Your Perfect Cyprus Destination Wedding Day: Step-by-Step Itinerary + Insider Tips

Cyprus is one of Europes most sought after Wedding Destinations, and for good reason, The Mediterranean weather guarantees warm and sunny days and the beautiful and diverse scenery is just out of this world. Weather you want to get married by the sea (Paphos, Protaras or Ayia Napa) or in the Forest or mountain top (Troodos) Everything is within a 1 to 2 hrs drive radius and you are sure to find a multitude of backdrops ranging from beaches, beautiful old villages or ancient sights, churches and monasteries.

So its no surprise, that Cyprus has developed a well running Wedding destination and I’ve you booked your Wedding in Cyprus you can look forward to an unforgettable experience.

So you have (or will) book your Wedding in Cyprus, and naturally, you have a lot of questions. One question I often see in Wedding groups is “What happens on the wedding day?” So to give you some insight, I have put together this step by step Itinerary plus a couple of tips at the end. So lets start from the top:

If you managed to get a good night sleep, make sure you get a good breakfast because it will be a fully booked day. Whether you get married at a hotel or in a wedding venue, the process remains largely the same. The Bride and Groom have separate rooms to get ready in, usually with some bubbles and drinks. Yes its early but its your Wedding day and it will help reduce the stress (but don’t over do it)

At this point the Wedding Photographer and Videographer arrive, They will switch between the rooms and get some nice Behind The Scenes footage of your preparation. They will also ask you to pose for some nice beauty shots getting ready. At this point, they will also do what is called the “detail shots” which basically means taking photos and videos of the rings, shoes, dress, bouquet and other personal items of the day.

TIP 1: Stay Hydrated and cool, Cyprus mornings warm up really quickly.

By now, the excitement is building and the Cyprus sun is high which means it’s time for those picture-perfect moments. Depending on your schedule, this is usually when the First Look happens a private and emotional moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. This is optional, some couples prefer the 1st look to be at the ceremony so make sure you discuss this with your wedding coordinator.

This part of the day is also perfect for capturing your couple portraits. Cyprus is an absolute playground for photographers  from ancient ruins and picturesque village streets to rugged coastlines and hidden vineyards. If you’ve booked a photographer or videographer who knows the island well, they’ll guide you to the best spots with the right light, especially important with the strong midday sun.

You might also take some time to snap group photos with your bridal party or close family, which can help free up more time later during the reception. Keep in mind that it can get quite hot this time of day (especially in summer), so bring some cold water, a fan, or even a little shade if you’re shooting outdoors.

This part of the day goes by in a flash, but it’s where so many of those “wow” shots come from  and you’ll be so glad you carved out the time for it.

This is it, the moment everything builds up to. The ceremony usually takes place in the afternoon, and in Cyprus that sweet spot tends to be between 2:30 and 4:00 PM. It’s late enough to avoid the harsh midday sun but still early enough to enjoy the golden light after. Trust me, that soft Mediterranean glow makes everything look magical.

Whether you’re saying “I do” on a sun-soaked beach in Protaras, in a historic chapel tucked into the Troodos mountains, or in a private villa garden surrounded by olive trees, there’s something about the atmosphere in Cyprus that makes every ceremony feel special. The light, the breeze, the scent of jasmine or wild herbs in the air, it all adds to the magic.

Most ceremonies are short and sweet, about 20 to 30 minutes leaving plenty of time for that big kiss, the cheers, and those emotional hugs right after. You can go traditional, symbolic, religious, or fully custom; Cyprus is flexible like that. Just make sure you have some shade for your guests and a cold drink nearby if you’re doing it outdoors in summer.

And don’t forget the little details, music, confetti, flower petals, or even a live musician can turn this moment into something unforgettable. This is the heart of the day, the one moment where everything else stops and all eyes are on the two of you.

Once the “I do’s” are done and the nerves settle, it’s time to really enjoy the day and nothing kicks that off better than a cocktail hour in the warm Cyprus evening air.

This is when your guests get to relax, mingle, and soak in the atmosphere. Think chilled Prosecco, signature cocktails, and little bites of local flavors like halloumi skewers, olives, and dips, all while a live sax player or acoustic set plays in the background. It’s that perfect in-between moment where everyone’s buzzing from the ceremony, and the sun is slowly dipping into golden hour.

Meanwhile, you can sneak off for a few couple portraits in that dreamy golden light  trust me, this is the moment when your photos will look like something straight out of a movie. The lighting is just perfect, and the energy is high but relaxed.

Then it’s on to the reception. Whether you’re dining under the stars in a courtyard, next to the sea, or at a stylish hotel terrace, Cyprus delivers those effortlessly romantic settings. Speeches, dinner, first dances all the big moments come together here. The food? You can go all out with a Mediterranean feast or keep it elegant and minimal. And don’t be surprised if there’s a little spontaneous dancing between courses Cypriots know how to celebrate!

The evening flows naturally, and before you know it, the party is in full swing. Maybe you’ve got a DJ, maybe a live band, or maybe you’re wrapping it up with fireworks or a sparkler send-off. Whatever you choose, this part of the night is all about celebrating your love with the people who matter most and doing it in a place that feels like paradise.

As the sun sets and the fairy lights start to glow, it’s time for the most fun part of the day dinner, dancing, and that epic celebration you’ve been dreaming of.

By now, everyone’s relaxed, happy, and ready to enjoy themselves. Dinner is usually served under the stars, with a gentle sea breeze or the scent of pine trees in the air, depending on your venue. Whether you’ve gone for a traditional Cypriot mezze or a modern fine dining experience, the food is always a highlight fresh, flavourful, and shared with the people you love most.

Once the plates are cleared, it’s time for the speeches. This is one of those moments where laughter and tears mix beautifully a few heartfelt words, a funny story or two, and maybe a toast that gets the whole table cheering.

And then… the first dance. It doesn’t have to be perfect just yours. Whether you’ve got a full-on choreographed routine or you’re just swaying together while everyone watches with big smiles, it’s one of those moments you’ll never forget.

From there, the party kicks off properly. The dance floor fills up, the music gets louder, and the energy really lifts. Maybe you’ve got a DJ dropping your favorite tracks, a live band, or even a surprise performance. And if you want to go all out fireworks, a sparkler tunnel, or even a Glambot capturing those movie-worthy slow-motion shots… now’s the time.

For those who want to keep the night going, an after-party is always a good idea. Think chilled drinks, barefoot dancing, maybe even a midnight swim if you’re near the coast. It’s the perfect way to wind down the most unforgettable day of your life.

At the end of the day, your wedding in Cyprus isn’t just about the schedule or the perfect photo it’s about the feeling. The smiles, the music, the scenery, and that incredible moment where you realize you’re surrounded by the people you love most, in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Cyprus has a way of making everything feel effortless, emotional, and unforgettable all at once. So whether you’re planning something small and intimate or a big celebration under the stars, trust that this island will deliver something truly magical. And when it’s all over, you’ll look back and think wow, we really had the time of our lives.