Weddings and Honeymoons - Serendipity Escapes

Sri Lanka is a leading wedding destination and remains to be one of the most sought
after destinations for British brides and grooms. The immense beauty of the island,
along with its colonial past, over 2,000 years of ancient history, and the
stunning beaches of the west coast are all attractions very few people
manage to resist. In our opinion, a wedding in Sri Lanka is not just a wedding,
it is a dream come true.

Many of the large tourist hotels in Sri Lanka organise weddings and
usually up to 3 weddings are held each day. They offer various packages and
you are free to choose the package that fits your requirements. Though it is
your special day, for the hotel, it is just another wedding, which must be kept to
schedule. This is where we are different.

A wedding is an experience, it is YOUR special day, and that is our priority.

We work with a few of the leading villas & retreats that specialise in Weddings in Sri
Lanka. We like to keep this number to a minimum so we can offer you an
uncompromised service. After all, whether you are renewing your wedding vows, or getting married, it is a very special day, and it is an experience you will treasure forever.

You are free to choose the type of wedding ceremony – a traditional Sri Lankan
wedding ceremony, or a registry service. Whichever service you choose, the
style and look can be unique – to your own taste and requirements.

Traditional Sri Lankan Weddings

A colourful ceremony with Kandyan dancers,
drummers, fire-eaters and young children singing traditional sinhala songs.

The bride & groom are invited to take their place
on a ‘Poruwa’, which is a stage decorated with trailing flowers. The wedding vows are exchanged whilst standing on the Poruwa.

The couple are then invited to light a traditional oil
lamp made of brass symbolising hope and success.
A traditional wedding is a lovely experience; a memory which you will treasure forever.

A Registry service

If you are looking for a quiet wedding with little fuss, then we recommend a simple
exchange of vows. You can either marry in a registry office, or in the privacy of your villa or retreat.

Be inspired and create your very own wedding in Paradise…….

The following villas & retreats can be hired for private weddings. We believe these
villas to be the best in the country offering you a very personal and attentive service.

Apa Villa – Thalpe
The perfect setting for a beach wedding. A wonderful deck facing the Indian Ocean is
your stage for the wedding. There are 3 wonderful villas to accommodate up to 16
guests. The food is superb and the staff is renowned for their excellent service. In all,
a world class venue for your perfect day.

Nisala Arana - Bentota
A haven surrounded by coconut trees and lush tropical gardens. The setting is stunning.
This is true Sri Lankan colonial living with acres of gardens, a beautiful pool as a
backdrop and fabulous cuisine. The chef at Nisala Arana is renowned for his culinary
delights. The villa can accommodate up to 16 guests.

Apa Villa Illuketia - Galle
A Plantation Villa surrounded by paddy fields. A wonderful venue for that special
luxury wedding! You can really spoil yourself here. Exchange your vows in the
tropical gardens surrounded by nature. The cuisine is of a standard you would expect
from this Premier property. The villa can accommodate up to 12 people. The Pond
House Suite is recommended for the bride and groom offering you total seclusion and
you even have the services of a personal Butler!

Hayleys – Fort, Galle
Located in the Fort in Galle, this is by far the largest villa in the Fort. A building with
history, this is a perfect venue for that special wedding where you can dance the night
away. The villa can accommodate up to 14 guests.

Taprobane Island – Weligama
A private island retreat for that very special day. A wonderful venue with 360 degree
views of the Indian Ocean. Lush tropical gardens with romantic paths leading down to
the sea. A wonderful venue with a 1920’s feel. The large octagonal room is the
perfect setting for a live band…the villa can accommodate up to 10 guests.

The above villas offer tailor-made wedding packages. Simply tell them what you
want, how you want it, and where you want it!

Things to know about getting married in Sri Lanka

All wedding ceremonies are carried out in accordance with British Law and are
legally recognised as binding.
There is a minimum residency of 5 days. Bride and groom must arrive in Sri Lanka at
least 5 days prior to the wedding ceremony.

Legal age
The minimum legal age to marry in Sri Lanka is 18 years. Parental consent is required
if under the age of 21 years.

Required documentation
The following documentation MUST be sent to the venue at least 2 MONTHS prior to
the day of the wedding.

Birth Certificates - Copies can be mailed and originals to be presented on the
day of the marriage.
10 year valid Passport – photocopy to be mailed and the originals to be
presented on the day of the marriage.
A document detailing the names, addresses and the occupations of the bride &
groom.
A document detailing the names, addresses and the occupations of the Parents
of the bride and groom.
An affidavit (from a solicitor) confirming the marital status (i.e. single) of the
bride and groom prior to the wedding.
If either party is divorced, a Decree Absolute must be presented prior to the
wedding ceremony.
If widowed, a Death Certificate of the former spouse.
If bride or groom has changed their name by Deed Poll, legal proof
(signed by solicitor) is required.

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is supplied in English. If you require duplicate copies, please advise.

We feature a number of stunning locations featuring the some of the most romantic
hideaways perfect for your special honeymoon. If you are on honeymoon, please let
us know. We like to pamper our honeymooners by giving you the best start to your
married life – we will also be happy to request room upgrades at our boutique
properties on your behalf. Please note, this is subject to availability.

Honeymoon couples also receive a special gift from us!