Have you been dreaming of a destination wedding in the beautiful Seychelles? I know I may be biased, but in my opinion, there's no better place to say "I do" if you are dreaming of an elopement or intimate wedding with your nearest and dearest. With stunning white-sand beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and a romantic atmosphere, it’s truly magical. Planning a dream wedding in the Seychelles can seem overwhelming for many couples, especially if you are doing it all from afar. Here are some important tips and advice on how to plan your perfect Seychelles destination wedding!

The Legal Bits:

The important bit: paperwork. Of course it’s always an option to have a legal ceremony and sign the papers at your local registry office. However, for those who choose to tie the knot in Mahe/Praslin/La Digue, when it comes to booking your wedding venue, there are several options available. You can either book directly through an agency or through one of the many resorts and hotels in the area.

Choosing an agency (such as Wilfred’s on La Digue/Praslin, or Barefoot Weddings on Mahe) might be the best option if you want someone else to handle all the details while you simply enjoy your big day.

However, if you prefer to take care of everything yourself, booking directly with a resort or hotel might be the way to go. Whichever route you choose, the actual process is very straightforward and information only needs to be emailed to your agent/wedding coordinator two weeks before you arrive. Then all you need to remember on the day is the rings!

Supply the relevant documents:

• Birth certificate or validated copy
• Divorce decree if one or both of the parties is divorced
• Death certificate of spouse in case of widow of one of the parties
• Legal documentation if one of the parties has changed their name
• Copies of the first two pages of the passport of the Contracting Parties marriage
• Documentation showing that there are no impediments or legal obstacles to the proposed marriage (Certificate of no impediment to Marriage)

After the ceremony, your marriage certificate will be delivered to your accommodation usually within two days. Easy!

When To Plan your Seychelles Wedding:

The ‘seasons’ in Seychelles have changed quite a lot over the last few years. I would say that there is no wrong time to visit..however..the months between October-April do tend to see calmer seas which is always ideal especially when travelling by ferry between islands. Christmas and New Year brings in a lot of visitors to the islands, so if a quieter atmosphere is better for you, I would advise going during a different time.

Overall, whichever month you choose to get married in, those who take your wedding on will know which beaches/spots are best at different times and can plan accordingly.

I would of course recommend spending time on each of the three main islands, so account for this when choosing the day to hold your wedding ceremony. Usually when going through an agency you are given the exact day much closer to the time so don’t feel worried about not knowing the date of your wedding!

Each island is easy to reach from Victoria airport, either by small plane (15 mins to Praslin) or ferry (1hr/1.5hrs to Praslin/La Digue. La Digue is my absolute favourite island and I always recommend my couples spend a good few days there soaking in the paradise and visiting the famous beach Anse Source D’Argent.

Transporting Your Dress:

One of the most important aspects of planning a destination wedding is figuring out how to transport your dress from home to the Seychelles without risking any damage or wrinkles! I would recommend packing your dress in a garment bag and carrying it onto the plane with you in order to minimise any potential issues such as lost luggage or delays due to airline regulations. If you are travelling in company, a friend or family member who can help carry it off the plane at arrivals is always helpful! I always fly with Emirates and I have always noticed that they are extra helpful with wedding dress carriers and will help to store it safely in the overhead lockers.

Planning a dream wedding in paradise sounds like an amazing adventure - which it definitely should be! With these tips in mind, I hope that I've given you enough information about how best to plan for such an exciting and special time in your life. From finding suppliers through researching transportation options – don’t forget about picking out those perfect photos spots – no detail should be overlooked! So go forth into planning mode, create unforgettable memories while surrounded by the breathtaking views Seychelles has to offer. I’m always here if any of my couples would like recommendations of the best of the best in the islands. Please reach out. Wishing you all nothing but love and luck on your elopement planning journey!