One of the unexpected highlights of my recent two-week stay at Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa in Mauritius wasn’t just the crystal-clear lagoons, the incredible food or watching the planes gracefully descend over the turquoise waters. It was the weddings.
Over the two weeks, Brian and I were lucky enough to see three very different celebrations. One was an intimate barefoot ceremony with just the couple and the sound of the waves for company. Another brought together around 30 family members and friends, with laughter echoing across the beach long into the evening. Every celebration reflected the personalities of the couple and none felt like a production line. Each one was beautifully personal.
Watching them brought back wonderful memories of our own wedding. Brian and I have just celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary, and we chose to get married on a beach in St Lucia. We’d both been married before, so a simple ceremony with just the two of us felt exactly right. There was no fuss or pressure, just the two of us making our vows in a place we’d never forget. A year later, we celebrated with family and friends back home, and for us it was the perfect combination.
Our wonderful admin whizz, Stephanie, chose something completely different. She married her sweetheart Gareth at the beautiful chapel in Lindos, Rhodes, before celebrating with family and friends at a relaxed beachside barbecue. Everyone stayed in the same nearby hotel, turning the wedding into a holiday that everyone shared together.
What struck me in Mauritius was that many of the couples we met were getting married for the first time, and a destination wedding wasn’t a compromise. It was exactly how they’d always imagined their wedding day. They wanted to celebrate somewhere extraordinary, surrounded by the people they love most, creating memories together rather than simply hosting a reception.
They’re certainly not alone. Around one in five UK couples now choose to get married abroad, and it’s easy to understand why. Couples are moving away from the idea that a wedding has to be one busy day. Instead, they’re choosing a celebration that becomes a holiday, giving everyone time to relax, reconnect and make memories together.
It reminded me that there isn’t a single way to have the perfect wedding. Whether it’s just the two of you on a Caribbean beach, a Greek island celebration with family and friends or a luxury wedding in Mauritius, your day should reflect your story.
More Than Just a Wedding Day
One of the biggest attractions of a destination wedding is that you actually get time to enjoy it.
Instead of everyone arriving for the ceremony and heading home the following morning, you have several days together. There are welcome drinks, lazy lunches, boat trips, spa days and evenings spent catching up over dinner. By the time the wedding day arrives, your guests have already shared some wonderful memories.
When the celebrations are over, you’re already on honeymoon.
Why Mauritius Is Such a Wonderful Choice
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some incredible destinations over the years, and Mauritius remains one of those places that genuinely lives up to the photographs.
The beaches are stunning, the sea is warm and crystal clear, the hotels are exceptional and, perhaps most importantly, the Mauritian people make you feel genuinely welcome. English is widely spoken and everything feels easy from the moment you arrive.
For couples travelling from the UK, Mauritius offers the perfect balance. It feels wonderfully exotic while still being straightforward for family and friends to reach.
Why Beachcomber Stands Out
Having stayed at Shandrani Beachcomber, one thing impressed me above everything else. Beachcomber only hosts one wedding each day. That may sound like a small detail, but it makes an enormous difference.
The whole team is focused on one couple. You’re not sharing your venue with another bridal party or wondering whether your ceremony has to fit around someone else’s. For that day, the attention is entirely yours.
Whether you dream of exchanging vows barefoot on the beach or celebrating with family and friends, Beachcomber’s experienced wedding coordinators take care of every detail. Their wedding collections can be tailored to suit different styles and budgets, with options including flowers, photography, music, private dining and plenty of personal touches.
What I loved most was that no two weddings looked the same. Every couple had created a celebration that reflected them.
Is It Difficult to Get Married in Mauritius?
This is probably one of the questions I’m asked most often.
The good news is that Mauritius makes the legal process surprisingly straightforward. Your wedding coordinator will explain exactly what paperwork you’ll need before you travel, including passports, birth certificates and any documents relating to previous marriages where applicable. They also take care of much of the administration locally, making the whole process far less daunting than many couples expect.
As with any overseas wedding, requirements can change, so it’s always worth checking the latest guidance before you book. That’s where having an experienced travel adviser on your side really helps. We’ll make sure you know exactly what’s needed long before you travel.
However You Imagine Your Wedding…
Watching those three weddings reminded me why I love travel so much. It’s where life’s biggest moments happen.
Looking back, Brian and I wouldn’t change a thing about our wedding in St Lucia. It was perfect for us. Stephanie and Gareth’s wedding in Rhodes was perfect for them.
The couples we met in Mauritius had all created something completely different again. That’s the beauty of getting married abroad. There isn’t a right way to do it. There’s only the way that’s right for you.
If you’ve always imagined saying “I do” on a tropical beach, Mauritius deserves a place on your shortlist. If another destination has captured your heart, I’d love to help you explore the possibilities.
Click the link to browse the latest Beachcomber Weddings Brochure, packed with inspiration, venues and wedding packages across their beautiful Mauritius resorts.
And if you’re still deciding where in the world you’d like to get married, let’s have a chat. Whether it’s Mauritius, St Lucia, Rhodes, the Maldives or somewhere you’ve been dreaming about for years, I’d love to help you create a wedding that’s every bit as unique as your love story.