With magnificent islands bordered by pristine white beaches, turquoise waters teeming with exotic marine life and golden sunshine throughout the year, it is no surprise that the Maldives has been awarded the title of ‘World’s leading island destination’ for a third time. An archipelago of almost 1,200 idyllic coral islands, it provides the ideal location for a dream vacation.
Apart from thousands of sun-worshippers, diving and water sports enthusiasts and families who arrive here looking to enjoy that holiday of a lifetime, the Maldives also attracts a special category of visitors – those who fly in for a destination wedding. With secluded islands, glorious sunsets, and warm and friendly locals, the Maldives as a location for a beach wedding is hard to beat. The fact that only Muslim ceremonies are legally recognized in the Maldives is no deterrent, judging by the increasing number of couples opting to seal their love in a romantic beach ceremony here or even go in for a more atypical exchange of nuptials under water.
Some beach weddings are preceded by an official ceremony back home while a renewal of vows is celebrated on a Maldivian beach. From romantic settings overlooking the Indian Ocean with vows exchanged under a flower-adorned tent surrounded by family and friends, fresh seafood barbecues to champagne breakfasts the morning after, every feature will be taken care of.
Beach wedding attire is another important aspect of a beach wedding and couples have the option of sporting local garb – a sarong for the groom and coloured dress for the bride. Others may prefer more traditional Western attire with a white wedding gown for the bride and suit for the groom. However, as the weather will be warm, light weight and comfortable clothes are recommended while high heels are not.
A growing number of Maldives Resorts are gearing up to offer all-inclusive wedding packages to meet the growing demand of this unique category of guests. Various Maldives spa resorts have special spa packages for bridal couples to indulge and relax both body and soul. The Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas is a luxurious resort nestled on a breathtaking coral island. While offering the highest standards of comfort this hotel also adheres to Green Globe policies.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.