Great Destination Weddings

ASIAN

THE PHILIPPINES

Combining all the natural beauty of Asia with strong

Spanish and American influences, the Philippines is a

wedding destination like no other. Discover its colourful

cities, tranquil beaches and sumptuous resorts when you

and your guests celebrate in a totally unique, exotic haven.

MAKE IT LEGAL: Australians must apply for and sign

a Certificate of No Impediment in front of an authorised

witness or consular officer at the Australian Embassy. Proof

of identification, such as a birth certificate and Australian

passport, will be needed when applying for a marriage

certificate at the local civil registrar. You’ll need to wait 10

days from the date of application before a licence can be

issued, so take that as your cue to enjoy a relaxing holiday in

the Philippines.

THE MALDIVES

The Maldives boasts deep blue waters and idyllic islands

with peaceful settings that invite couples to fall in love with

its romance – sounds like a dream wedding destination,

eh? With its breathtaking scenery and exciting culture this

island nation has undeniable charm, however there are a few

legal hoops to jump through when getting married there.

But don’t worry, just follow our helpful tips below. With such

picture-perfect scenery, we promise it’ll be well worth the

effort.

MAKE IT LEGAL: Although many tourist resorts in

the Maldives offer wedding ceremonies for foreign couples,

the marriages are non-legally binding, due to the country’s

Family Act which favours Islamic rites. To have a legally

binding marriage you’ll need to apply for a marriage licence

in your home country first, and then experience the symbolic

rite in the Maldives either before or after the real ceremony

back home. Under new rules, resort managers can allow you

to have a symbolic wedding or renewal of vows, and you

get to decide on the language of the ceremony. The rules

also state that the officiant and couple must not do anything

disrespectful or degrading to any religion, local culture

or customs.

SABAH

Situated on the scenic island of Borneo in Malaysia, Sabah

is known for its diverse cultural heritage, colourful coral

reefs, dense jungles and picturesque beaches. Perfect for

a wedding? We think so. You and your guests will feel like

you’re in a world of your own when you visit this fantastic

destination and immerse yourselves in the amazing culture.

MAKE IT LEGAL: You must obtain a Single Status

Certificate or Certificate of No Impediment and provide

21 days written notice to the local Registrar of Marriage. For

an additional fee, a special license can be granted to reduce

the waiting period to seven days, provided all documentation

is authentic and correct. In order to legally marry, you must

also complete a Statutory Declaration and provide a copy

of your birth certificates. The Commissioner of Oaths must

put a stamp on the marriage licence and you’ll also need

approval from the Director of Registration. A professional

wedding coordinator will be familiar with all the relevant

procedures and can help you through the process.

Thought of these dreamy

destinations?

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PHOTOS BY COCO BODU HITHI MALDIVES, PHILIPPINES TOURISM, DREAMST

IME