In Lebanon, civil marriage is not recognised — unless it was registered abroad. Sensing a business opportunity, a travel agent has started offering wedding packages in Cyprus, complete with best man and bridesmaid.

Under Lebanese law, each of the country’s 18 religious communities (Sunni, Shi'ite, Maronite, Catholic, Orthodox, Druze, etc) is entitled to oversee its members’ marital status in accordance with its own rules. As a result, religious bodies are sovereign in matters of marriage, divorce and,in the case of Muslims, inheritance. In 1951, lawmakers came up with a proposal to allow civil marriage, a move later attempted by former President Elias Hraoui in 1998. In both cases, the idea was dropped after it sparked an outcry across the country.

While only religious marriage is authorised on Lebanese territory, the authorities will recognise civil matrimonies registered abroad. Hence, Lebanese couples may seek a civil divorce, but not a civil wedding. 

Most people who wish to get married, but not in a religious ceremony, head for the nearby island state of Cyprus, a 30-minute flight from Beirut. Jumping on the opportunity, the Nadia Travel agency has decided to market a full “civil marriage in Cyprus” package. In addition to the standard services, the package covers the costs of the ceremony, the translation and paperwork, the bride’s bouquet and even supplies the best man and bridesmaid. The head of Nadia Travel says the offer is a huge success, with three to five couples tying the knot in Cyprus every week.