Legal Notice 100 published on the 7th March 2008, has established 1st February 2008 as the date when article 25 of Act 1 of 2005 is to come into force. Basically, Act 1 of 2005 is a law that makes amendments to various laws including the Marriage Act Cap 255, as well as to the Local Councils Act of 1993.
During February, the Local Councils Department, the Public Registrar’s Office and the Local Councils’ Association held a day seminar for all mayors in Malta and Gozo, to get them ready for their new role. As from 1 February 2008, a bride and groom can choose to get married by civil ceremony before their local mayor.
At face value, this novelty is mainly applicable to couples interested in civil marriage only, and not for those getting married in church. In Malta, the Catholic wedding ceremony is recognised by the state as a civil marriage as well. Thus, once you tie the knot in church, there’s no need to go to the registrar, or now, to the mayor.
“Yet, in Malta certain couples would do anything to make their wedding day special, to have more photo opportunities and more celebrations” says Michael Cohen, the President of the Local Council Association, “so we will not be surprised if couples would wish to add a ceremony before the Mayor besides the wedding in church.”