Sandbank Weddings

For a magical beach wedding in total seclusion, hold your ceremony and reception on a private sandbank engulfed by the sea.  A location that appears with the pulling of the tides – sandbanks invite you to experience an intrinsic connection with the energy of the earth. A sunset ceremony that segues into midnight revelry, underneath a blanket of stars.

(pictured: Soneva Fushi, Maldives)

The Experience

Located just minutes away from most Maldivian islands, sandbanks create a wildly unexpected and sensory experience for guests, and a spectacular opportunity for destination wedding photos.

Transport your guests over from the main island, arriving barefoot to an ethereal island ceremony styled with lucid elements, billowing whites and oceanic textures. Followed by cocktails served at sunset, inviting you and your guests to witness a pastel kaleidoscope of the skies. If the location allows (depending on tides) create a dining experience with a dramatic reception table spanning the length of the sandbank, or create sunken lounge areas carved out from the sand. Use an abundance of ambient light, dotting the sandbank with lanterns and flickering candlelight.

To capture the drama of your location, have your photographer shoot from the boat and arrange drone videography to capture the magic from above.

The Resorts

A short list of resorts who offer exclusive sandbank wedding and event packages.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Jani

Milaidhoo Luxury Resort

Angsana Ihuru

Huvafen Fushi

Niyama Private Islands

Dusit Thani Maldives

Loama Resort Maldives

Royal Island Maldives

Baros Maldives

Six Senses Laamu

Four Seasons Maldives

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Sandbank Glamping

Providing the ideal pre honeymoon/post wedding setting is Milaidhoo Resorts latest sandbank experience, an overnight sandbank glamping package.

Resorting in complete privacy whilst being comforted by a luxury list of amenities, couples can embrace the magic of the moon and the rising of the sun from their very own sandbank island for the night.

Styling

Find inspiration for your ceremony styling by incorporating a palette exuded from the ocean landscape.

For your ceremony, work with scale over detail, designing a billowing backdrop in sheer and muted fabrics that mimic the fluidity of the sea.

For a dining setting, look to clear blown or pearlescent glass decor to style your tablescape. Have candles displayed in abundance both on the tables and lining various pathway in the sands. Provide an elegant display of beach lanterns throughout, ideally pairing with a scatter of beach cushions and furniture for a laid back after dinner setting.

Include reflective surfaces and translucent items such as clear ghost chairs or mirrored vessels. Such pieces are ideal at reflecting the moods and movement of the surrounding ocean landscapes and pastel skies.

Wedding Planning Tip

To capture the essence of these idyllic locations, ensure your photographer is equipped to shoot with a drone so they can capture your occasion showcasing its intimate location from the air.

Keep in mind that under most circumstances, wedding ceremonies conducted in the Maldives are not legally binding.