White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue sea, beautiful reefs, and phenomenal weather; it’s no wonder why so many people consider having a residential island wedding. It truly is a barefoot paradise that offers plenty of options for the perfect wedding.

 

From weddings to exchanging vows right on the beach, there is no doubt, a wedding on a residential island will be unforgettable. Here are a few things you should know before you book the big day. 

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The Legalities

A wedding on a residential island between two foreign nationals is not legally binding. Even though the day is very much real, complete with a ceremony and the perfect beach wedding dress. You will need to have a legal wedding at home either before or after the beautiful ceremony on the island. This is the only way to have a Maldives wedding unless you are marrying a Maldives Legal Resident or Citizen.

 

The Ceremony

Exchanging vows, rings, and loving glances will all happen during a residential island wedding, but there are also other things to consider when thinking about your wedding ceremony. Like whether or not you want to add any Maldivian culture.

 

A traditional wedding ceremony includes a Bodu Beru (drums) procession. This is a procession of around 20 drummers that play Bodu Beru dressed in traditional clothing, leading the happy couple down the aisle. It is topped off by having a local Gazi (judge) preside over the ceremony, all of which is done in the local the local Divehi dialect. Some couples that go the traditional route also choose to wear traditional Maldivian clothing.

 

Couples can also, of course, have a western wedding and skip all of the Maldives cultural aspects.

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The Location

The beach is the most popular place for a wedding and why wouldn’t it be. The Maldives is home to some of the best beaches in the world, making it a dream spot for a destination wedding. Especially considering its exceptional backdrop of glistening waters and swaying palm trees. Most beach weddings will not only have the ceremony on the beach, but also the reception, complete with flowers, music, and excellent food. It's also possible to have a Maldives wedding in a location other than on the beach. You can have it on a traditional Dhoni or luxurious yacht in the sea, on an isolated sandbar far from everything else in the world, on a rooftop or terrace at sunset.

 

The Cost

Having a wedding on a residential island is substantially cheaper and will save couples a lot of money. A wedding package is anywhere from $550 to $4,000. The best part is that you don’t have to fork out even more for the honeymoon, as the wedding and honeymoon are all rolled up into one package deal. The entire wedding and honeymoon could end up being no more than $3,500 or less, making a Maldives wedding an affordable dream. Contact the various properties to request a quote for their unique wedding packages.