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Getting married in Seychelles — how to hold a wedding ceremony on the islands

16/03/2026

In this article, we will take a closer look at the question: why is a wedding in the Seychelles an excellent choice for newlyweds?

First of all, you will have stunning wedding photos and videos, as the Seychelles are renowned for their diverse and picturesque locations, perfect for photography and filming.

In addition, there are companies on the islands that can fully prepare the venue: decorate the beach, arrange a light reception, and hold the ceremony right by the ocean.

Beyond the wedding itself, it is easy to organize romantic experiences here — for example, a boat trip or a yacht cruise around the islands. These trips often include an open-air dinner at sunset, in a calm and intimate atmosphere, with full service and a glass of champagne. All of this is complemented by the natural surroundings, which become an integral part of the celebration.

If you are considering an all-inclusive format, such services are also offered by hotels in the Seychelles. However, the cost of these packages is usually quite high. This option is most often chosen by couples who plan to invite guests from different countries.

At the same time, hotels have their own advantages: convenient preparation areas for the ceremony, professional service, and a wide range of photogenic locations. Importantly, you don’t necessarily have to stay at the hotel to organize a wedding or honeymoon — these services can often be booked separately.

For those looking for something more personalized, there are specialized planners who create unique, tailor-made experiences. They select locations in advance, share photos, explain all the details and possible limitations, and can arrange trips to secluded beaches, private dinners, and other non-standard formats. In such cases, every detail is discussed individually based on your preferences.

Official marriage registration in the Seychelles is possible both through government authorities and religious organizations. The procedure and requirements may vary depending on the couple’s country of citizenship, and in some cases, the process may take time (at least 1–2 weeks) and involve additional costs.

Therefore, before planning, it is important to clarify all the conditions in advance and prepare the necessary documents.

Why the Seychelles are chosen for weddings

A marriage certificate issued in the Seychelles is recognized internationally and is legally valid in most countries. However, to use it abroad, an additional procedure is required: before leaving the country, you must obtain an apostille at the Supreme Court and secure certification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What documents are required to register a marriage in the Seychelles

The requirements depend on the citizenship of the future spouses.

If both partners are citizens of the Seychelles

The following documents are required:

Birth certificates of both applicants
Identity documents
Divorce certificates (if previously married)
Passport copy (if available)
Death certificate of a spouse (for widows or widowers)

If both partners are foreign nationals

To register a marriage, the following documents must be prepared:

Completed application form
Birth certificates
Divorce documents (if applicable)
Copies of passports
Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable)

All documents must be apostilled in advance and notarized.

Marriage between a Seychellois citizen and a foreigner

In this case, the list of required documents differs for each party.

For the Seychellois citizen:

Birth certificates of both partners
Identity document
Divorce documents (if previously married)
Passport copy (if available)
Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable)

For the foreign citizen:

Original birth certificate with an apostille. If the country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must also be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country
Certificate confirming no existing marriage (certificate of no impediment)
Divorce documents (if previously married)
Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable)
Police clearance certificate (if residence in the Seychelles has exceeded 6 months)
Valid residence permit
Passport-sized photographs

How much does a wedding in the Seychelles cost?

The cost of marriage registration in the Seychelles depends on the couple’s citizenship and the chosen ceremony location.

Main government fees:

For Seychelles citizens, registration at the Civil Registry Office is free of charge
Holding a ceremony outside the registry office on the islands of Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue — approximately 1500 SCR
If both partners are foreign nationals and the ceremony takes place on these same islands — around 3000 SCR
If other islands are selected, the cost increases to about 4000 SCR

Additional costs in the latter case:

Transportation expenses for the official
Accommodation
Meals

Additional fees:

Issuance of a special marriage certificate — approximately 500 SCR

How marriage registration works in the Seychelles

Official marriage registration in the Seychelles is carried out through the civil status authorities and requires the personal presence of both partners.

Main requirements:

Marriage in the Seychelles, as in most countries, is registered at the local Civil Registry Office and requires both applicants to be present in person
The minimum legal age for marriage is 18 years (regardless of citizenship)
If one of the applicants is underage, parental consent is required. For brides aged 15 to 18, written (notarized) consent is needed if one parent cannot be present
A minimum of 11 days must pass after the official publication of the marriage notice before the ceremony can take place
Foreign nationals are advised to contact the Civil Registry Office in Independence House (an administrative building located in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles on Mahé Island) in advance by phone or via email: [email protected]

All of these formalities can be arranged through a hotel, a wedding planner, or directly on-site. If you do not have enough time to complete all the paperwork, you can apply for a special license. It is typically issued within about two days and costs approximately 500 SCR.

Contacts for those planning a wedding in the Seychelles

For more detailed information, you can contact the Civil Registry Office:

Mahé (main office): + (248) 429 36 14
Praslin: + (248) 423 26 04
La Digue: + (248) 252 07 53
Email: [email protected]
Website: ics.gov.sc

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: closed

Religious wedding in the Seychelles

Holding a religious wedding ceremony in the Seychelles is a fully accessible option for couples who wish to give their special day additional spiritual meaning.

The majority of the population follows Catholicism, but the country is also home to Anglican parishes, as well as Muslim, Hindu, and Baháʼí communities.

To organize such a ceremony, it is necessary to contact representatives of the chosen religious denomination in advance and agree on all the details. Each religious organization may have its own requirements regarding preparation and the conduct of the ceremony.

It is important to note that, under Seychelles law, a religious ceremony alone does not have legal validity. For a marriage to be officially recognized, it must first be registered with the civil authorities. Only after that can a church wedding or other religious rite take place.

In practice, many couples turn to local tour operators and wedding planners who handle the coordination of all stages. They assist in selecting a suitable location, arranging the date with the religious organization, and preparing the necessary documents, which significantly simplifies the planning process.

Contacts of selected religious organizations

You can hold your wedding either at a hotel or in any other location that suits your preferences — the choice ultimately depends on your vision for the ceremony.

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