Very recently I switched on my OOO and headed off to the stunning shores of Paphos, Cyprus — not just for any old holiday, but for one of the most special trips of my life… my wedding!
Alongside my (now!) husband, Micky, and 50 of our closest family and friends, we jetted off for a sun-soaked week of celebrations. It was nearly 2 years in the making, so to say we were excited was an understatement!
The celebrations began at the airport and even continued on the plane, where the lovely TUI staff gave us some complimentary champagne to enjoy above the clouds. What a way to start the holiday!
Saying ‘I do’ to sunshine
As a couple who loves to travel far and wide, it was a no-brainer that we would have one of the happiest days of our lives on holiday, too. We’d already made so many amazing memories in Cyprus on previous holidays, and when we saw our wedding venue for the first-time, it was a done deal!
A sea-view ceremony followed by a reception underneath the stars, surrounded by thousands of fairy lights and pretty palm trees – there was no prettier place we wanted to say ‘I do’. And the best part? Our singular wedding day became a whole week (and more!) of abroad wedding celebrations!
Our Stay at the Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris
We stayed at the Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris, a beautiful adults-only, All Inclusive hotel that’s just perfect for couples and groups looking for a mix of relaxation and fun. From the moment we arrived, the place had that “holiday bliss” feeling — modern, stylish, and spotlessly clean, with friendly staff who made us feel right at home.
The grounds of this hotel are stunning, with the iridescent pool seeming to melt into the sea and sky. Our room was sleek and modern, with sea views that we never got tired of. Each evening we’d sit out on the balcony with a drink, watching the sunset melt into the Mediterranean — it honestly looked like something from a postcard. The sunset views from this hotel are 10/10!
The pool area quickly became our favourite hangout spot. With comfy loungers, (as well as ones that actually sit in the pool) swaying palms, and a swim-up pool bar serving chilled cocktails, it had that luxurious but laid-back vibe – just what we were wanting.
There’s also a beach bar just steps away if you fancy swapping poolside for seaside, and the atmosphere there was equally brilliant. The beach bar area looks out directly onto the beach and the Paphos coastal path, so you can sit here and watch the waves roll in or simply people-watch to your heart’s content.
When it came to food, we were spoiled for choice! The main buffet restaurant had a great mix of international and local dishes, with a lovely seating area outside if you wanted to dine al fresco. On a morning, there was even a smoothie and iced-coffee bar – which became a daily ritual for me post-breakfast! We loved starting the day off with a freshly-blitzed smoothie and a creamy iced latte.
At lunch time we would either head to the main buffet, or for ease, sometimes we’d opt for a casual lunch from the outdoor snack bar. They did delicious, fresh gyros (packed with chicken, chips, and tzatziki), as well as burgers, jacket potatoes and hot dogs. You could also head to the Italian restaurant for slices of freshly cooked pizza for lunch, too!
The hotel has a selection of delicious speciality restaurants included in the price of your stay too – an Italian, Lebanese, Asian and and of course, a traditional Greek taverna. Each has a different feel and are packed with full on flavour – an amazing restaurant experience with each without even leaving the hotel!
Fun in the Sun
One of the absolute highlights of the trip was our Ocean Vision half-day boat cruise from Paphos Harbour. Around 40 of us climbed aboard for a few hours of sunshine, swimming, drinks, and dancing — it was such a laugh! The crew were fantastic, and the views of the coastline from the water were breathtaking. Let’s just say it was the perfect warm-up for the wedding celebrations that followed.
For around 50 euros per person (about £43) the trip includes all your food and drinks from 11am – 3pm, including a fab selection of colourful cocktails and a freshly cooked BBQ lunch. The boat has a glass-bottom too, for anyone who loves spotting sea life! And if you love making a splash the boat has a pop-up giant inflatable slide, so you can enter the sea in style.
Entertainment is included too, so we had a blast dancing to the tunes of the professional sax player, the amazing singer at lunch time, and for the last part of the cruise there’s even a DJ on to really end things on a high! All our family and friends loved it, it was a great afternoon to enjoy a few pre-celebratory drinks in the sun.
Villa Memories
The wedding was upon us! I booked a villa only 10 minutes’ drive from our hotel and our wedding venue, for the day before and after the wedding. Myself, my mam and bridesmaids headed there for some girly pamper time the day before, and enjoyed chilling around the pool with a few glasses of fizz. It made for the perfect place to get ready on the wedding morning too, with amazing views of the sea in the distance.
The Perfect Wedding Setting
Our wedding took place at Ktima Alassos, a nearby wedding venue that’s every bit as beautiful as it sounds. It’s perched above the sea, with panoramic views that made the perfect backdrop for saying “I do.” Having all our friends and family around us, surrounded by sunshine and sea breeze, was just magical — truly a day we’ll never forget!
September was the perfect month to get married abroad in Cyprus – the crazy heat of summer is just starting to simmer ever so slightly, but you’re still guaranteed so much sunshine, clear skies and the most beautiful sunsets. Certainly beats ‘burying a sausage’ back home to try and guarantee it doesn’t rain on your wedding day!
From coloured smoke flares going off for us at the altar to an aerial fireworks display and even a surprise visit from Britain’s Got Talent’s Stavros Flatley – our wedding was the day I had always dreamed of! And the next day, it was great to be able to chill around the pool and re-live the whole day with all our family and friends. If you’re thinking about an abroad wedding – just do it!
Pretty Paphos
The location of our hotel couldn’t have been better. From the back of the Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris, you can step straight onto a scenic coastal path that winds its way all the way down to Paphos Harbour — about a 35-minute stroll. We loved walking it in the mornings or evenings, with the sea on one side and cafes and bars along the way.
A Holiday to Remember
Our week in Paphos was everything we hoped for and more — sunshine, great food, amazing company, and a wedding day we’ll cherish forever. The Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris was the ideal base for it all — stylish, relaxing, and in such a great location for exploring all Paphos has to offer.
If you’re thinking of heading to Cyprus, whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a group holiday, or even your own wedding abroad, I couldn’t recommend Paphos enough. The island of Cyprus is truly a magical place for a destination wedding.
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