For many couples, a destination wedding is the ultimate dream—a perfect blend of romance,
adventure, and the magic of starting a life together in an unforgettable place. But planning a wedding abroad comes with its own challenges, from legal requirements to logistics and everything in between.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to planning a destination wedding and explore why Mauritius could be the perfect location for your celebration.
Key Takeaways
Mauritius is an ideal destination wedding location, offering beautiful beaches, warm weather year-round, rich culture, and plenty of activities for couples and guests.
Legal requirements are straightforward, especially with the support of an experienced wedding planner who guides you through every document and deadline.
Start planning early — 3–4 months for couples-only weddings and at least 9 months for weddings with larger groups.
A wedding planner is highly recommended, as they manage logistics, coordinate vendors, handle legalities, and ensure your day is stress-free.
Mauritius offers affordable luxury, with wedding options that can cost less than hosting a small wedding at home.
Pack smart — bring all legal documents, wedding attire, light layers, comfortable shoes, and sun protection to stay prepared and relaxed.
Guests have plenty to enjoy, from beaches to cultural sites, scenic drives, and day trips such as catamaran cruises.
Your marriage remains legally valid back home, as long as you follow the simple post-wedding steps like obtaining the apostille and registering your certificate.
Mauritius accommodates all types of celebrations — civil weddings, symbolic ceremonies, church weddings, vow renewals, and proposals.
You’re never alone in the process — with multilingual support and trusted local vendors, planning your dream wedding becomes smooth, enjoyable, and tailored to your vision.
Who Should Consider a Destination Wedding?
If you’re looking for a unique, intimate experience instead of a large, traditional celebration, a
destination wedding might be ideal for you. Whether you’re eloping or inviting close friends and family, getting married abroad lets you combine a wedding and honeymoon into one magical experience. Mauritius, with its idyllic beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, is perfect for couples seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in a truly stunning setting.
Why Choose Mauritius for Your Wedding?
Mauritius offers a rare combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and convenience.
Here’s why it stands out:
• Year-Round Warmth: Even during the cooler months of July and August, daytime
temperatures remain pleasant at 23–25°C—perfect for outdoor activities.
• More Than Just Beaches: While Mauritius is famous for its beaches, it also offers a
lively capital city, Port Louis, historic sites, scenic hiking trails, and charming villages.
• A Food Lover’s Paradise: The island’s multicultural roots mean a rich blend of flavors—
Chinese, Arabic, Indian, and French cuisines are all celebrated here.
Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot beach ceremony or a cultural fusion experience,
Mauritius has it all.
We have dedicated an entire blog post on Why Mauritius is your dream wedding destination.
Understanding the Legal Requirements
One of the biggest hurdles couples face when planning a wedding abroad is navigating the legal requirements. Mauritius makes the process straightforward, but it’s essential to know the steps:
• Documents: You’ll need to prepare specific documents (e.g., birth certificates,
passports) and submit them six weeks before your wedding date.
• Clear Steps: A good wedding planner will provide a clear, step-by-step guide to ensure
everything is handled correctly.
A trusted planner can help you navigate legalities seamlessly, leaving you free to enjoy your special day without stress.
Tip: Some websites incorrectly claim that a “certificate of no impediment to marriage” is required for a civil wedding in Mauritius. This is not the case. Ensure you work with someone
knowledgeable to avoid unnecessary confusion.
Overcoming Common Concerns
Planning a wedding far from home can feel daunting. Here’s how to handle some common
worries:
• Weather: The weather in Mauritius is generally favorable all year round, but it’s always
wise to schedule your ceremony early during your stay, giving you flexibility to
adjust/postpone if needed. If you can, avoid August.
• Language Barriers: Most wedding planners in Mauritius are multilingual and can assist
in English, French, and other languages, ensuring smooth communication throughout.
• Logistics: A local expert can coordinate everything from vendors to timing, ensuring a
seamless experience.
Planning Timeline: When to Start
Your planning timeline will depend on the size of your wedding:
• For Couples Only: Start preparing three to four months before your desired date.
• For Larger Groups (15+ Guests): Begin at least nine months in advance to give guests
time to arrange travel and accommodations.
A professional planner can guide you through the process, ensuring all details are sorted well in advance.
Making the Experience Stress-Free
A destination wedding should be a joyful, stress-free experience. This is where hiring an
experienced wedding planner becomes invaluable.
They can:
• Select the perfect venue to match your vision.
• Handle vendor coordination, from photographers to musicians.
• Ensure every detail—from the ceremony setup to the reception—is executed flawlessly.
By entrusting your wedding to someone with local expertise, you’ll save yourself hours of
research and avoid potential mishaps.
Budget Considerations and Affordable Luxury
A destination wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. Mauritius offers options for every budget, from intimate beach ceremonies to extravagant private island celebrations.
For example, renting a private island for an afternoon + evening, complete with a dinner on the beach, can cost as little as €3,320 for the bridal couple (without guests) —often less
expensive than a small wedding at home with your closest family.
Tips for Guests and Making It Memorable
If you’re bringing guests, consider their comfort and experience:
• Accommodations: Mauritius offers a range of options, from luxurious villas to budget-friendly apartments.
• Activities: With free parking everywhere and affordable car rentals, your guests can explore the island’s beaches, markets, and scenic viewpoints at their leisure. You could also hire a catamaran for you and your guests and sail to a beautiful nearby island to enjoy the day after your wedding.
We have dedicated an entire blog post about the best places to explore in Mauritius on your honeymoon.
Why Consider a Wedding Planner?
While it’s possible to plan your wedding independently, hiring a local wedding planner can make all the difference.
A wedding planner ensures your wedding is:
• Legally Valid: From document preparation to registration, everything is handled
professionally.
• Tailored to You: A good planner will take the time to understand your vision and bring it to life.
• Stress-Free: With logistics and unforeseen issues handled by a pro, you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Secure your legal peace of mind
You’ll get clear step-by-step instructions, ensuring all legal requirements are met. This results in your wedding being fully recognized back home.
What to Pack when traveling to Mauritius to get married
When planning a destination wedding, knowing what to pack can make all the difference.
Here’s a checklist to help you stay stress-free:
• Your legal documents: Don’t forget essential paperwork like your passports, birth
certificates, and—if applicable—divorce decrees. These are required in originals for your
civil wedding.
• Wedding attire: Pack your dress or suit in a protective garment bag to keep it wrinkle-
free. Most hotels (and your wedding planner) have steam irons for your big day. Don’t forget your rings and any accessories or jewelry for your special day.
• Light layers: Evenings can be breezy between June and September. A light jacket will
come in handy.
• Comfortable shoes: You may be walking on sand, grass, or uneven ground. You might
also want to go hiking, visiting waterfalls in the forest or go horse riding at the beach.
Consider footwear that works well outdoors.
• Sun protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to enjoy the tropical weather.
After the Wedding: What Happens Next?
Once your beautiful ceremony is over and the champagne has been toasted, what happens
next?
If you’ve had a civil wedding, your marriage is legally recognized in Mauritius— make sure everything is processed properly (or hire a wedding planner that does that for you). Here’s a brief overview of the post-wedding steps:
• Marriage Certificate Delivery: After the ceremony, your official wedding certificate must
be collected from the civil office.
• Apostille Authentication: The document is then stamped with an Apostille, making it
legally valid in many countries abroad.
• Certificate Handover: the certificate must be delivered to your accommodation. If you’ve
already left, it shall be sent to your home address via post.
• Make your wedding legal in your home country: Once you have the certificate with
Apostille stamp, you can register your marriage with the authorities in your home country.
This step varies by country, so be sure to check local requirements before you travel to Mauritius. In most countries you simply bring them the wedding certificate with Apostille and they register it right away.
• Usually, 1 to 4 weeks after your wedding, you’ll receive your wedding photos via a
download link from your photographer. We recommend downloading them promptly, as
most photographers only keep the gallery live for around two weeks. If you’ve booked a
videographer, the video tends to take a bit longer—typically between 2 and 10 weeks—
depending on who was hired and the editing process involved.
Do we need to be in Mauritius for a certain number of days before the wedding?
Yes. For a legal wedding, you’ll need to be on the island at least 3 working days before your
wedding day to complete the necessary formalities. Examples: If your civil weddings falls on a Wednesday, you should do the formal part on Monday morning. Therefore you should arrive on Sunday at the latest. Should your civil wedding fall on a Monday, you should do the formal part on Thursday and should therefore arrive by Wednesday latest.
Can we bring our own photographer?
Of course! You’re welcome to bring your own photographer or videographer. Just check with
your hotel or venue in case there are any restrictions (some hotels may charge a external
vendor fee).
What happens if it rains on the wedding day?
Your ceremony can be moved to a sheltered or indoor spot if needed, and try to schedule
weddings early during your stay to allow room for flexibility or rescheduling to the day after.
Can we get married on a private island?
Yes! Mauritius offers beautiful private island venues — ideal for a romantic, intimate celebration.
Here you can see a full package that includes the ceremony, wedding planner, (boat) transfers, photographer, 2 witnesses, sparkling wine and the dinner.
Can we do a vows renewal in Mauritius?
Absolutely. Whether you’ve been together 5 or 30 years, a vow renewal in Mauritius is a
beautiful way to celebrate your love story — just the two of you or with your loved ones. The
information above regarding the civil wedding do not apply but consider hiring a wedding
officiant (who writes the speech and conducts it at your ceremony).
How We Can Help You
Planning a wedding abroad can feel quite complicated — that’s why we’re here to simplify the process for you.
Here’s what we offer:
• We organise civil weddings, symbolic ceremonies, church weddings, and even
marriage proposals.
• Unique venues: Choose from stunning beaches, private islands, boats, churches, villas,
or gardens — we know the best spots in Mauritius.
• Legal guidance: We help with all required documents and guide you step by step so
your wedding is legally recognised.
• Trusted local partners: We only work with vendors we know and trust to make sure
everything runs smoothly.
• Multilingual support: We speak English, French, and German and are easily reachable
for your questions or concerns.
With us, you won’t have to stress about timelines, paperwork, or logistics — we’re here to
support you from the first email to the big day.
Beratung in mehreren Sprachen, freundlich, kompetent und zuverlässig.
Jürgen L.
March 5, 2025Wir haben, dank der hervorragenden Planung und Umsetzung durch Rebecca, am 22.07.2025 eine rundum perfekte Hochzeit feiern dürfen.Rebecca war vom ersten Kontakt an jederzeit für uns erreichbar und hat alle... read more
Manuel K.
August 4, 2025From the moment we began planning our beach wedding, Rebecca’s incredible attention to detail and calm, professional presence made all the difference. I never had to worry about a thing... read more
Tarika R.
October 17, 2025Miesiąc temu wzięliśmy ślub dzięki Happily Forever. Organizacja na super poziomie, pomoc w składaniu wniosków w urzędzie oraz całej przecudownej ceremonii. Rebeca Nasza opiekunka włożyła całe swoje serce w organizację... read more
Alicja Z.
May 18, 2025Could not possibly speak more highly of the HF team if I tried! I engaged with Julia as a wedding co-ordinator for our day 6 months prior to the wedding... read more
Lauren O.
October 15, 2025🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Ein Traum wurde wahr – dank Rebecca!Unsere Hochzeit auf Mauritius war einfach magisch – und das verdanken wir vor allem Rebecca, unserer großartigen Hochzeitsplanerin. Von Anfang an hat sie uns... read more
Steffen L.
May 22, 2025Un immense merci à l'équipe d'Happily Forever pour l’organisation parfaite de notre mariage à l’île Maurice. Ce qui nous a particulièrement touchés, c’est qu’une demande très spécifique que nous tenions... read more
Stephanie B.
November 10, 2025Merci à Julia et à son équipe d'avoir organisé notre mariage de rêve. Même à des milliers de km , les échanges sont clairs et précis. Elle nous a mis en confiance... read more
Nolwenn L.
June 4, 2025Notre mariage de rêve a enfin pu avoir lieu grâce à l'équipe incroyable de Happily Forever. Milles merci à vous pour votre professionnalisme, écoute et dévouement pour l'organisation de cette... read more
Ludivine A.
May 13, 2025
Dreaming of a wedding in Mauritius?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions or already know what you want — we’re here to help. Contact us here to start planning your unforgettable celebration.
