(Seychelles News Agency) - Because of their picturesque natural beauty, the Seychelles islands make for an amazing wedding location. According to the local Civil Status Division, over 1,000 tourists marry in the Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean every year. Most of them are held on the three most populated islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Thinking about tying the knot in Seychelles? Here are three things to know:

1. Informing the Civil Status Office

Getting married in paradise has legal requirements. The civil ceremony is done through the Civil Status office on Mahe and if couples intend to have a religious ceremony this is done with the religious body. Couples can also make arrangement through offices on Praslin and La Digue or their hotel or local travel agent.

Couples have to confirm their wedding date 30 days in advance and have to be in Seychelles three days prior to the ceremony.

(State Farm, Flickr) Photo license: CC BY 2.0

Mahé Central office - Telephone No: + (248) 429 36 04 /429 36 13 / 429 36 14

Praslin - Telephone No:+ (248) 423 39 04

La Digue - Telephone No: + (248) 258 69 87

Email: civilstatus@seychelles.sc

Opening hours: 8.00am - 12.00 am and 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

http://www.ics.gov.sc/civil-status/getting-married-in-seychelles

2. Documents required

Foreign couples getting married in Seychelles must have a valid passport and birth certificate. If previously married they also need a divorce or death certificate. If any of the parties are under 18 years, a parental consent is needed in the form of an affidavit. All documents must be in either English or French.

For French nationals wishing to get married in Seychelles, French law requires that certain specific procedures are followed and this is done through the local French Embassy.

(Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

French Embassy of Seychelles

1st Floor, La Ciotat Building

Mont Fleuri, Mahé

Tel: +248 4 38 25 00

Fax: +248 4 38 25 10

Email: marie-may.confiance@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 0800hrs-1300hrs & 1400hrs-1700hrs

3. Where to say ‘I do’ 

You can say ‘I do’ right on the beach, where you can slip your toes through the soft sand and the splashing of the waves.

If the beach is not really for you on your big day, you can tie the knot in a reception area which many hotels and you can even get in touch with wedding planners who will organise your wedding day in paradise. Authorisation must be obtained from the civil registrar. 

The wedding can also take place at the Civil Status Office in the capital, Victoria, on Tuesdays and Thursday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.  

On the big day, the couple should be present at the ceremony with a witness from each side. Here are three commercial operators that can help see you through the steps.

http://www.seychelleswedding.org/

http://www.wedding-in-seychelles.com/

http://www.justseychelles.com/wedding-in-seychelles

(Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board) Photo License: CC-BY