Maldives
Destination Wedding in the Maldives
Say 'I do' in paradise perfected—overwater villas, private sandbanks, and turquoise lagoons in the world's most exclusive island nation.
Start PlanningHighlights
- Ultimate tropical exclusivity
- Overwater villa luxury
- Private sandbank ceremonies
- World's best marine life
- One-island-one-resort privacy
- Underwater venue option
Overview
Why Choose Maldives?
The Maldives represents the ultimate expression of tropical romance—a nation of 1,200 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean like pearls on blue silk. Here, luxury resorts occupy private islands where the only footprints on the beach are your own, where overwater villas float above impossibly clear lagoons, and where the concept of seclusion reaches its most perfect form. Wedding celebrations in the Maldives offer settings found nowhere else on earth: ceremonies on private sandbanks accessible only by boat, vows exchanged in underwater restaurants surrounded by marine life, receptions on overwater platforms as the sun sets into the Indian Ocean. The one-island-one-resort concept means complete privacy—your wedding guests may be the only people on the entire island. While the Maldives cannot offer legal marriages for international couples (ceremonies are symbolic), this actually simplifies planning. Without paperwork concerns, couples focus entirely on the celebration itself—and what celebrations these are. World-class resorts compete to create ever-more-extraordinary experiences, with dedicated wedding teams, exceptional cuisine, and service that anticipates every desire.
Timing
Best Time to Get Married
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season (northeast monsoon) from December through April offers ideal conditions, while the wet season brings more rain but also dramatic skies and lower prices.
Dry Season
December - April
Ideal conditions with minimal rainfall (50mm in February), calm seas, and temperatures of 28-31°C. Peak season—book premium resorts 12-18 months ahead.
Shoulder Season
May, November
Transitional months with increasing/decreasing rain. Can offer excellent value with good weather windows. More dramatic skies for photography.
Wet Season
June - October
More frequent rain and rougher seas, though rain rarely lasts all day. Significant savings and fewer crowds. September wettest (243mm).
Peak Dry
January - March
The very best conditions—February is driest month, 10-11 hours daily sunshine, perfectly calm seas for water activities.
Planning Ahead
Legal Requirements
The Maldives does not permit legal marriages for non-residents. Marriage laws are governed by Islamic Sharia, and legal ceremonies are reserved for Maldivian citizens only. All international weddings are symbolic ceremonies.
Pro Tip
The symbolic-only nature of Maldives weddings is actually an advantage—no paperwork stress means complete focus on celebration. Complete legal formalities at home and let the Maldives be purely about romance and joy.
What You'll Need
- No legal requirements—ceremonies are symbolic only
- Couples should complete legal marriage in home country before or after
- Resort provides symbolic ceremony certificate
- No documents or paperwork required for symbolic ceremonies
- Some couples marry legally in Sri Lanka, then travel to Maldives for celebration
- Vow renewals are popular for already-married couples
Venues
Popular Venue Types
Overwater Pavilions
Glass-floored pavilions suspended over turquoise lagoons. Properties like Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, Baros, and COMO Cocoa Island offer ceremonies above the water with marine life swimming below.
Private Sandbanks
Secluded sandbars accessible only by boat—surrounded by nothing but sea and sky. The ultimate in privacy and exclusivity for intimate ceremonies.
Beach Ceremonies
Pristine white sand, palm trees, and sunset backdrops at private resort beaches. Every major resort offers dedicated beachfront ceremony locations.
Private Island Buyouts
Entire resorts exclusively for your wedding party. Velaa Private Island and COMO Cocoa Island (up to 72 guests) offer complete privacy.
Underwater Venues
Conrad Maldives' Ithaa—a glass-domed restaurant beneath the sea—offers the world's most unique ceremony setting, surrounded by marine life.
Floating Platforms
Custom-decorated platforms on the lagoon, accessible by boat, offering 360° ocean views for ceremonies and intimate receptions.
At a Glance
What Makes It Special
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