Honeymoon 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; lush tropical vegetation, glorious beaches and the sparkling blue waters 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 Mombasa, Kenya; perfect for a dual destination honeymoons.

Things to do whilst you’re there:

Morne Seychellois National Park

Situated on the island of Mahé and covering an impressive 20% of its total area, this national park is home to a variety of habitats from mangrove forests to mountains. The best way to see this breathtaking site is on a guided walking tour, though the road over the mountains is a great scenic drive too.

Diving

With topaz waters and secluded beaches, the islands of the Seychelles are a diver’s paradise. Whether you’re an amateur snorkeler or a fully‐fledged explorer of the deep, you’ll make memories to last a lifetime.

Curieuse Island

Take a trip to this secluded island to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Close to Praslin Island, Curieuse Island and the waters surrounding it were decalred the Curieuse Marine National Park in 1979 to protect the native wildlife such as the Aldabra Giant Tortoise and the rare Seychelles Black Parrot.

Island hopping

With over 110 islands comprising the Seychelles, it would be a shame to limit yourself to just one. Why not explore some of the island hopping opportunities open to you to ensure that you make the most of each island’s charms.

Places to stay:

Beachcomber Hotels: The Sainte Anne Resort & Spa

Marrying in The Seychelles:

What paperwork do I need?

• 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.

At‐a‐glance facts:

Flight time: 10 hours
Time difference: GMT+4
Visa requirements: Not required

Weather:

*Average daily max temp (°F)
*Average daily sunshine hours
*Average monthly rainfall (inches)

Travel: May‐ September.

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

Seychelles Civil Status Office
PO Box 430
Victoria
Mahé
Tel.: 00 244 29 36 13
Email address: [email protected]