How to Plan a Destination Wedding in the Maldives

 The ocean sings with glee, the warm wind wraps two people in a loving embrace and the clear skies seem to magically light up in the most brilliant blue. These are natures' gifts to those who choose to unite their hearts as one in Maldives! Isn't it just so beautiful and romantic? If this is your dream wedding, then here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your ceremony on a unique island in Maldives.

Image Credit: Reethi Faru Resort

Symbolic Weddings And Legalities

The wedding industry in Maldives is thriving, especially when it comes to destination weddings. The beauty of the islands is unmatched and this exclusivity is what most couples seek when it comes to planning out their special day.

However, if you are making arrangements to tie the knot in Maldives, it is important to know that legalities concerning marriage registration aren't handled here. Rather, weddings in Maldives have come to be known as symbolic weddings for this very reason. You can choose to go for your dream ceremony before or after you have been legally married. There is no legal certificate required in order to host your wedding ceremony in Maldives. You can, however, later choose to get it registered in your homeland. The choice is yours, but your symbolic wedding on these paradise islands is more than just a dream come true!

The Location

Sure enough, the beaches of glowing white sand against the backdrop of sky and ocean blue is a magnificent idea for a destination wedding...but only if you want to have a beach wedding. If a beach wedding is not quite what you are looking for, Maldives offers you other options as well.

When it comes to your wedding venue, who said it would only have to be on land? Certainly, not anyone in Maldives! Give your guests the thrill of their lives by hosting your intimate ceremony on a dhoni (Maldivian boat). Sail across the calm waters in the romantic sunset and say, "I do". If you want to take it up a notch and add a bit of luxury, how about a ceremony on a lavish yacht? But the options don't stop there, you can host your wedding at a fancy resort restaurant, underwater, by the pool, in a garden, or even on a rooftop! The best part is that resorts even offer special honeymoon packages with candlelight dinners and much more for after your big day!

The Ceremony

After you've made all the arrangements it's time to focus on your ceremony. The backdrop is perfect, and you've got the ideal venue and resort in Maldives in the bag as well. But what about the ceremony? Is there something you can do in Maldives to make your destination wedding even more memorable? Of course, there definitely is! How about adding a touch of local tradition to your special day?

So, if you are wondering what you are in for if you chose to have a traditional Maldivian symbolic wedding, here's what it's all about. A parade of about 20 drummers dressed in customary attire will play their "Bodu Beru" (Maldivian drums) and escort both of you down the aisle. Waiting at the altar will be a 'Gazi' (a judge) who will carry out the necessary formalities and before you know it you'll be sharing that first kiss as husband and wife! Most couples also like to be dressed in traditional attire, but the choice is up to you.
This being said, there is absolutely no harm in planning out a western-style ceremony as well if that's what both of you really want. After all, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, so whatever you do, make sure that things go just the way you dreamed it would.

Underwater ceremony & Underwater photography

As mentioned before, venue options in Maldives are diverse! Well, would you agree that an underwater wedding is one of the most unique ways to get married in Maldives? One option is to pick an underwater restaurant here. Yes, this way, you can still wear a wedding dress and be completely dry while the marine life in the ocean joins in the celebrations as well.

However, if you are not so particular about the dress, then you can always make preparations to suit up in a wet suit and plunge into your "together forever" at one of the famous diving spots. Underwater wedding photography is possible to record every sweet moment of your aquatic wedding. If you are wondering how to go about things, it's not all that complicated as resorts like Reethi Faru Resort offer such special packages with experts in play to make sure your ceremony takes place without a hitch.

With all these one-of-a-kind options available, it is no surprise that Maldives is one of the most loved wedding destinations in the world!