Getting married in the Seychelles

One of the world’s most luxurious island paradises, perfect for a secluded beach wedding.

Why get married in the Seychelles?

This string of islands offers nature at its very best, with a pace of life that’s ideally suited to those who simply wish to relax and unwind in stunning tropical surroundings. It must surely be one of the most beautiful island archipelagos on Earth ‐‐ rich, lush, tropical vegetation, glorious beaches and the sparkling blue water of the Indian Ocean.

The Republic of Seychelles consists of a series of about 110 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1000 miles west of Mombassa, Kenya.

What kind of wedding ceremony can I have in the Seychelles?

Most couples are usually married at their hotel, in the gardens or on the beach. It is also possible to arrange a wedding on a yacht.

Religious ceremonies can be arranged, but not through the Civil Status Office. The law does not recognise religious ceremonies so you will be required to have a civil ceremony followed by a religious ceremony. You should ask your parish priest to contact a priest in the Seychelles direct and all other formalities detailed must be complied with.

Is it wedding weather?

What’s the flight time?

10 hours

What’s the time difference?

GMT +4

Do I need a visa to enter the country?

Not required.

What’s the wedding paperwork?

• Residency You must normally be in the Seychelles for 11 days before your wedding. However this can be exempted by applying for a Special Licence costing SR100, which is normally issued two days after application.
• Proof of ID You’ll need to show your original birth certificate and a valid 10‐year passport, with at least two free pages.
• Proof of status You are required to obtain a certified affidavit declaring that there is no lawful impediment or lawful hindrance to your marrying.
• Divorced If either of you are divorced you will need to produce your Decree Absolute with court stamp.
• Widowed If you are widowed the death certificate of your deceased spouse and previous marriage certificate are required.
• Age restrictions You need to be at least 18 to marry in the Seychelles. Brides under 18 require their father’s written consent. If your parents are not married then the consent of your mother will be accepted.
• Name change If your name has been changed by Deed Poll you will be required to provide legal proof stamped and signed by a solicitor. This also applies if a married woman has reverted back to her maiden name.

How do I obtain a marriage licence?

You can make arrangements for obtaining a marriage licence with the Senior Officer of the Civil Status Office (for address, see Where can I find further information?) but allow at least two months to process the documentation and to make the necessary arrangements. Send certified photocopies of the relevant documentation (see What’s the wedding paperwork?), taking the originals with you when you travel.

Where can I find further information?

Seychelles Tourist Office
c/o First Link Tourism
Aviareps House
Gatwick Road
Crawley RH10 9RB
Tel: 01293 596649
www.aspureasitgets.com

Civil Status Office
PO Box 430
Victoria
Mahe
Seychelles
Tel: 00 248 293636
www.egov.sc/MyCitizen/MarriageCertificate.aspx

Disclaimer

confetti makes reasonable efforts to obtain data from reliable sources and to keep the contents reasonably accurate. However, specifications and requirements may change and confetti cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the content or information. We strongly advise you to consult other sources of information including the embassies or consulates of the countries in question or local lawyers.