Wedding in the Maldives:
Which resort to choose and how to organise?
The Maldives has long been considered one of the most romantic destinations on Earth. With its postcard-perfect beaches, turquoise lagoons, and luxurious resorts, it is no surprise that more and more couples are choosing this island paradise to organise their wedding and to say "I do." But how exactly does one plan a wedding in the Maldives? Which resort should you choose? How much does a wedding in the Maldives cost?
This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know to organise an unforgettable wedding in the Maldives.
What to look for in a resort to organise a wedding in the Maldives
When planning your wedding in the Maldives, choosing the right resort is the most important decision. Here are the key criteria to consider:
1. Resort Size and Exclusivity
For weddings, it is ideal to choose a resort that is not too big. Smaller resorts often offer a more intimate and private setting, perfect for a celebration that feels exclusive and personal. Some couples even choose to book the entire resort or a large section of it to ensure full privacy.
Of course, the size of the island and level of exclusivity will directly be linked to the price. Yet, there are a few excellent resorts that we will talk about later, that are of perfect size to organise a wedding in the Maldives without breaking the bank.
2. Scenic and Spacious Beaches
The Maldives is famous for its beaches, but not all resorts offer the same space or backdrop. To find the perfect resort to organise a wedding in the Maldives, look for a resort with a large beach area, as this will allow for a proper setup for the ceremony, photoshoots, and seating for guests. A stunning beach also ensures that your wedding photos will be magical.
3. All-Inclusive or Group Packages
Since most guests will be flying in for a multi-day stay, having a good all-inclusive package is a big plus. This simplifies logistics and helps guests enjoy the experience without constantly thinking about added costs. Some resorts offer special group rates and wedding packages that bundle accommodation, meals, and activities. These are worth considering if you want everyone to have the most amazing time.
4. Accessible Yet Secluded
If you're bringing a group, consider how easy it is to reach the resort. A property that is reachable by speedboat rather than a long seaplane transfer may be more convenient. However, if your priority is exclusivity, more remote islands can provide a unique and peaceful setting.
This will also be linked to how long you are planning on staying in the Maldives. We’ve had requests from guests wanting to spend 15 nights in the Maldives for their wedding. In that case, going to an island (resort) far away does totally make sense.
If you plan on making it a short stay of just a few nights, it’s better to look at resorts close to Male, with a short seaplane transfer or even a speedboat transfer.
How Easy Is It to Organise a Wedding Ceremony in the Maldives?
One of the best things about planning a wedding in the Maldives is how stress-free the process can be. Most high-end resorts in the country have years (or decades) of experience organising weddings and vow renewals and offer dedicated wedding planners to assist with every detail.
Also, as luxury travel agents for the Maldives, we will be more than happy to assist you and get you the best possible resort that offers excellent value for money and a memorable wedding ceremony.
What's Usually Included in Wedding Packages?
Most resorts offer a variety of wedding packages to suit different preferences and budgets. While each resort is different, here is what is typically included:
A personal wedding coordinator
Floral decorations for the ceremony venue
A decorated wedding arch or gazebo on the beach
Bridal bouquet and groom boutonniere
A symbolic wedding certificate
Wedding cake and sparkling wine toast
Traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers or local performances
Professional photography or videography (optional or included at a premium)
Romantic dinner for the couple
In-villa floral setup and honeymoon amenities
Special spa treatments for the bride and groom
Note: Maldivian wedding ceremonies are symbolic and not legally binding. Many couples choose to do the legal part of the marriage in their home country before or after the trip.
How Much Is a Wedding in the Maldives?
One question that we really often reveice is “how much does a wedding in the Maldives cost?”
The cost of a wedding in the Maldives can vary greatly depending on the resort, season, and number of guests. Here’s a breakdown of what you should expect:
The Main Cost: Accommodation
Accommodation will be the biggest expense, especially if you are hosting guests. Most weddings involve a 3 to 5-night stay at a five-star resort, which can range from USD 600 to USD 3000+ per night per room depending on the property and season.
Wedding Ceremony Packages
On top of the price of the accommodation, you’ll of course need to plan some budget for the wedding ceremony.
Wedding packages themselves tend to be quite affordable relative to the destination, usually ranging between USD 3000 to USD 15.000+. Luxury resorts with extensive inclusions may charge more, especially if professional photography, live entertainment, or private dining setups are involved.
Yet, there are plenty of resorts that would fit in this price range for your wedding ceremony in the Maldives.
Total Budget
For a small, intimate wedding with around 10 to 20 guests, total costs can range from USD 15,000 to USD 50,000+. This would include accommodation, meals, wedding ceremony, and some group activities.
This cost of wedding in the Maldives is purely indicative and will be heavily dependant on the resort you choose. In any way, we’ll always be able to get you the best deals to reduce the price as much as possible.
Best Resorts to Organise a Wedding in the Maldives
Here are the 5 best resorts we recommend for organising a wedding in the Maldives. Each offers great value, stunning scenery, and solid experience with weddings and group stays.
Also, for all these resorts, we manage to negotiate excellent discounts for big groups (sometimes up to 40% off compared to what you would get if booking directly with the resort).
Finolhu
Located in Baa Atoll, Finolhu offers a playful yet luxurious atmosphere. With its wide sandbank and stylish beach vibes, it’s perfect for a vibrant and fun wedding celebration. The resort is not too large, making it easy to create a sense of exclusivity, and their all-inclusive option is ideal for larger groups. Wedding setups here are stunning, often staged right on the sandbank itself.
Also, if you choose the Premium All Inclusive package, you’ll get access to all restaurants and unlimited champagne during your stay. This sounds like the best way to celebrate your wedding in the Maldives with your friends and families.
Ayada Maldives
A second excellent resort to organise a wedding in the Maldives is Ayada.
Ayada, in the remote Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, is an excellent choice for couples wanting a romantic and secluded wedding experience. Its wide beaches and beautiful villas offer a luxurious setting. Ayada is known for its outstanding food, beautiful spa, and strong focus on privacy. Wedding packages include all the essentials and can be tailored to suit your needs.
It is also a great resort if your group likes snorkeling. Indeed, Ayada is home to one of the most beautiful house reefs in the Maldives. Noone will get bored if they enjoy spending time in the water exploring the beautiful underwater world.
Milaidhoo Island
If you want to aim for a more exclusive (smaller) but more expensive resort for your wedding in the Maldives, Milaidhoo should be on top of your list.
This small, boutique-style luxury resort is perfect for an intimate wedding. Milaidhoo is adults-only and offers some of the most beautiful beach and overwater villas in the Maldives (only 50 in total). The service is highly personalized, and the island’s natural beauty provides a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony. It’s perfect for smaller weddings and couples who want elegance and authenticity.
Even though their All-Inclusive plan does not offer the best value for money, it is still an excellent option for a dreamy wedding in the Maldives.
PS: if you want to book a wedding in the Maldives at Milaidhoo, you should plan a long time in advance. The island being very small, availabilities go away very fast.
To learn more about this resort, check our in-depth Milaidhoo review here.
Hurawalhi
One of our favorite resorts for a wedding in the Maldives is Hurawalhi.
Hurawalhi combines style, modern luxury, and affordability. Famous for its underwater restaurant, the resort is also well-versed in hosting weddings. Their wedding packages include everything from floral setups to a romantic dinner by the beach. Hurawalhi also offers great group rates and has a wide selection of villas for guests.
It is also important to note that this is an adult-only resort. Therefore, if some famillies in your group are planning to come with their children, it won’t work. On the other hand, if you don’t want to have children running around and shouting in the middle of your wedding ceremony, it can be an excellent option.
Veligandu Island Resort
To finish with this top 5 of the best resorts for wedding in the Maldives, let’s talk about Veligandu.
Veligandu is a well-established resort known for its charm and great value. The island features a wide beach and lagoon, ideal for ceremonies. Their wedding packages are affordable and include all the essentials. It’s a great choice for larger groups or guests traveling “on a budget” while still delivering the Maldives' dream wedding experience.
If you want the true Maldives-dream island, without breaking the bank, look no further, Veligandu will be perfect for your wedding in the Maldives.
Of course, there are plenty more options, and based on your budget, we’ll be more than happy to look into this for you. Big names like Soneva Jani, Kudadoo, Anantara Kihavah, Joali, Velaa, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru,…and many more will also be perfect resorts to organise a wedding in the Maldives.
Why use us to organise your wedding in the Maldives?
Now that you know everything about how and where to organise a wedding in the Maldives, let us tell you what we can do for you.
Our extensive knowledge of the Maldives mixed with our super close relationships with all the best resorts enable us to negotiate the best deals for our clients.
A concrete example happened in April 2025. A client contacted us for their wedding at Ayada. It was a 12-day trip for 35 people (16 villas in total). After getting what the client considered as a special rate by talking directly with the resort, we managed to get a huge discount for this client, thanks to our long-lasting relationships with the resort.
From more than 270.000 USD if the client had booked directly with the resort, we managed to reduce it below 210.000 USD. An easy 60.000 USD saved for this client after just a few days of negotiations with the resort.
It does not cost you anything to let us organise it for you, so if you want to get the best possible wedding in the Maldives without breaking the bank, feel free to contact us and we’ll be super glad to asssit you.
Final Thoughts
A wedding in the Maldives is more than just a ceremony. It’s an entire experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate or a larger celebration with friends and family, the Maldives offers the setting, the service, and the memories that will last a lifetime.
With careful resort selection and a good understanding of what's included, organising a wedding in the Maldives can be surprisingly smooth.
Whether you're drawn to the remote luxury of Ayada, the boutique elegance of Milaidhoo, or the group-friendly charm of Veligandu, there's a resort in the Maldives to match your vision perfectly.
If you’d like help planning your wedding in the Maldives or want access to group rates and exclusive perks, contact us and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to do a wedding in the Maldives?
The best time for a wedding in the Maldives is from December to April. This period is considered the dry season, offering the highest chance of clear skies, sunshine, and calm seas, perfect for a beach ceremony and outdoor celebrations.
How many people can a wedding ceremony in the Maldives be?
There is no strict limit on the number of people who can attend a wedding ceremony in the Maldives. Resorts are very flexible and can accommodate anything from an intimate group to a large group celebration with dozens of guests.
Do resorts give special discounts for big wedding groups?
Yes, many resorts in the Maldives offer special discounts for large wedding groups, including group rates for rooms and exclusive deals on food and beverage packages. That said, booking through a travel advisor like us always results in even better pricing and added perks that aren’t available directly through the resort.
