How to Get Married in Seychelles

A Complete Step-by-Step Legal Guide

Getting married in Seychelles is one of the most romantic and legally straightforward options in the world. With turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and internationally recognized marriage laws, Seychelles has become a top destination for destination weddings, elopements, and legal marriages for foreign nationals.

This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to get married in Seychelles, step by step, including legal requirements, documents, timelines, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

Whether you are planning a luxury beach wedding, a private island ceremony, or a simple civil marriage, this guide covers everything you need to know.


Why Choose Seychelles for Your Wedding?

Seychelles is one of the easiest countries in the world for foreigners to get legally married.

Key Advantages

  • No residency requirement
  • No nationality restrictions
  • No religious conversion required
  • Marriage certificates recognized worldwide
  • Simple documentation process
  • Stunning wedding locations

Couples from Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas choose Seychelles for both romance and legal simplicity.


Is a Marriage in Seychelles Legally Recognized Internationally?

Yes.

A marriage performed in Seychelles is legally valid and internationally recognized in most countries, including the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.

Seychelles is a signatory to international civil status conventions. Marriage certificates can be legalized or apostilled if required.


Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Married in Seychelles

Step 1: Choose the Type of Marriage

  • Civil marriage
  • Religious marriage
  • Symbolic wedding with legal registration

Civil marriages are the most popular and legally straightforward option for foreign couples.

Step 2: Meet the Legal Requirements

  • Both partners must be at least 18 years old
  • Both must be legally single, divorced, or widowed
  • Partners must not be closely related
  • Both must be physically present in Seychelles

There is no minimum stay requirement, but documents must be submitted in advance.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Original birth certificate
  • Certificate of no impediment or single status
  • Divorce decree absolute if previously married
  • Death certificate of former spouse if widowed

Important: Documents must be in English or officially translated. Clear scanned copies are submitted in advance. Originals must be brought to Seychelles.

Step 4: Submit Documents to the Civil Status Office

Documents must be submitted at least 11 days before the wedding date.

  • Document review and verification
  • Approval by the Civil Status Office
  • Issuance of a marriage notice

Any errors or missing paperwork may cause delays.

Step 5: Book Your Wedding Venue

  • Beach weddings
  • Resort weddings
  • Private island ceremonies
  • Garden or villa weddings
  • Civil Status Office weddings

Legal marriages may take place outside government offices, including beaches and private islands, provided an authorized officer is present.

Step 6: Appoint a Licensed Marriage Officer

  • Civil Status Officer
  • Licensed marriage celebrant
  • Authorized religious officiant

The officer ensures full compliance with Seychelles marriage law.

Step 7: The Wedding Ceremony

  • Both partners must be present
  • Two witnesses are required
  • Passports must be presented
  • The marriage register is signed

Ceremonies can be intimate, luxurious, or fully customized.

Step 8: Receive Your Marriage Certificate

  • Official Seychelles marriage certificate issued
  • Certified copies available
  • Apostille or legalization can be arranged

This certificate is valid for immigration, name changes, visa processing, and international recognition.


How Long Does the Process Take?

  • Document preparation: 1 to 3 weeks
  • Government approval: minimum 11 days
  • Ceremony and certificate: same day or shortly after

With professional coordination, the process is smooth and stress free.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting incomplete documents
  • Using incorrect or unofficial translations
  • Last minute submissions
  • Using unlicensed officiants
  • Assuming symbolic ceremonies are legally valid

Cost of Getting Married in Seychelles

Costs vary depending on:

  • Type of ceremony
  • Wedding location
  • Government and officiant fees
  • Document processing
  • Optional services

Civil marriages are affordable. Luxury weddings are fully customizable.


Why Use a Professional Wedding Organizer?

  • Full legal paperwork handling
  • Direct communication with authorities
  • Efficient approvals
  • Venue and officiant coordination
  • Prevention of costly mistakes
  • Time and stress savings

Get Married in Seychelles Without the Stress

Getting married in Seychelles should be joyful, seamless, and unforgettable.

Instead of navigating legal procedures alone, let professionals handle everything for you.

Contact SeyBooking.com today and we will organize your Seychelles wedding from start to finish, legally, smoothly, and stress free.

From paperwork to paradise, we take care of it all.