Wedding in Cyprus: Whether Fairy Tale or Medieval Landscape "Cyprus Wedding Video Photography Venues"
- ibrahiminpostakutusu
- Jan 18, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 19, 2024

First of all, welcome to the first of our series of articles on the theme of Wedding and Shooting Venues in Cyprus - Outdoor Shooting. Although wedding preparations are generally referred to as "sweet rushes" and the wedding day as "your most special/beautiful day", organizing a wedding can often be quite stressful and challenging. Having alternatives that suit both your tastes and your budget and being able to choose among them will reduce the stress that may occur to some extent. For this reason, we aim to save you from at least one of the "hassles" in this process by bringing together concepts suitable for various tastes and budgets.
Wedding and Shooting Venues in Cyprus - In the first of our series of articles on the theme of Outdoor Shooting, we have compiled the places that open the doors of the past and offer us magical atmospheres.

1. BELLAPAIS MONASTERY
Bellapais Monastery, one of the first names that come to mind when Gothic architecture in Cyprus is mentioned, is located in the village of Bellapais (Beylerbeyi) at the foot of the Five Finger Mountains. The Monastery, built in the 13th century, also hosts concerts and festivals today. Bellapais Monastery offers a magical atmosphere for both outdoor shoots and weddings with its historical texture and iconic cypress trees. You can take magnificent wedding clips and photos in the view of this magnificent building.
Note: In order to take exterior shots in historical buildings, permission must be obtained from the Department of Antiquities and Museums in advance.
Note 2: Those who want to reserve a place for the wedding can get information from Kybele Restaurant, located next to Bellapais Monastery, by calling (+90) 392 815 75 31-33 or (+90) 542 877 77 70 between 11:00 and 23:00.

2. ST. HILARION CASTLE
When it comes to Cyprus Wedding Video Photography Venues, St. Petersburg, located between Nicosia and Kyrenia. Hilarion Castle brings together the views of both the island and the Mediterranean. St. Petersburg, which has maintained its strategic importance throughout history. Hilarion Castle was used by the Byzantines and Lusignans, and was evacuated by the Venetians in the 15th century. It is said that the castle is also the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. You can take wonderful drone video shots from above this magnificent hill.
We strongly recommend that those who want to shoot outdoors in the 732-meter-high castle bring comfortable sports shoes with them and not wear formal shoes until the moment of shooting.
In order to avoid problems that may arise from excessive heat or wind in outdoor shooting and to obtain more efficient results, late spring and early summer may be preferred.
Note: You should not forget to get permission from the Department of Antiquities and Museums to take wedding photos/videos in this fairy-tale castle.

3. KYRENIA CASTLE
Kyrenia Castle, built by the Byzantines on Roman ruins and used by various empires from the 7th century until the Ottoman conquest of the island, keeps the spirit of different civilizations alive. Offering a dreamy outdoor shooting opportunity with its yellow stone walls and harbor view, the castle is a wonderful shooting location for those who love Medieval Architecture.
Of course, you should not forget to get permission from the Department of Antiquities and Museums to take wedding photos/videos in this castle.
A different alternative for those who want to take a photo with the view of Kyrenia Castle but say 'I can't be bothered with getting permission' is to sail on the boats in the Historical Kyrenia Port. Of course, you need to make a reservation to be able to shoot on these boats, which offer various activities, diving or sunset tours :)

4. KANTARA CASTLE
Offering a visual feast overlooking the Mesarya Plain, Kantara Castle in the fog is a great outdoor shooting location for history lovers who want to capture a dream-like effect.
Kantara Castle, which was first mentioned with the conquest of Cyprus by Richard the Lionheart in 1191, but is believed to have been built in the 7th century, reveals the entire coastline. We recommend an angora shawl/bolero for the wedding dress because the castle, which is located at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, is cool due to its location. However, for the summer months, lace or thin thread knitted shawl/bolero can be used optionally. Again, depending on preference, long bridal gloves can be used in winter and thin and short bridal gloves can be used in summer. In addition to the cold weather, bolero and glove accessories will also turn into small but magnificent touches for your outdoor shoot, along with the texture of the castle.

5. OTHELLO CASTLE
Othello Castle, built by the Lusignans in the 14th century and said to have inspired William Shakespeare, is located in Famagusta. It has a breathtaking atmosphere in summer and winter, with its Great Hall supported by Gothic beams, its large courtyard, and its view of both the Mediterranean and Famagusta centered on the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque (St. Nicholas Cathedral). There is no doubt that you will provide magnificent backgrounds for shooting Cyprus wedding clips and videos.
St. Our most important advice for those who are planning to shoot outdoors in this castle, as in Hilarion Castle, is to definitely bring sports shoes with them and not to wear formal shoes until the shooting time.
To take wedding photos/videos in the castle, permission is required from the Department of Antiquities and Museums.

6. ANCIENT CITY OF SALAMIS
The Ancient City of Salamis, located between Famagusta and Yeniboğaziçi, allows you to capture both dramatic and romantic effects in outdoor shots.
The Ancient City of Salamis, believed to be the capital of Cyprus until 1100 BC; With its amphitheater, Roman Villa, Byzantine Water Cistern, Agora, Temple of Zeus, Basilicas and baths, it offers a visual and spiritual feast to both its visitors and history lovers who will choose this place for outdoor shooting.
The Ancient City, which hosts various events today, creates a magnificent atmosphere for shooting with the blooming of flowers in the spring months.

7. VENETIAN PALACE
The Venetian Palace, located to the west of Namık Kemal Square in Famagusta, is shown as one of the rare examples of Renaissance architecture of the Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci period in Cyprus. Unfortunately, although it does not have enough space to support an entire exterior shoot on its own, we have no doubt that it will create fascinating visuals when used with Othello Castle or the Ancient City of Salamis, which are very close to it in location.

8. VOUNI PALACE
Vouni Palace, located in Lefke, in the westernmost part of the north of Cyprus, dates back to B.C. It was built by the pro-Persian Phoenician King in 600 B.C. After being used as a military settlement until 449, it became the Vouni Royal Palace. Vouni Palace, located approximately 10 km away from Gemikonağı, can be reached by vehicle from the single-lane, narrow and steep road extending up the hill. Vouni Palace greets visitors with a unique 360-degree view.
For more beautiful results in outdoor shooting, spring months, when orchids and various rare flowers bloom, can be preferred.

9. SOLI ANCIENT CITY AND AMPHITHEATER
The stairs surrounded by the view leading to the amphitheater and theater in Soli, which was under the influence of the Hellenistic, Roman and Early Byzantine periods, are perfect for those looking for a striking effect in their outdoor shots.
The amphitheater in Soli, near Lefke, has been restored to half of its original height and has an auditorium for 4,000 people with seventeen rows carved into the cliffs. The amphitheater, which hosts various events today, bears the traces of the ancient city.

10. GREAT INN
The Great Inn, which is said to be the best preserved and largest example of Ottoman architecture in Cyprus, is located in Nicosia. Resembling a castle from the outside, the inn now hosts art galleries and workshops. The inn, which also hosts various events, is extremely convenient for those who want to capture the spirit of the past.
Let's not forget to add that it is necessary to look for secluded hours in order to shoot outdoors in the inn, which is often crowded with tourists.
We have a few suggestions for those who want to look in line with the spirit of the Great Inn and its architecture: Traditional Cypriot handicrafts are made in the art workshops within the Great Inn. You can contact the workshops here and request the supply of Lefkara, Lapta or Cocoon accessories (gloves, bridal bouquets, etc.) suitable for your wedding dress. Thus, you can achieve both emotional and visual integrity with your space.
Comments