Celebrating on the east coast
The east coast of Cyprus has two kinds of wedding. In Ayia Napa and Protaras there are beach ceremonies, sunset receptions and couples from abroad who marry at the municipality and party by the sea. A few minutes inland, in the red-soil villages known as the Kokkinochoria, there are the big local weddings and christenings, where hundreds of relatives fill the church and then the village hall.
Venues and seasons
- Beaches and seaside venues for ceremonies on the sand and evening receptions, with Cape Greco’s cliffs a popular spot for photos.
- Resort hotels in Ayia Napa and Protaras, where guests also stay.
- The municipality for civil weddings, often followed by a party at the beach.
- Village churches and community halls in Paralimni, Sotira, Liopetri and the other Kokkinochoria.
- Boats for a pre-wedding trip with friends.
The beach season is long, roughly May to October, with hot, bright days and warm nights. The villages celebrate all year round.
Village customs
In the Kokkinochoria the wedding is a community event. Relatives gather to make the couple’s bed, the koumbaroi often number more than one or two, and the reception line can take more than an hour before the money dance begins. Christenings are just as busy, with the godparent handing out small favours to every guest.
Tips for an east coast wedding
- Beach, then village. A ceremony on the sand and a dinner in a village hall are only minutes apart, but guests from abroad will not know the roads. The digital invitation shows each place on a map.
- Sun and sand. Midday light is harsh, so plan the live photo wall for after sunset or a shaded bar. Put the QR code on a sturdy sign that the wind won’t take.
- Weak signal at sea or in a full church. Photos from the QR upload resume where they stopped once the phone is back in range.
- Big lists, real numbers. RSVP with adults, children and meals gives the hall a clear count.
- Keep the dance floor full. Song requests let guests suggest and vote, and the DJ sees the list.
Which plan fits
A beach wedding with friends from abroad or a village wedding with hundreds of guests both suit Story at €149. Essential (€99) covers the invitation, RSVP and songs. Christenings start at €79. See weddings, destination weddings and pricing.
