The iconic Phoenicia Hotel in Valletta is hosting Malta's first civil unions fair for same-sex couples wishing to tie the knot. The fair will take place at the landmark hotel on 10th and 11th October and will cater for the LGBT market, with a range of local suppliers offering specialist products and services.

Set by the city walls of UNESCO World Heritage City Valletta, which is set to become European Capital of Culture in 2018, the Phoenicia offers an enviable location and a choice of seven different settings for the ceremony; from the Gazebo amidst the hotel's exquisite gardens to the Bastion Pool Deck which overlooks the Grand Harbour.

The hotel's expert wedding planner Chrystelle Doublesin boasts 12 years experience in the weddings industry and is looking forward to hosting more civil unions at the Phoenicia, following the change in Maltese legislation last year. She comments, “The Civil Unions Act officially became law in Malta last April, allowing same-sex couples to marry and adopt children, but this will be the first wedding fair where gay couples planning to marry are fully catered for.

“Phoenicia has long been regarded as a leading wedding venue and has hosted Maltese society weddings for decades, as well as an ever growing number of weddings from the UK so we hope our new civil unions packages will entice even more couples to celebrate their special day here.  Malta is a great destination for an overseas wedding; with 300 days of sunshine annually, incredible historic cities and attractions, excellent beaches and easy access from a host of UK departure airports.”

In addition, English is one of the national languages which means the formalities are straightforward and there's no extra paperwork for the couple to complete when they return home.

Prices for civil union packages at Phoenicia Hotel start from just £800 for a small, stylish event for 10 guests* to £3760 for an elaborate, full-service package for up to 30 guests.** This includes full organisation before and during the day, preparation of all documentation plus registry fees and registrar transport, dressed seating, table arrangements with fresh flowers, mandolin player or pianist, wine and canapés following the ceremony.

Then there's a three-course dinner, with half a bottle of wine and a glass of bubbly for each guest, personalized menu cards, dressed seating, elegant centrepieces with fresh flowers, a handcrafted cake,  wedding DJ, professional photographer, buttonholes and bouquets for the couple and witnesses, room hire and personal wedding planner, all included in the price.

To find out more about weddings at Phoenicia Hotel visit www.weddings-malta.com or call 0800 862 0025.

Fly to Malta from a host of UK departure airports with airlines including Air Malta, British Airways, easyjet, Jet2 and Ryanair with prices from just £92.98 return.***

ENDS

For further information and images please contact Dee Gallagher Spice PR on 0845 0940 396 or email: dee.gallagher@spicepr.co.uk

Notes to editors

*Based on civil unions 'To Love' package from €1130, sterling price may vary with exchange rate.

**Based on 'A Day to Remember' package costing €5300. Available for weddings Sunday- Thursday throughout 2015/16. Sterling price may fluctuate with exchange rate.

***Based on October travel with Ryanair from London Stansted.