Here are some ideas for an ultra romantic honeymoon:

• Wake up early, prepare a picnic basket with coffee, or champagne and orange juice, and choose a gorgeous secluded spot in which to watch the sun rise together. Keep the tone of the rest of the day relaxed and brimming with love and affection.
• Give your love a gift for every day of the honeymoon. This can be something as simple as a personal love letter, a favourite chocolate or an item of clothing. It does not need to be costly or over-the-top. The important thing is that these gifts are heartfelt and meaningful to the recipient. Something sexy is always a popular option to spice up your honeymoon.
• Compile a box containing pieces of paper on which are written the reasons that you love your partner. Every time they open the box, they can read a new reason for your love. This will melt the heart of any new bride, in particular.
• Organise a private Jacuzzi session (if the hotel has one available to their guests, you will need to make plans well in advance so that you are not interrupted). Include the added extras – cocktails, candles and plenty of bubbles.
• Arrange for a sensual couples massage and enjoy being completely relaxed and spoiled together. While you do not need to chat through the massage, you are still spending time together, enjoying one another’s company in luxurious peace. Of course, administering the massage yourself is also a fabulous option that is sure to relax both of you and be the precursor to some honeymoon hanky-panky.
• Dancing is intimate. Have a private evening dance outside (such as on the beach or in a safe park) accompanied by both of your favourite music. Include lanterns perched in the sand or strung from the trees and a blanket on the ground.
• Stage a romantic treasure hunt, complete with clues and prizes along the way. This is adventurous and gives you the opportunity to spoil him or her with fabulous little gifts (in the form of prizes) and a chance to show them how very special spending time with them is to you.
• On at least one morning of your honeymoon, arrange a special breakfast in bed. Cook your spouse’s favourite food (even if that means star-shaped waffles) and accompany this yummy treat with a newspaper, their favourite magazine, or a discussion of the day’s itinerary.
• Write the fairytale version of your dating story and offer this as a gift on your honeymoon, preferably on a romantic date. This will be a really special keepsake for your new husband or wife.

Newlyweds choosing their honeymoon destination are faced with a plethora of options in South Africa. This truly is a land of abundance and diversity. However, couples that are looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of this land and its profusion of fauna and flora will be well rewarded on the Garden Route. These are just some of the attractions that boast the natural wealth of the country:

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary
Guided tours through this fascinating park will expose some of the most beautiful, fearsome and intriguing snakes to be found in South Africa. Special features include the Python Room and the Monitor Lizard Enclosure.
Contact:
lawnwood@polka.co.za
+27 (0)44 534 8056

The Crags Elephant Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park
Herds of elephants have found solace and protection within these gorgeous surrounds. They conduct daily shows and allow guests to walk with them, feed them and even ride on them.
Contact:
The Crags Elephant Sanctuary
www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
crags@elephantsanctuary.co.za
+27 (0)44 534 8145
Knysna Elephant Park
www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za
info@knysnaelephantpark.co.za
+27 (0)44 532 7732

Birds of Eden
A free-flight bird sanctuary contained within the world’s largest dome of its kind. Witness and be a part of the lives and characteristics of a spectacular array of avian species.
Contact:
www.birdsofeden.co.za
info@birdsofeden.co.za
+27 (0)82 979 5683

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
See monkeys, lemurs and apes within their forested habitat on tours conducted by professionals. These primates will charm and amuse you for hours.
Contact:
www.monkeyland.co.za
info@monkeyland.co.za
+27 (0)44 534 8906

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
This centre encourages visitors to get to know their wilder counterparts a little more intimately. Guided tours are conducted and you can look forward to seeing Meerkat, Blackfooted Cats, Caracal, Cheetah and African Wildcats, amongst others.
Contact:
www.tenikwa.co.za
info@tenikwa.co.za
+27 (0)44 534 8170

Hippo Dive Campus
Embark on a SCUBA diving course, and witness the underwater delights off the coast of the Garden Route.
Contact:
www.hippodivecampus.co.za
hippodivecampus@gmail.com
+27 (0)82 923 0267

Featherbed Nature Reserve
Discover the intricacies of the Knysna Lagoon and its estuaries on guided tours of the reserve around it.
Contact:
www.featherbed.co.za
+27 (0)44 382 1693

Buffalo Hills Game Reserve
Situated in Wittedrift, near Plettenberg Bay, Buffalo Hills is home to many species of wildlife. It also offers gorgeous accommodation (perfectly romantic for honeymooners), game drives, bird trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails and the Nyati Mampoer Distillery.
Contact:
www.buffalohills.co.za
buffalohills@mweb.co.za
+27 (0)44 535 9739

Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
For day safaris and prime wildlife viewing opportunities, stop at Botlierskop, nestled in the mountains between Mossel Bay and George. Game drives, elephant back rides, bush walks, helicopter flips and horseback safaris are all available. In addition, Botlierskop has luxury accommodation for longer stays and a gorgeous restaurant in which to unwind and enjoy the sights and sounds of the African bushveld.
Contact:
www.botlierskop.co.za
info@botlierskop.co.za

Garden Route Game Lodge
Just in front of the Langeberg Mountain Range, this exquisite private game reserve promises opulent accommodation, fine dining and plenty of wildlife, including the Big 5 (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion).
Contact:
www.grgamelodge.co.za
reservations@grgamelodge.co.za
+27 (0)28 735 1200

As social norms, life pressures and relationship structures evolve, more and more couples find it desirable and necessary to take children with them on honeymoon. Intrinsically, this means finding the balance between a romantic celebration of your new union and an all-round family holiday.

When considering your honeymoon destination, try to opt for something that offers the best of both worlds. Speak to your children and get their feedback regarding what they would like to do over this special period. This will make them feel involved and important enough to have a say about family activities, so they will be more likely to enjoy the trip. Try to choose a destination that is designed for family visitors, and preferably a place with a Kids Club. Waterslides, parks, games centres and group activities are sure to keep your children entertained for hours, while you and your new spouse are able to enjoy some valuable time together. If you are able to travel abroad for your honeymoon, Disneyworld is the ideal honeymoon choice.  Mauritius also offers plenty in the way of watersports and beachfront activities. A skiing holiday is another fun option. If you prefer to stay locally, holidays on the coast, along a river, or out camping in the bush are sure to be firm favourites amongst young and old alike, as are game parks and lodges. While children splash about or explore the surrounds, the newlyweds are able to enjoy the company of one another.

You will need to be realistic about your expectations regarding taking children on honeymoon with you. It may require significant sacrifice, as it does not allow for excessively late nights, or hours spent drowning in one another’s company. Rather, your days spent under the covers are more likely to be replaced by lugging sandcastle building equipment and wet-wipes to the beach. However, it also presents many advantages, such as sharing such an important time with the entire family.

If your budget allows for it, you could consider bringing a childminder or a relative to occupy the kids during the day. This person will need their own accommodation and consideration needs to be taken into their personal needs and desires as they care for your children (i.e. are there any particular attractions they would like to see during the trip?)  If you or your future spouse has family overseas, it may be worth combining your honeymoon with a visit to these relatives. Not only does this allow them to meet any new members of the family, but also to care for the children on days when you would like to have a few hours to yourselves.

Remember that your honeymoon is a time to celebrate your marriage. It is not wrong to take some time out from the children to share and enjoy one another as husband and wife. However, deciding to include your kids in this affair does mean that they have to be considered in all of your arrangements and plans. This will leave them with a positive experience and impression of the new parent in their family.

Choosing your honeymoon destination is a very exciting prospect. It depends on several factors:

• Your budget
• What you would like to do there
• How long you want to spend there
• What kind of accommodation you are looking for (accommodation is one of the primary attractions to a destination, as well as activities and local attractions)

Here are some suggestions for couples wanting different things out of their honeymoon destination:

Adventure Destinations
If you are looking to explore the countryside, get active and, perhaps, indulge in some adrenalin-pumping fun, consider one of the following destinations:

• The Drakensberg Mountain Range (South Africa) – where rock climbing, abseiling and hiking are the orders of the day.
• The Great Barrier Reef (Australia) – for SCUBA diving, snorkelling, swimming and sightseeing.
• Mt Fuji (Japan) – test your hiking skills on this mammoth wonder.
• Antarctica – the journey here is an adventure in itself.
• Peru – famous for its fabulous kayaking, canoeing and surfing opportunities.

Environmentally-Friendly Honeymoons
To enjoy the world without leaving a negative impact on its valuable resources, consider the following:

• Turtle Island (Fiji) – experience the sheer isolation and tranquillity of this exquisite retreat.
• Amsterdam – despite its big city status, Amsterdam is making increased efforts to go green. Tour it on bicycle and take advantage of solar-powered appliances.
• Maho Bay Camp (Virgin Islands) – the tent cottages are hand-made and have no impact on the surroundings. Swim, cycle, walk and hike these exquisite surrounds.

Big Time Honeymoons
If you want to celebrate your union by visiting some of the biggest and most vibrant cities of the world, consider these:

• New York City (USA) – filled with Hollywood romance and an endless number of things to do and see, The Big Apple is sure to keep you very busy.
• Las Vegas (USA) – as far as cities go, no one takes the cake like Las Vegas. Lights, noise, and a constant hum-drum of excitement promises couples an unforgettable experience.
• Johannesburg (South Africa) – the City of Gold. Johannesburg offers a unique combination of first-world glitz and true African excitement. It is within close proximity to a number of game reserves, including the world-renowned Kruger National Park.

Wildlife Getaways
If you and your new spouse both love the wonders of nature, consider these breath-taking destinations:

• Kruger National Park (South Africa) – recognised as one of the world’s finest reserves, Kruger boasts extensive variety in its fauna, flora, accommodations and attractions.
• Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, USA) – grizzly bears, wolves, elk and a host of other exciting animal- and plant species are found within the enormous confines of Yellowstone.
• Etosha National Park (Namibia) – one of the most significant sanctuaries for wildlife in the entire continent of Africa, Etosha offers haunting beauty.
• The Outback (Australia) – this offers a completely different kind of beauty. The red sands and stark vegetation are juxtaposed by clear sapphire skies. Hike, canoe and abseil this glorious terrain for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo Credit: Daniela Zondagh

Alternatively, perhaps you want to rid yourself of the wedding-planning stress by embarking on once-in-a-lifetime adventures. Whatever your desires, make sure that you settle upon an option that you will both enjoy. Alternatively, see if it is possible to split your honeymoon so that you can spend half of it doing what is important to you, and the other half indulging in your partner’s preference.

If you cannot decide on one or two things to do, consider looking on the Internet for completely novel ideas that may not yet have occurred to either of you. These may include backpacking through the South African winelands or working on an apple farm in Europe.

It may be wise to spend the first night of your married life together at a local hotel, rather than setting off on your honeymoon straight away. This gives you time to ‘regroup’. It also means that you are not in a hurry to leave your reception venue and can spend more time celebrating this occasion with friends and family.

If money is an issue, consider asking guests for cash rather than tangible gifts. There are eloquent and polite ways to do this, it need not be awkward or inappropriate. Alternatively, honeymoon registries give guests the unique opportunity to give you or contribute towards a champagne cruise at sunset or a dinner for two at a specific restaurant for your honeymoon. This gives them the sense of being a part of making your honeymoon truly special for the two of you, and allows you to indulge in those special experiences without having to sell an organ to afford it.

Be prepared before embarking on your honeymoon. Remember to organise things such as travel insurance and international drivers’ licences so that you do not arrive at your destination facing chaos. Depending on your destination, you may also need various vaccinations or medications. These include anti–malarial prophylaxes, Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B and so on. Enquire with your local travel clinic or travel agent regarding what is necessary as some of these are legally required, while others are just strongly recommended. Be careful about sun damage, as most honeymoons take place in areas where it is hot and sunny. Do not negotiate on creams, hats and protective clothing for the sake of a ‘honeymoon tan’ as this usually just results in unsightly burns and blisters.

Decide well ahead of time whether you will be travelling in your married or maiden name. Discuss your preference with the passport office at least three months before your wedding date to ensure that all documentation will be acceptable in whatever name it is.

Burglars are known to watch their prospective victims and know their movements. Do not underestimate their wily tactics. Make sure that your home is secure and that you have assigned a friend or family member to visit it frequently. It may be wise not to leave your wedding gifts in your home while you are on honeymoon as these are irresistible to greedy robbers.

By being prepared and agreeing to consider alternatives where possible, your honeymoon can be every bit as special as you have dreamed.

Image Courtesy of Visit India

Of course, the nature and style of Bed & Breakfast establishments are as varied as their owners. Depending on their location, management and facilities, couples will receive very different kinds of services and amenities. So, it is vital that, when planning your honeymoon, you conduct extensive research and establish contact with the Bed & Breakfast owners long in advance. It is wise to look at their references and websites, so that you have a good idea of what to expect from their accommodation.

One of the key advantages to staying at Bed & Breakfasts is that they are usually more intimate and personalised than larger hotels and lodges. The owners are on site, and passionate about making their guests feel welcome and comfortable. This is usually more pronounced in rural or isolated areas, where the owners or managers have even more time to devote to their guests. If you want privacy and less attention from the establishment’s keepers, it may be better to book into a busier B&B that is situated closer to town. In these cases, the staff is generally a little more distracted by their duties, leaving the couple to their own devices.

The nature of the service also differs, depending on where the establishment is and how busy it gets. Urban B&Bs that have a lot of accommodation will likely offer guests their breakfast in their individual suites. In addition, the breakfast will probably be a set menu of only one or two options. On the other hand, a Bed & Breakfast in a country setting might have a communal dining room in which all the guests congregate to eat. They are usually more flexible in their menu, wanting to accommodate individual tastes and preferences.

Although you may want that home-away-from-home feeling, it is important that the Bed & Breakfast you choose is well equipped and professional. Before booking, ensure that they have a website (an indication that they are reputable and can, at least, afford an online presence) and that they are able to accept credit cards, if that is how you would prefer to pay.

Bed & Breakfast accommodation is usually small, with a limited number of rooms. Therefore, if you have found the place of your dreams, book it as far in advance as possible to ensure that it is not fully booked by the time you are ready to make your reservation.

Because B&B owners are usually more attentive to their guests than large hotels or busy lodges, it will likely be to your advantage to tell them that you will be there on your honeymoon. Honeymooning couples often get a complimentary bottle of champagne, chocolates or wine and invariably receive extra attention.

What sets Bed & Breakfasts apart is that their owners usually have these businesses because of their sheer love for the hospitality industry. This passion translates into added effort and a truly warm, welcoming atmosphere, setting the ideal scene for celebrating your new life together as husband and wife.

Photo Courtesy of Destination360

• Pack simple! There is not likely going to be cupboard with room to hang your delicate fabrics or formal wear.
• Pack light – if you are staying in backpacker lodges, it is likely because you are going to be moving from one town to the next, so make your life and travels easier by packing only the essentials.
• Bring your own bottle opener as these are usually stolen from backpacking accommodation.
• Bring a pack of cards as some backpackers do not have a television. This is also a great way to meet others.
• Take a small journal – all the characters you meet are bound to make for some interesting tales.
• Bring insect repellent and spray it onto your sheets and blankets before climbing into bed. Backpacker lodges are particularly susceptible to bugs (although this is most certainly not to say that they are all dirty or risky).
• Read up about your home country or town so that you have something interesting to tell quizzy tourists that you meet at the lodges along the way.
• Find out if there is an arrangement between or amongst lodges that allow you to stay at a discounted rate if you keep within their group.
• Some backpacking lodges will transport guests to and from the airport / bus station / train station at a fee. This is advisable.
• If you are trying to save money or honeymooning on a shoe string, take advantage of the free coffee in the lodge kitchen. Also, check if there is leftover food from previous guests (such as pasta and rice, not items that perish quickly or are cooked).
• Wear cheap plastic shoes while showering to avoid picking up any kind of fungal infection.
• Make sure that you have a good quality toiletries bag that can hold all of the essentials and is still compact.
• Take advantage of all the brochures that backpacking lodges usually stock so that you can see the local sights and sounds during your stay. Chat to the owner / manager and get advice on what is good value for money and what should be avoided.
• Learn to laugh at the inconveniences and enjoy this unique experience.

Bungee Jumping

Bloukrans Bridge offers visitors the world’s highest commercial bungee jump at an impressive 216 metres. This pendulum bungee is sure to get your heart racing (or skipping a few beats). There are also bridge walking tours (conducted on a hanging path strung beneath the bridge) and the Flying Fox, which is a cable slide that extends 200 metres to the archway of the bridge.

Contact: Face Adrenalin www.faceadrenalin.com / +27 42 281 1458

Deep-sea Fishing

Experience the thrill of the ocean waters and reeling in some of its impressive catches. Fresh air and salty water is the ideal combination for a carefree, adventurous oceanic experience.

Contact: Ocean Safaris www.oceansafaris.co.za / info@oceansafaris.co.za

Whale- and Dolphin Watching

The area of coastline that stretches all the way between Cape Town in the Western Cape and Durban in KwaZulu –Natal is famous for its marine diversity and profusion. Dolphins often make their appearance as they leap out of the water in playful gestures. Between July and December, thousands of tourists flock to the coast to witness the annual migration of the Humpback and Southern Right whales, which can often be seen with their calves.

Contact: Ocean Safaris www.oceansafaris.co.za / info@oceansafaris.co.za or Ocean Adventures www.oceanadventures.co.za

Shark Cage Diving

Mossel Bay is the site of White Shark Africa, an adventure company that allows visitors to dive with the Great White Shark within the protection of a metal cage. Seeing these graceful, powerful creatures just metres away is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Contact: White Shark Africa www.whitesharkafrica.com / info@whitesharkafrica.com

Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours

Witness the splendour of the exquisite Tsitsikamma Forest from the elevated platforms of the tree tops. Canopy tours involve sliding between the trees, up to 30 metres above the forest floor, in a harness. This is truly spectacular.

Contact: Tsitsikamma Canopy Tours www.stormsriver.com

Mountain Biking

The Garden Route is characterised by stunning vistas and gorgeous scenery. There are a number of mountains, valleys and passes through which to meander or compete on your mountain bike.

Skydiving

Skydive Plett offers honeymooning couples and visitors the thrilling chance to feel the exhilaration of freefalling from a plane with only a parachute to rely on.

Contact: Skydive Plett 082 905 7440

Tubing

Tube the waters of the Storm’s River Gorge to get your heart racing while you enjoy the untouched beauty of the surrounds. Afterwards, indulge in some rock jumping or hike through the gorge for picturesque views of the surrounds.

Contact: Blackwater Tubing www.blackwatertubing.net

Abseiling

Abseil the gorgeous Kaaimans Gorge alongside breath-taking waterfalls. There are two abseils, both 45 metres high, but of differing intensities, allowing visitors to start off slowly and then get more adventurous as their confidence improves.

Contact: Eden Adventures +27 44 877-0179 or +27 83 628-8547

• Camera with film or memory card, batteries and recharger (do not forget the camera case)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Photocopies of your Marriage Certificate, VISA, ID book, travel tickets and other vital documentation
• Travel guide books, foreign-language dictionary and maps
• Clothing for all weather conditions, regardless of weather predictions
• Antibiotic cream
• Medication for diarrhoea, constipation and cramps
• Birth control
• Insect repellent
• A good quality sun screen
• Motion sickness tablets (for boat cruises, flights and long drives)
• Pain killers
• Plasters and bandages
• Any medication that you frequently take, as well as a copy of your script for this medication, so that you are able to source it at the destination without having to see a doctor there
• A copy of all important phone numbers, addresses and emergency numbers
• International driver’s licence
• Anti-bacterial wipes
• Binoculars
• Currency
• Playing cards
• A good book
• Sports gear (depending on the destination, you may need hiking shoes, a snorkel, etc…)
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes (closed, open and formal)
• An umbrella
• Pyjamas
• A waterproof jacket or windbreaker
• Toiletries (face cloth, toothbrush, shampoo, etc…)
• Deodorant
• Lip balm (keep this on the plane with you as the air inside the cabin is very dry)
• Shaving kit
• Hair products and styling aids (including the straightening iron)
• Jewellery (keep this to a minimum)
• Make-up (only take the essentials, but be prepared for all occasions)
• Make-up remover
• Moisturiser and body cream
• Pack a surprise in your bag for your new spouse. This could be sexy lingerie, a board game designed for couples or an extra special, unexpected gift

Include a list of what you have packed in your luggage and keep this on your person. If your luggage goes missing, you will have a record of everything you lost. You can then claim from insurance and replace the lost goods.

Good quality, compact and comfortable luggage is very important. Having your handle break off or one of your zips bursting open just before your honeymoon is no joke. It is also important that your luggage have wheels to make it easier to lug around the airports with you. Try to differentiate your luggage from other passengers’ by tying something on it, or sticking reflective tape onto it. This will make it far easier to identify on the conveyer belt.

Consider couriering heavy shoes and bulky items to your honeymoon hotel so that you do not need to cart these around in your luggage.

Once you have packed your honeymoon bags, you will no doubt begin to feel the excitement of enjoying this break. After months of planning your wedding day, your honeymoon is well deserved.

Every couple deserves to celebrate their love with a special touch.

Imagine getting married and spending your honeymoon on one of the most beautiful and romantic island getaways in the world – Mauritius. These African honeymoon oasis are ideal for loving couples wanting to celebrate their union on this exotic island.

We are honoured to make your moment incredibly unforgettable whether it be the wedding or honeymoon”.  Mauritius is an affordable option for a luxurious island honeymoon and/or Wedding and is only a short hop away.

We take a personal interest in your wedding and honeymoon, and we approach each one as though it was our very first – we get just as much pleasure and excitement in arranging them today, as we have ever done.  No matter what your budget or requirements, we will go out of our way to satisfy your requirements.

We believe that we are one of the experts in Mauritius and base this fact on having personally stayed or visited the more than 100 accommodation establishments on the island, ranging from self catering right through to the island’s top 5 star hotels and retreats.  We visit the island at least twice a year and have been selling Mauritius exclusively for 5 years.  It is very daunting to select a hotel from the variety on offer and on an island that is only 2 hours by road from North to South.

One of the reasons that I chose to specialize in Mauritius was due to a Honeymoon package that my husband purchased, it was to be our first international trip and a surprise.  When we got to the airport to leave Cape Town and he told me we were going to Mauritius, I thought that i had died and gone to heaven.  He showed me a brochure on the hotel and I could not believe how lucky I was, and I went through the flight, arrival, customs and mini bus trip to the hotel in a warm fuzzy dream state.  We arrived at the hotel in the dark, were handed a cocktail and then shown to our room.  At first I thought there had been a mistake, as this was not the same room as in the brochure.  Oh well, it would all look better in the light of day, and I could not wait to wake up and look at the warm beautiful blue ocean from our balcony in the morning.

I woke up and rushed to the balcony, but all I saw were trees in front of me and a park to the right. We decided to go down for breakfast and check the rest of the hotel before we complained.  I got the fright of my life when I walked in to the breakfast room, I thought that I had checked into an old age home as we were the youngest people in the room by about 10 years.

To cut a long story short, my businessman husband had asked his TRAVEL AGENT to recommend a Honeymoon package and this is what she had come up with.  When we got back to South Africa, we contacted her and asked her if she had ever been to Mauritius and her reply of no answered all our questions.  What springs to mind is Jack of all trades, master of none, and that is why I only recommend hotels that I have seen, or stayed in and have graded according to my standards.

So, back to the planning of a Wedding and/or Honeymoon in Mauritius.  You might think that it is rude to be asked what your budget is, but packages can start from R5 000,00 and have no end value.  It is a waste of time and resources to send you a Honeymoon package at a five star resort for R50 000.00 per person, when the budget we should be working in is R30 000.00 for both.

Most of the Hotel on the island give at least 30 to 50% discount for the bride and this makes a significant change in the price of the package.  In addition, they all offer various gifts.  Some offer a romantic seafood dinner whilst some offer a couple massage or free catamaran trip for the day.  Just about all of them decorate your bed and bath with flower petals and a t-shirt or sarong for you to remember the hotel by.

If you decide that you are not prepared to spend R50 000.00 on a one day/night Wedding which you won’t remember the next day and would rather spend the money on yourselves and only have you and hubby to please (ever heard of wedding day complaints), or been and done that white 1st time wedding, then why not look at tying the knot in Mauritius.  One of the major plus points is cost, as the hotels do not charge for venue hire, cutlery or crockery hire or any of the other nonsense that breaks the budget to get married here.

To get married in Mauritius, there are certain formalities which have to be fulfilled before a couple exchanges vows.

The civil wedding can be celebrated either at the Civil Status Office of the locality where the couple is staying, at the hotel itself or any other place chosen by the clients.

One or two days before the wedding, the bride and groom will have to produce the necessary original documents to the Civil Status Office situated in Port-Louis before going to the Supreme Court to swear an affidavit. Once this has been done, they will head to the Civil Status Office of the relevant locality for the publication of the bans. The civil wedding may take place 24 hours afterwards (date to be confirmed).

It is to be noted that the couple will be accompanied by a wedding co-ordinator to fulfill all the above formalities. But it must be remembered that it takes a little more organization and paperwork to be able to finalize all the necessary formalities. It is, thus, of the utmost importance for us to receive the documents needed at least 40 days before the clients’ arrival in Mauritius either by fax, registered mail or by e-mail to be able to proceed with the required procedures.

• Attorney’s fees to draw up affidavits, and court’s fees for the swearing of affidavits/
• Cost of the publication of the bans
• Driver-guide to accompany the couple from the hotel to Port-Louis, Civil Status Office and back
• Assistance of a Mauritours representative while fulfilling all formalities
• Civil Status Officer’s fees to officiate the wedding
• Handling fees to cover cost of faxes, telephone calls and other administration costs

The cost of the above formalities is around R5 000.00, depending on the rate of exchange.

If you decide that this sounds like far too much trouble and a little daunting, there is another way of handling a Wedding in Mauritius. The couple are encouraged to get do all the paperwork in South Africa, book the Honeymoon package and arrange to renew their vows in Mauritius.  The couple then pay a small fee of around R 1 600.00 to have the paperwork done and  for a civil officer to attend the renewal of vows anywhere the couple desires.  This is one of the most cost effective hassle free options to choose from.

So give us a call or drop us a mail and we will contact you to find out how we can make your dream wedding and Honeymoon come true.