Stuck for ideas on where to tie the knot? Let Aphrodite’s island offer inspiration, says Katie McGonagle.
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Say ‘I do’ with sand between your toes
Nothing beats a beach wedding – waves lapping, sun shining with sun-warmed sand beneath your feet – so if that’s what your happy couple is looking for, direct them to Thalassines Beach Villas. This Ayia Napa resort was added to Planet Weddings’ portfolio last year, and has had “huge success” with couples looking for beach weddings. Planet Weddings managing director Mathilde Robert says: “Cyprus is blessed with amazing hotels, from east to west, and many new ones too. The most popular option still remains beach weddings.”
Book it: Prices start at £770 for a civil ceremony. Agents can also earn commission on extras such as flowers, photography and cakes.
planetweddings.co.uk
Get hitched for free
We all know weddings can get pretty pricey – which is half the reason couples choose to tie the knot abroad – so it would be hard to beat a free wedding. Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows in Larnaca offers just that, with free venue hire for at least 12 guests and a choice of venues – from the blue-domed St Constantine and St Helena chapel to a beach or garden gazebo, or the new ‘love hut’.
Book it: Discounts apply for bookings with Planet Weddings, and include free use of the wedding party spa areas, a glass of sparkling wine for guests and a 10% discount on food and beverages (in May or October 2020)
palmbeachhotel.com
Choose a chapel at sunset
Cyprus is awash with atmospheric chapels tucked away in the Troodos Mountains or in its tiny, traditional villages, but those aren’t always an option for visiting couples. Instead, try the beautiful chapel at Columbia Beach Resort, where a Byzantine-style interior, courtesy of late artist John Corbidge, is matched by a stunning exterior with seating for up to 50 guests and the option of evening ceremonies starting at 6pm to catch the sunset over the ocean.
Book it: Weddings at Columbia Beach Resort start at £5,550, including chapel hire, cocktail reception and dinner for 50.
columbiaresort.com
Plant a tree to symbolise your love
What could be more quintessentially Cypriot than an olive tree, planted to mark the occasion of your wedding and bearing fruit for years to come? That’s exactly what you could have at Minthis Resort, near Tsada, where couples can say their vows in the shaded cloisters of a medieval monastery or on a lawn overlooking the rolling greens of the golf course.
Book it: Olympic Holidays offers weddings at Minthis Resort from £369 with bookings available in 2020 or 2021.
olympicholidays.com
Escape the crowds for a country wedding
Part of the joy of Cyprus is embracing the island’s sense of tranquillity, so leave the tourist beaches behind for a wedding in a 16th-century farmstead. Ionian Island Weddings offers one such venue in Kouklia, within easy reach of Paphos airport and Aphrodite’s Rock. Jane Palikira, owner of Ionian Island Weddings, says: “This offers the couple the unique opportunity to have a totally exclusive wedding venue for them, in the heart of the Cypriot countryside. They can have the ceremony and reception all in one place. The venue is made from wood and stone and located in a historic area with views of the surrounding countryside.”
Book it: A ceremony and reception for 20 guests costs from £4,695 with barbecue buffet, licence fee, flowers, cake, photographer and other fees.
ionianweddings.co.uk
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