Written by Rosie Anstey. F.G.Int.P.T.
Professional Wedding Celebrant | Wedding Day Host | Master of Ceremonies
Everything You Need to Know About Planning Your Dream Wedding at One of the Mediterranean’s Most Iconic Wedding Locations
If you’re dreaming of a Bellapais Abbey wedding in Northern Cyprus, you’ve found one of the most comprehensive guides available. As a professional Wedding Celebrant, Wedding Day Host and Master of Ceremonies who lives just ten minutes from Bellapais Abbey, I’ve helped couples from around the world create unforgettable celebrations in this remarkable setting. This guide will help you understand everything from where ceremonies take place to reception venues, trusted suppliers, and how to bring your vision to life.
Welcome to Bellapais…
Every morning, as I look out from my home by the sea, my eyes are drawn to one of Northern Cyprus’s most iconic landmarks.
Bellapais Abbey.
Perched gracefully on the hillside above Kyrenia, it has ancient stone arches and towering cypress trees that have become part of the landscape I am fortunate enough to call home. It’s only ten minutes from where I live, yet it still stops me in my tracks.
I’ve watched the Abbey change with the seasons. I’ve seen it bathed in the golden light of long summer evenings, framed by dramatic winter skies and quietly welcoming visitors from around the world who come to experience its remarkable beauty.
But for me, Bellapais Abbey is much more than a famous landmark.
Bellapais is where I have had the privilege of conducting many beautiful wedding ceremonies.
It is where I have watched couples exchange heartfelt vows with the magnificent Abbey as their backdrop.
It is where families from different countries, cultures, and traditions have come together to celebrate love in one of the most romantic settings imaginable.
No two weddings have ever been the same.
Some have been wonderfully intimate, with just the couple and two witnesses sharing a quiet, deeply personal ceremony.
Others have welcomed well over a hundred family and friends, with celebrations continuing into the evening overlooking the Abbey or at one of the many stunning venues nearby.
Every wedding has a different story.
And that is exactly how it should be.
If you’re considering Bellapais for your own wedding, I’d love to share some of the knowledge I’ve gained from performing ceremonies here and helping couples create unforgettable celebrations in this extraordinary part of Northern Cyprus.
A Common Misunderstanding About Bellapais Abbey
One of the first things I explain to couples is that although we often talk about “getting married at Bellapais Abbey”, wedding ceremonies do not usually take place inside the Abbey itself. In Cyprus, we love having our ceremonies outdoors.
Bellapais Abbey is one of Northern Cyprus’s most treasured historical monuments and is protected because of its cultural and historical significance.
Instead, ceremonies are held on the beautiful lawn or paved area immediately beside the Abbey, overlooking its magnificent Gothic arches.
As you exchange your vows, the Abbey creates one of the most spectacular ceremony backdrops anywhere in the Mediterranean.
After your ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy photographs within the Abbey itself (subject to the site’s regulations), creating timeless images among its ancient cloisters, stone archways and beautiful architecture.
It’s the perfect combination of history, romance and breathtaking scenery. Learn more about Bellapais here.
There Is No Such Thing as a “Typical” Bellapais Wedding
One of the reasons I love working here is that every wedding is completely different.
Some couples dream of a romantic ceremony followed by champagne and an intimate dinner overlooking the Abbey.
Others choose elegant receptions with beautifully dressed tables, live musicians, dancing, and spectacular evening celebrations, all set against the backdrop of Bellapais Abbey.
Many couples decide to continue their celebrations at one of the wonderful hotels or restaurants overlooking the Abbey itself.
Others prefer a luxury hotel in Kyrenia, a private villa, a beachside venue, or a stylish restaurant by the sea.
There is no right or wrong choice.
Your wedding should reflect your personalities, your priorities, and the experience you want to create for your family and friends.
That’s why I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” wedding packages.
Every couple is unique.
Every celebration should be too.
How Much Does a Bellapais Abbey Wedding Cost?
This is probably the question I am asked more than any other.
The honest answer is…
It depends.
Not because anyone is being vague, but because every wedding is designed around the couple.
A wedding for 8 guests will naturally look very different from a celebration for 150 or 500 guests.
Some couples choose an elegant afternoon or evening reception overlooking Bellapais Abbey.
Others prefer a lavish evening celebration at a luxury venue with live entertainment, dancing, and a full programme of events.
Rather than focusing on fixed prices, I prefer to help couples understand the possibilities.
Once I know your vision, your guest numbers and the style of wedding you’re dreaming of, I can introduce you to experienced local professionals who can provide quotations tailored specifically to your plans.
It means your wedding is built around your budget and your priorities, and not someone else’s package.
The Joy of Planning a Bellapais Wedding
One of the things I love most about Bellapais weddings is that they can be as simple or as spectacular as you wish.
Together with trusted local professionals, we can help you create:
- An intimate ceremony for just the two of you.
- A relaxed family celebration.
- A multicultural wedding blending tradition.
- A luxury destination wedding weekend.
- An elegant black-tie celebration.
- A sunset reception overlooking the Abbey.
- A lively evening of music and dancing by the sea.
Whatever your vision, there are wonderful options available.
Choosing the Right Suppliers
This is where local knowledge becomes invaluable.
Planning a destination wedding from another country can feel overwhelming.
Who do you trust?
- The perfect photographer who suits your style?
- Which florist and decor understands the venue best?
- How do I find a reception venue that is right for our guests?
- Which musicians create the atmosphere you’re hoping for?
- Do you need a wedding planner or will you organise everything yourself?
Because I regularly conduct ceremonies and host weddings at Bellapais, I have had the pleasure of working alongside some truly exceptional wedding professionals.
Over the years, I have built relationships with talented wedding planners, photographers, videographers, florists, musicians, stylists, reception venues, transport providers and many other suppliers whose professionalism I genuinely trust.
When you contact me, I won’t simply send you a long list of names.
Instead, I’ll take time to understand you and your
- Personalities.
- Ideas.
- Guest numbers.
- Style.
- Budget.
Only then will I recommend suppliers I genuinely believe are the right fit for your wedding.
No two couples are the same, so why should their supplier recommendations be any different?
More Than Your Celebrant
Many people assume that once the ceremony is over, my role is complete.
That’s often just the beginning.
As a professional qualified Wedding Day Host and Master of Ceremonies, I can remain with you throughout your celebrations, working alongside your wedding planner, venue and suppliers to ensure your day unfolds exactly as you’ve imagined. Your wedding is a team effort.
I’ll welcome your guests.
Coordinate with photographers and videographers.
Work closely with your venue.
Introduce speeches.
Announce key moments.
Guide your guests throughout the day.
Quietly solve any unexpected challenges behind the scenes.
Most importantly, I’ll allow you, your family and your friends to relax, knowing that someone experienced is looking after every detail.
For destination weddings, that reassurance is priceless. Learn more about My Complete Wedding Day Experience here
Let’s Start with a Conversation
If you’ve found this guide because you’re dreaming of getting married at Bellapais Abbey, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore ideas or already have a clear vision of your perfect day, our first conversation is simply about getting to know each other.
Tell me about the wedding you’re imagining.
Tell me about your guests.
Please tell me what matters most to you.
Once I understand your vision, I can help you explore what’s possible, recommend trusted local professionals who suit your style and budget, and guide you towards creating a wedding that’s uniquely yours.
Every Bellapais wedding begins with a conversation.
I’d be delighted to have that conversation with you. Contact me to book your complimentary video chat now.
Professional Wedding Celebrant • Wedding Day Host • Master of Ceremonies
Creating unforgettable wedding experiences in Northern Cyprus.
“Let’s create a wedding that feels as though it was designed just for you—because it will be.”
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