We loved the idea of having a more intimate wedding, and although this is an option in the UK, the cost involved started to look overwhelming. Getting married abroad meant getting the stunning ceremony location we wanted but without the hassle or high cost, and with the bonus of getting to spend longer with the family members that joined us, rather than just one day. 

There’s also lots to do in Mauritius! We did the Private Wild South tour whilst there which was a lovely way of seeing the island, visiting national parks, waterfalls, and a rum distillery. There are also great boat trips on offer, including dolphin watching, and helicopter tours which is the only way to see the underwater waterfall. 

Mauritius has something for someone of every age, meaning we all got a memorable holiday out of it too!

We chose Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort for our wedding, a lovely resort on the southwest coast of the island. This was a great fit for us as we had children in our group and this is a family orientated resort, although suitable for all. There is a great toddler/kids club for the younger ones, plus the family pool is heated and around a third of it is shallow. The teenagers will also be kept busy as the hotel offer archery, golf lessons, tennis, basketball, snorkelling trips, watersports and more.

Green fees are included as part of the all inclusive package, meaning our Dads could have a round of golf together! There’s also a very good choice of restaurants included, and access to the restaurants at the sister hotel, Heritage Le Telfair. Every meal we had during our stay was amazing!

As soon as we had booked (through TF of course!), I was able to contact the wedding coordinators at Heritage Awali directly who were on hand to answer every question we had. Most things were included in the package we’d chosen, but we were given a list of optional extras to consider as well.

Once we arrived in Mauritius, the legal formalities were easy as they had all been prearranged for us, including a car to take us to Port Louis. We also had a face to face meeting with our wonderful wedding coordinator; she arranged any extras we wanted and clarified all the timings. There was a lot of choice for these extras, such as flower displays, bouquets and buttonholes, bridal hair and makeup, and DJs and musicians.

The legal formalities took place the day before at the Civil Status Office in Port Louis; it all went smoothly and was so easy. This was when the ceremony time was confirmed, and we were offered the choice to read our own vows, or the celebrant could provide them.

On the day itself, we had breakfast together and then went our separate ways to get ready as the resort provided a different room for me to use. The ceremony time is usually at 4:30pm and lasts about 30 minutes. It was winter when we were there and the sun sets at 6pm, which meant our photos afterwards were taken on the beach as the sun was going down and looked amazing! Whilst this was happening, the resort arranged for a saxophonist to play, and cocktails and canapes to be served.

A private dinner was set up on the beach after this, with beautiful floral arrangements and lights, again all arranged by the resort.

After spending a week with our family for the wedding, just the two of us headed off to explore another part of the island and stay at The Oberoi Mauritius. This resort is luxurious and intimate, the perfect honeymoon stay.

We’re also heading to South Africa later in the year. With beautiful wineries and amazing wildlife it’s a great option for honeymooners. It also pairs well with Mauritius, so we had also considered doing it in the same trip.

Consider what time of year is right for you, the dry season in Mauritius is April to October but this is also their winter, so the sun sets early (around 6pm). From November to March, although there is higher risk of rain, the temperature is higher, and you will get about an hour more daylight after the ceremony.

Most hotels will offer other ceremony locations as well as the beach; ask your wedding coordinator for options and they can also show you around when you arrive. You could also use these other locations just to get photographs taken.

Take your wedding clothes as your hand luggage, most bridal shops will sell travel cases for wedding dresses which are standard hand luggage size.