If the idea of eloping in a foreign country is crossing your mind, then eloping in Malta might be the perfect solution for you. From its breathtaking views to its rich history and culture, Malta is the ideal destination for couples who want to make a grand romantic gesture and elope in style.
Read on to learn more about the best places to elope in Malta, the different types of elopements available, and what to consider when planning your elopement.
Why Elope in Malta?
Located in the midst of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a rather tiny island. It is actually an archipelago of 3 larger islands called Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is situated halfway between Sicily and the coast of North Africa. Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a city rich in culture and history. Malta has a population of roughly 500,000, which may not seem like much, but given the country's small size, Malta is one of the most densely populated nations in the world. The people of Malta are exceedingly friendly and welcoming.
Malta is an enchanting place, with its picturesque beaches, stunning mountain vistas, and ancient cities. It has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic getaway or an exciting adventure. With its warm Mediterranean climate and its vibrant culture, Malta is an ideal destination for elopements. From its natural beauty to its rich history and culture, Malta is the perfect place to make your romantic dreams come true.
Malta's sunny weather, stunning scenery, and warm sea make it a particularly popular tourist destination. Also, it is teeming with historic sites that are ideal for Malta elopements. Three of these are protected by UNESCO. Malta has a vibrant and diverse culture, and the island has been inhabited since the beginning of time. Malta was frequently dominated by several powers throughout history as a result of its advantageous location in the Mediterranean, and each of them left their stamp on Malta's culture.
Eloping in Malta is a great way to celebrate your love in a unique and meaningful way. You can get married in a beautiful church, on a secluded beach, or in front of a breathtaking view. You can even choose to exchange vows in a stunning castle or a stunning old fort. Whatever you choose, your unforgettable experience.
Travelling to Malta
Malta is an island, thus flying is the best and simplest way to get there. There is just one international airport on the island, and it has excellent connections to numerous cities throughout Europe and the rest of the world. Renting a car as soon as you land is our best recommendation for travel to any foreign nation. Although renting a car is a fantastic option in Malta, you can also get around by bus because most of the island's locations are connected by public transportation and the island is not that big. In Malta, you drive on the left side of the road, and the traffic is fairly heavy.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Malta?
Malta is a great destination for eloping throughout the year, but the best time to visit is between April and October. These months offer warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine, and are ideal for outdoor elopements. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, the winter months are a great time to elope in Malta, as the crowds are much smaller and the temperatures are cooler.
No matter what time of year you choose to elope in Malta, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city experience or a peaceful retreat, Malta has something for everyone.
Locations to Elope in Malta
When it comes to choosing a location to elope in Malta, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a beachside ceremony, a rooftop ceremony or a historic venue, Malta has it all. Here are some of the top locations to elope in Malta:
Valletta: The capital of Malta is a stunning city full of architectural wonders and breathtaking views. Valletta is the perfect backdrop for a romantic elopement.
The smallest capital city in all of Europe is Valletta, the capital of Malta. It is a city with stunning architecture that is enclosed by ancient city walls. UNESCO has declared the entire city a world heritage site. During our trip in Malta, we enjoyed visiting Valletta and were particularly taken with its winding alleyways and distinctively colored balconies. The fort near the city's sea entrance is another fantastic location with a wonderful view of the sea and the roofs of Valletta.
Mdina: Mdina is an ancient walled city with cobblestone streets, stunning architecture and plenty of history. When it comes to historical sites, Mdina is one of Malta's top attractions. It's a city that was practically created in the center of the island of Malta. Prior to the construction of Valletta, Mdina served as the nation's capital. The city is also included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you enjoy history and culture, Mdina is a stunning location for a Maltese elopement and is encircled by walls.
Dingli Cliffs: The Dingli cliffs are a stunning clifftop with beautiful views located on the west side of Malta. The Dingli cliffs are ideal to witness a sunset. The cliffs are quite tall and slightly resemble Ireland's well-known tourist destination, the Cliffs of Moher. The primary distinction between Dingli Cliffs and every other cliff in Malta is their orange tint.
The Three cities: Any location in the 3 cities would make for some charming and vliiage like atmosphere to your elopement. The Three Cities, located in the southern part of Malta, are a beautiful and romantic location for couples looking to elope. Comprised of three historic fortified cities - Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa - this area is steeped in history and culture.
Each city has its own unique charm and character, with winding streets, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Couples can stroll hand in hand through the narrow streets, stopping to admire the ornate balconies and colorful doors, or relax in one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the waterfront.
The Three Cities are also home to a number of historic landmarks and attractions, including the Vittoriosa Waterfront, the Inquisitor's Palace, and Fort St. Angelo. These sites provide the perfect backdrop for romantic and intimate elopement ceremonies, with their ancient stone walls and sweeping views of the sea.
Overall, the Three Cities offer a truly unique and unforgettable elopement experience for couples looking to tie the knot in a historic and romantic setting. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views, this area is the perfect choice for couples looking to start their new life together in a truly unforgettable way.
If you want to explore more location ideas, I have created an extensive list of locations for all types of elopements:
for more traditional wedding venue in Malta (https://www.fbalzan.com/malta-wedding-venues)
nature locations for hiking and outdoor locations (https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/hikingaroundmalta)
a list of photoshoot locations in Malta (https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/best-locations-to-shoot-in-malta )
I am sure you will find all the various locations useful, as these are coming from a person who has lived in Malta for his whole life!
Elopement Timeframes Ideas
When planning your elopement in Malta, you have several options.
You can choose to have a short and sweet elopement, an intimate weekend elopement, or a full-week elopement.
Each option offers its own unique set of benefits, so it’s important to consider what kind of experience you’re looking for.
A short and sweet elopement is perfect for couples who want to exchange vows quickly and privately, while a weekend elopement offers more time to explore the area and have a more romantic experience. For a full-week elopement, you can choose to stay in a hotel or an Airbnb, or you can rent a villa for the week. This will give you the chance to explore Malta without the crowds and relax in the comfort of your own accommodation. You can also choose to hire a wedding planner to help you plan and coordinate your elopement, making it an even more memorable experience.
How to Make Your Elopement Interesting
When it comes to making your elopement interesting, the possibilities are endless. From planning a traditional Maltese wedding ceremony to renting a sailboat and sailing off into the sunset, the options are limitless.
You can also choose to add special touches such as a romantic dinner or a surprise proposal. I have also experienced couples who rented a vintage car and we used it to shoot near a seaside location.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will make your elopement truly special.
What to Consider for Planning an Elopement in Malta
When planning your elopement in Malta, there are a few key things to consider. First, it’s important to make sure your chosen location is accessible and legal. You’ll also need to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork, such as marriage certificates, in order. Additionally, you’ll need to consider your budget and make sure you’re able to afford all the necessary costs associated with your elopement, including accommodation, transportation, and any additional activities or services.
Finally, it’s important to research the different types of elopements available in Malta. From a traditional Maltese ceremony to a destination elopement, there are plenty of options to choose from. Knowing what kind of elopement you want and what you’re willing to spend will help you make the most of your elopement in Malta.
MAkeup and Hair - should you book it?
“Should I book a hair and make-up artist?” It’s a question that I often get asked by couples planning an elopement in Malta.
About 50% of our couples hire someone to work wonders with their hair & make-up. The other 50% choose to do it themselves. So, how do you decide which approach is going to be right for you?
I would say that it’s a great idea to book a MUA if you don’t typically wear much make-up day-to-day. So perhaps you don’t own a lot of make-up yourself and you don’t feel super-confident or have much practice in applying it. This means that you can relax & enjoy your day. It’s also a good idea to hire someone to do your hair if you’re envisaging quite a complicated style that you don’t typically create yourself.
Where couples have done their own hair and make-up, they have typically had quite a clear vision for what they want in mind. They’ve also felt quite confident that they can achieve this look themselves. They’ve sometimes booked a ‘Make-Up Tutorial’ at a local department store, bought the relevant products, then spent time practicing their look in advance of their day.
The below are makeup artists who are amazing in their work and which I would whole heartedly suggest:
https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/makeup-artists-in-malta
Conclusion
Malta is the perfect destination for couples looking for a unique and romantic way to say “I do.” With its stunning views, vibrant culture, and warm climate, Malta is the ideal place to elope. From choosing the perfect location to planning your elopement and making it memorable, there are plenty of ways to make your elopement in Malta an unforgettable experience.
So if you want to explore an elopement in Malta, just contact me here and I would be happy to schedule a call with you and help you with coming up with an elopement plan, provide you with other location ideas and provide you with contacts for any supplier you may need.
Below you can find some elopements which I have had the pleasure to be part and photography of during the past years:
https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/sophia-and-marcus-elopement-malta - The elopment of Sophia and Marcus in Birgu was followed by a photoshoot in Valletta, Mdina and Dingli.
https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/meghan-and-brian-elopement - The elopement of Brian and Megan occurs in Mdina and includes sessions near the Manikata Church and the Majjistral Park.
https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/maggieandjaopostwedding - for this shootout we travelled to some marvelous locations in Malta including Valletta, Mdina, the 3 Cities and Gnejna.
https://www.fbalzan.com/blog-content/chen-and-li-wedding-photoshoot - we travelled along the coast of Malta, from Isla to Mdina, Dingli and Ghar lapsi.