Getting married in Sri Lanka is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of the biggest days of your life in one of the most spectacular places on Earth. There’s truly no place in the world like Sri Lanka. There’s so much to love about this amazing island nation. The idyllic beaches and gorgeous tropical waters offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, while the rolling hills and stunning mountains create a majestic landscape that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. This unforgettable natural beauty is also populated by a wide variety of rare and majestic wildlife, from macaques to leopards to elephants. A wedding in Sri Lanka lets you enjoy this stunning environment while also immersing yourself in the art and architecture of the country’s rich Buddhist and Hindu heritage.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Sri Lanka and aren’t sure where to begin, I’ve got you covered! After many years of spending my winters in Sri Lanka, I’ve come to know this wonderful country deeply and thoroughly, and I’ve learned some of the best ways to plan a wedding in Sri Lanka. I’ve put together this handy Sri Lanka wedding guide to answer all your questions and provide all the key information you’ll need for the Sri Lanka wedding of your dreams. Here’s everything you need to know about how to plan a destination wedding in Sri Lanka.

Can Foreigners Get Married In Sri Lanka?

Yes. Sri Lanka is an amazing country for destination weddings. No matter where you’re coming from, you’ll find Sri Lanka to be a gorgeous and welcoming place to tie the knot.

What Are The Requirements To Get Married In Sri Lanka?

The first step in planning your wedding in Sri Lanka is to make sure you get all the required paperwork and administrative preparations taken care of. I know going through a bunch of logistical red tape while preparing for a wedding in another country might seem daunting, but there’s no need to worry! 

I’ve broken down all the steps for you and listed out all the documents you’ll need to prepare in advance of your destination wedding in Sri Lanka. Here are all the legal requirements for getting married in Sri Lanka.

Valid Passports: You’ll need to provide a valid, government-issued passport in order to legally get married in Sri Lanka.

Proof Of Residence: You’ll need to bring valid, government-issued ID documents that provide proof of residence. In addition to your passport, a valid driver’s license will also function as a valid proof of residence.

Official Birth Certificates: Both of you will need to provide your birth certificates in order to get legally married in Sri Lanka. This can be an original copy or an official copy.

Unmarried Certificate, Declaration Of Eligibility, or Free To Marry Certificate: You’ll need to provide documentation that demonstrates that both of you are unmarried and eligible for marriage. If one or both of you have been previously married, you’ll need to provide documentation proving that you are now legally eligible for a new marriage, such as a divorce certificate.

Fee of $40: Obtaining a marriage certificate in Sri Lanka requires a one-time $40 fee. This fee can be paid via money order or a check.

What Is The Procedure To Register Marriage In Sri Lanka?

In addition to providing the documents in the previous section, there are a couple of other steps required to register for marriage in Sri Lanka. 

One of the most important things to be aware of is that Sri Lankan requires couples travelling from another country to spend four days and three nights in Sri Lanka before they notify the registrar of their intended marriage. Appointments with the registrar can be made by calling their office in advance. 

If you’re staying at a hotel, members of the staff might be able to help you get in touch with the registrar’s office.

Is Online Marriage Registration In Sri Lanka Possible?

Unfortunately, you’ll probably have to register your marriage in person at the Sri Lanka registrar. However, once your marriage certificate is issued, you’ll be able to access your certificate online at this website.

How Much Does A Destination Wedding Cost In Sri Lanka?

As you might expect, the cost of a destination wedding in Sri Lanka will ultimately depend on factors like the size of your wedding, your choice of venue, and how you choose to cater and decorate your celebration. 

For a small wedding, a wedding package for a destination in Sri Lanka can cost around $20,000. However, as the guest list grows, so will the cost of the wedding. This is especially true for a destination wedding, where guests will need to travel and find accommodations. 

Working with a wedding planner in Sri Lanka can be a great way to plan the wedding of your dreams while staying within your chosen budget.

What Are The Best Locations For A Wedding In Sri Lanka?

One thing that makes Sri Lanka so amazing as a destination wedding spot is that, no matter what kind of wedding you’re planning, there’s a location that’s perfect for you. 

Whether you’re hoping for a glamorous gala on the beach or a laid back get-together with just a few friends, the beach, and some waves to surf, Sri Lanka will have a gorgeous venue that will offer you everything you need. 

Here are just a few of the best wedding venue locations in Sri Lanka.

My Personal Favourite: Madiha Beach

Located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Madiha Beach is one of my favourite outdoor wedding locations in Sri Lanka. The turquoise water and stunning colours of the coral reefs offer a romantic atmosphere that you really can’t find anywhere else.

Madiha is also a surfer’s paradise. It has slow, leisurely waves for surfers who want to relax and take it easy, but it also offers powerful, fast waves for surfers looking for a more challenging thrill.

The Doctor’s House: A Madiha Gem

One of the best parts of Madiha Beach is that it’s home to The Doctor’s House, a 200-year-old Dutch Ayurvedic hospital that has since been transformed into one of the best small wedding venues in Sri Lanka. In addition to its unbeatable location and authentically historic architecture, The Doctor’s House offers some of the most thrilling nightlife in south Sri Lanka. 

This venue has its own nightclub, where a DJ spins an all-new set every Wednesday night and a live band plays every Saturday. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic wedding ceremony followed by a party where you and your guests can dance the night away!

Due to its size, The Doctor’s House is perfect for a more intimate wedding with your closest friends and family. These can be some of the most meaningful types of weddings, and there are amazing benefits of having a small-scale wedding celebration. A venue as mind blowing as The Doctor’s House will make this tight-knit, intimate celebration a true night to remember.

I definitely recommend checking out the Doctor’s House Instagram to get a sense of how amazing it is to stay at this place. It’s truly special, and a perfect choice for your destination wedding in Sri Lanka.

Also Not To Be Missed: Weligama and Anhangama

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is also home to Weligama and Anhangama, two of the best beach wedding locations in Sri Lanka. They have some incredible wedding venues, and even though they can sometimes get crowded due to their popularity among tourists, they’re definitely worth checking out. 

Weligama is home to the Malabar Hill Sri Lanka which is a hotel built literally right on the water’s edge — some of the rooms even allow private ocean access!

In Anhangama, you can opt to get married at the Sandhya, which is one of the most beautiful hotels in the entire region. This beachside venue offers clear, breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and sunset views from a private balcony.

I can’t recommend the southern coast of Sri Lanka highly enough! There’s natural beauty everywhere you go, and whether you’re looking to relax or embark on a thrilling adventure, there’s something for everyone. It’s truly an amazing place for a destination wedding in Sri Lanka.

Let The Sri Lanka Adventure Begin!

Ready to get started? Then let the great Sri Lanka adventure begin! If you’re about to start the journey of planning your destination wedding and are looking to hire a wedding photographer in Sri Lanka, then I’d love to be by your side to help you make sure everything goes off without a hitch. 

As your wedding photographer, my job is so much more than just snapping photos. Creating beautiful wedding photos requires careful planning, coordination, and care. That’s why part of my job is to help you navigate every step of the wedding planning process. 

Should you need me at any time to assist you with preparing the proper documents, choosing a venue, or planning any part of your wedding ceremony or party, all you have to do is say the word. Consider me your travel companion as you embark on this epic voyage to tie the knot in one of the most beautiful places on Earth!

The end result of our time working together will be a cascade of joyful memories and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Your wedding will be fun, romantic, and totally stress-free. Plus, at the end of this unforgettable adventure, you’ll have a gallery of breathtaking wedding photos that you’ll be able to enjoy for the rest of your lives. 

As your Sri Lanka wedding photographer, I’ll capture images that not only commemorate all the emotions of your wedding day but capture the indescribable beauty of Sri Lanka. I also highly recommend making a pre-wedding photoshoot part of your process when planning your destination wedding in Sri Lanka. 

Planning a couples photoshoot before the wedding has a number of awesome advantages and provides you with even more beautiful images to commemorate this special day in your lives!

Your wedding is a truly special day, and it should happen in a truly special place. The unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka make it absolutely unique, and I’d love to help you celebrate your marriage on this beautiful island.

Get In Touch

When you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding in Sri Lanka, get in touch! I can’t wait to meet you and to hear about what you’re planning. Together we’ll create the wedding of your dreams.