According to data from the four municipalities of the Paphos district, wedding tourism continues to be one of Paphos’s most successful and profitable tourism products, contributing significantly to strengthening the local economy, generating revenue for the municipalities, and promoting the district as a premier international destination for civil weddings and wedding ceremonies. Every year, thousands of couples from abroad choose Paphos to hold their wedding in Cyprus, specifically in the Paphos district.
Significant economic benefits are reaped primarily by the municipalities of Akamas, Paphos, and Ierokipia, while the municipality of Polis Chrysochous also derives revenue from civil weddings, albeit to a lesser extent.
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Akamas Municipality: Heading Toward 800 Weddings in 2027
Stella Dimitriou, the Civil Marriage Officer for the Municipality of Akamas, told CNA that interest in the area remains particularly high. As she noted, approximately 750 civil weddings are expected to take place in 2026, while the number is projected to rise further in 2027, reaching 800.
Despite the impact of the war on certain markets, cancellations have remained limited, amounting to about ten weddings. According to Ms. Dimitriou, the British market continues to lead the way, while demand from Russia and Israel has declined.
Ceremonies in the Municipality of Akamas are held at hotels, villas, at the Shipwreck site, and at the Pegiotissa Fountain in Pegeia, offering guests unique natural settings for the most important day of their lives.
Municipality of Ierokipia: Consistently around 1,000 weddings per year
The situation in the Municipality of Ierokipia is also particularly dynamic. Municipal Official Christiana Mavrou told CNA that approximately 1,000 civil weddings take place each year, and a similar number is expected in 2027. At the same time, a significant number of reservations have already been made for 2028.
The ceremonies take place at popular venues such as Liopetro, King Nikoklis in Nikokleia, Atlantida, BASE, hotel accommodations, Petra tou Romiou, and Kato Vrysi.
Couples from the United Kingdom, Israel, Hungary, Poland, Greece, the United States, and Cyprus, a fact that confirms the region’s international appeal.
36,000 civil weddings mark a milestone for the Municipality of Paphos
The momentum of this institution is also confirmed by the significant milestone recently announced by the Municipality of Paphos. According to its announcement, the Civil Marriage Office has performed 36,000 civil weddings, a figure that demonstrates the enduring trust that thousands of couples from around the world have placed in the city.
Through the systematic development of wedding tourism, Paphos has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the most important international destinations for civil weddings. The region’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, streamlined procedures, and high standard of hospitality are key reasons why couples choose it every year.
The 36,000 ceremonies are not just an impressive statistic; they translate into tens of thousands of visitors and significant economic activity for the entire province.
Benefits for the Entire Economy
The economic benefits of wedding tourism are not limited to municipal coffers. The increased visitor traffic significantly boosts hotels, reception venues, florists, photographers, event planning companies, restaurants, transportation, and dozens of other professionals involved in wedding planning, Paphos Mayor Angelos Onisiforou told CNA.
Civil Weddings Also Held in Polis Chrysochous
Civil weddings are also taking place in the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous, mainly at tourist accommodations in the area. Mayor Giotis Papachristofis told KYPE that approximately 50 to 70 civil weddings are held annually, attributing the relatively small number to the area’s limited hotel infrastructure.
Source: CNA
