, the area is secluded, and afterwards guests can enjoy catered meals in the elegant event room of the hotel. What better way to celebrate saying your vows than to the sound of gentle waves lapping the shores of the Mediterranean?
Limestone Heritage Waterfall Gardens
For something a little different, it’s worth considering Malta’s Limestone Heritage Park. This popular family-run, award-winning tourist attraction in Siggiewi offers weddings in the luxurious gardens. Not only having a traditional Maltese farmhouse adjacent to a citrus garden, the wedding area also homes a 30-foot-high waterfall. Combined with fireworks, the ornately decorated seating area provides the opportunity to dance under the stars. Welcoming all types of wedding ceremonies, this venue should be checked out.