With its prodigious sunshine, historic limestone buildings whispering tales of the Knights Templar, and heart-tugging sea views, Malta is a superb choice for a wow-factor wedding. Its capital, Valletta is a photogenic mosaic of Baroque churches, Moorish palaces and forts, with landscaped gardens and bougainvillaea-framed terraces suspended like privileged perches over the harbour (it’s little surprise that the British royals choose to holiday here). Salt clings to the air, bleaching the walls of Mediaeval castles and the dramatic thud of canons can be heard each day at noon. Sprawling country estates steeped in noble lore and surrounded by citrus groves are the bucolic-yet-balmy setting couples dream of, and most of Malta’s lie delightfully close to sleepy coves or time warp towns and villages. The Mediterranean archipelago also enjoys generously sunny days well into October, giving it an edge over other European wedding destinations, where even a September date is weather roulette. So, from splendid 18th-century villas to turreted sun-bleached Norman castles, here are the best wedding venues in Malta.
Villa Bighi
A Maltese fairytale: Villa Bighi’s 17th century façade peers down over the Grand Harbour and landscaped gardens, while inside, a resplendent neoclassical scene unfolds. Originally intended as a noble summer residence, Villa Bighi has lived many lives, including as a naval hospital and a science centre (Esplora) in one chunk of the building, though it has only recently opened its opulent doors to weddings. A vast variety of rooms and spaces affords couples flexibility on format and guest sizes, (with smaller rooms ideal for more intimate weddings) while the palatial style warrants little-to-no decoration. Rather than the faded grandeur you’d expect from sprawling historical villas, Bighi’s photogenic interiors have received a new lease of life, while preserving the 17th century oomph. Wedding receptions and soirees tend to spill onto a genteel terrace, with twinkling Mediterranean views a romantic backdrop for speeches and photographs. The villa has a refreshingly relaxed approach to caterers (music to any soon-to-be-wed ears), though their tried-and-tested partners are a well-oiled group, who continue to surpass even the loftiest of expectations.
Guests: Up to 1,200 standing and 600 seated
Licensed for ceremonies: Yes
Villa Bologna
Spotlighting the Italian component of Malta’s cultural mosaic, Villa Bologna is a remarkably pretty 18th century country house, with all the baroque symmetry and architectural romance couples dream of. Blue shutters blink out onto a tropical tangle of green and grand stone pillars and urns frame the villa’s faded (but no less splendid) façade. It’s easy to imagine grandiose speeches and mellifluous guest chatter amid the ancient citrus groves, the Italianate gardens and their sun-bleached fountains. Though the main house was built while Malta was in the grip of the Knights of Saint John, the deco-age additions can be seen at the back of the villa and included an extension of the now sprawling gardens – a genteel, oasis-like setting for lavish wedding ceremony. Ornate interiors are offered up in the rare event of bad Maltese weather – an appealing prospect for couples looking to secure a peace-of-mind alternative. Beyond its gloriously pretty gardens and imposing exterior, Villa Bologna’s family-home charm gives it an edge over other Maltese venues. There’s the sense that it’s been offered up for a wedding weekend by a generous duke. A remarkable history of ownership, from an Italian Uditore to publishing heiress, Margaret Hulton, could corroborate this fantasy – one that can be lived for a few magical days on one of Malta’s finest examples of an 18th-century country pile.
Guests: Reception style in the back garden 600, in the front garden 700, and the Marquee 400
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
Castello Zamittello
Built by the prosperous Baron Bernardo Zammit in the 17th century, this turreted marvel lies on the fringes of the village of Mgarr, not far from pretty Gnejna Bay. Its Norman architecture was originally intended to keep corsairs at bay, with four fairytale guard turrets lining its façade. Mottled with age and tickled by palms, its exterior is the ultimate soft, exotic backdrop for a Mediterranean wedding. The country setting permits a more relaxed approach to music times, while far-reaching bucolic views and the surrounding, herb-sprinkled gardens set an almost surreal tone for the momentous day. A traditional dark oak conservatory, with a Mediaeval-style wrought iron chandelier dominating the space, draws in the sage-green gardens with floor to ceiling light. While perfect for smaller dinners, toasts or ceremonies, the gardens are better suited to larger weddings. Envisage tables dotted around preened topiary and purple flowers, as guests mingle amid wafts of lavender and a star-studded sky. A marquee option is there for those unwilling to roll the dice on the weather.
Guests: Up to 400 seated in long tables, 300 on round, 200 indoors.
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery
One of Valletta’s most theatrical venues, the Saluting Battery enjoys a privileged vantage point high on the bastions, just below the lush Upper Barrakka Gardens. The hair-raising views are courtesy of the battery’s illustrious history – constructed only a year after the 16th century’s Great Siege on one of Malta’s most strategic positions. This history is honoured each day with the rather dramatic firing of the midday gun – one of the many original features the Heritage Trust Fondazzjoni Wirt Artnahas preserved amid the building’s sympathetic refurbishment. The pomp and ceremony is a fitting backdrop for a full-throttle wedding celebration, where guests will be bowled over by the extraordinary views over the old town and across the harbour, with its various comings and goings. It’s worth noting that this is an outdoor area – a sun-drenched platter serving up those striking views and a dramatic black cannon backdrop. Corinthia Caterers’ wedding pedigree is an appealing prospect for couples hoping to lean on years of expertise and a tailored approach, leaving them with the time and energy to focus on other aspects of their big day.
Guests: Up to 510 seated
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
Xara Lodge
One for the modernists. Xara Lodge is a contemporary take on a traditional Maltese hunting estate, set within acres of unspoilt countryside close to Rabat. As the building and its lush grounds have been repurposed for events, the layout, themes and numbers options for couples are endless and truly bespoke. A standout spot is back patio – a vast courtyard-style space featuring a pool flanked by fruit trees where drinks receptions channel an al fresco Mediterranean spirit and where beanbags can be scattered for pre or post-wedding party groups to chill. Inside, the pared down drawing room, with its Moorish-style fireplace and sprinkle of art and ceramics adorning the walls, is a charming spot for more intimate wedding dinners or standing receptions, while the marble floored Lavender Room, with its polished mahogany furniture and antique mirror, are a serene spot away from the crowds for family wedding photos (and for the bride and groom to gather their breath).
Guests: Up to 440 seated and 600 standing
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
Palazzo Parisio
Far from a relic of a bygone era, this 18th century palace is alive and thriving, courtesy of the late Baroness Ramsay Scicluna and her daughter, Justine. Palazzo Parisio may bill itself as a country retreat, but it’s a mere stone’s throw from the bustling streets of old Valletta – offering guests plenty to do in those days and hours around the wedding celebrations. From its film-set ready Italianate gardens, replete with porticoed awning and fountains to its glamorous ballroom, this is baroque opulence at its best and a knockout venue for weddings wishing to strike an extravagant note. Visions of the vast vaulted ceilings and enchanting frescoed walls will print themselves indelibly on the minds of guests, bowled over by the sheer splendour of Parisio, whether during ceremonies here or Champagne-fuelled receptions.
Guests: subject to enquiry
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
Corinthia Palace
Corinthia Palace is a European legend, courtesy of its star-studded history and ritzy residential location opposite the President of Malta’s palace. Considered the doyen of Malta’s luxury hotel scene, Corinthia Palace manages to balance refined rooms and elegant spaces with a shoulder-lowering atmosphere of go-slow, shaded breakfasts and poolside lunches. Regardless, weddings here are a high octane affair, typically taking place in the grand ballroom or the neoclassical, pillared Villa Corinthia, with the Caprice Garden a marginally more relaxed option. The key draw for the newly betrothed is Corinthia’s remarkably slick service and superlative food – the sort you’d expect from a five star hotel yet would be pleasantly surprised to encounter at a wedding. Along with the magazine-ready gardens and perfectly choreographed interiors, it’s the team’s wealth of experience that is a great comfort to brides and grooms-to-be, allowing them to ‘leave it to the experts’ and enjoy spending time with their guests amid this glorious setting. The best part? Corinthia Palace’s phenomenal spa takes pre-wedding pampering to the next level.
Guests: Maximum for a reception is 500, and for a banquet, 300
Licensed for ceremonies: yes
