Mauritius has long been one of the world's most sought-after wedding destinations, and it is easy to understand why. Turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, year-round sunshine, and a multicultural warmth that makes every celebration feel effortless. For expats living on the island, or for those who have fallen in love with a Mauritian citizen and decided to build a life here, getting married in Mauritius is a deeply appealing prospect. But behind the romance lies a process that demands careful preparation, the right documents, and, above all, plenty of time. Here is everything you need to know, whether you are British, South African, American, or from anywhere else in the world.
Planning your wedding in Mauritius: Start at least four to six months ahead
Regardless of your nationality, the single most important piece of advice is to begin the process well before you think it necessary. Between gathering documents, waiting on responses from both your home country's authorities and Mauritian institutions, completing mandatory publication periods, and navigating potential interviews, four to six months of lead time is a realistic minimum.
Starting late risks having to postpone a ceremony, potentially after flights, venues, and accommodation have already been paid for. The Mauritian civil registry operates on its own timeline and will not expedite procedures simply because a wedding date has been set.
Getting married in Mauritius: Contact your embassy or High Commission first
This is where many foreign nationals go wrong. The instinct is to head straight to the Mauritian authorities, but in practice, you must begin with your own country's embassy or high commission in Mauritius, or, if your country has no representation on the island, the nearest consular authority.
The reason is straightforward: most countries require their nationals who wish to marry abroad first to obtain a certificate confirming that there is no legal impediment to the marriage under their home country's law. The name and exact format of this document vary by nationality, but the principle is consistent across most jurisdictions.
For British nationals, the relevant document is a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI), issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). You will typically need to give notice of marriage at a register office in the UK before the CNI can be issued. Processing times can vary, so contact the British High Commission in Port-Louis early and check the latest FCDO guidance on GOV.UK.
For American nationals, the United States does not issue a formal CNI, but the US Embassy can provide a sworn affidavit of single status (also called an affidavit in lieu of a certificate of no impediment), which Mauritian authorities will accept. This must be signed in person before a consular officer.
For South African nationals, you will need to obtain a Certificate of No Impediment issued through the Department of Home Affairs, as well as an unabridged birth certificate. The South African High Commission in Port-Louis can advise on current procedures and any additional requirements.
For all other nationalities, the process follows a similar logic: contact your embassy or high commission in Mauritius (or the nearest one in the region) as your very first step. Ask specifically what document Mauritius requires from nationals of your country, and what your home country requires before issuing it. Do not assume the process is simple; it rarely is.
Required documents for getting married in Mauritius
The Mauritian Civil Status Division will generally require a core set of documents from the foreign national. Most civil status documents must have been issued within the last three months at the time of filing, so timing your document requests carefully is essential.
As a foreign national, you will typically need to provide your valid passport (original and copies, including the page bearing your latest Mauritian entry stamp), a full birth certificate, a criminal record check or certificate of good conduct from your home country, proof of financial means (such as recent bank statements, pay slips, or a work contract), and any divorce decrees or death certificates if you have been previously married.
You will also need to complete an affidavit, which is a sworn declaration made before the Master and Registrar of the Supreme Court of Mauritius in Port-Louis, attesting to your single status and financial situation. This is a specifically Mauritian requirement that surprises many foreign nationals, but it is non-negotiable.
A medical certificate issued by a locally registered Mauritian doctor, confirming the absence of infectious or contagious disease, is required by the Mauritian state before the marriage can be registered.
From the Mauritian partner's side, the required documents include an original birth certificate (less than three months old), a national identity card, and a Certificate of Celibacy issued by the Civil Status Division. If previously married, a divorce judgment or a death certificate for the former spouse will be required.
The seven-day residency requirement for foreigners getting married in Mauritius
Before you can formally submit your dossier to the Mauritian Civil Status Division (located at the Emmanuel Anquetil Building in Port-Louis), you must have been physically present in Mauritius for at least seven consecutive days. This is a fixed legal requirement and cannot be waived.
Plan your arrival accordingly, particularly if you are travelling from the UK, the US, South Africa, or elsewhere. Factor in potential delays with your affidavit appointment at the Supreme Court and ensure you have all documents ready before the seven days are up so that you can submit your full file promptly.
Publication of banns and the waiting period
Once your dossier is submitted and accepted, the Civil Status Division will publish the banns of marriage for a period of ten days. This is a public notice period during which any legal objection to the marriage can be raised. Only after this ten-day window passes without objection can the ceremony be officially scheduled.
This publication period is separate from any similar process your home country may require. British nationals, for instance, may have already given notice at a UK register office, but the publication of banns in Mauritius is an additional, independent requirement under local law.
Celebrating your marriage in Mauritius and the matrimonial regime
Just before the civil ceremony, the Mauritian registrar will ask both parties to declare their chosen matrimonial regime, essentially, how the couple's assets will be managed and shared in law. The default under Mauritian law is default regime (Community of Acquests). If you wish to opt for a different arrangement, such as separation of property, or if you have had a marriage contract drawn up by a notary beforehand, this is the moment to declare it and provide the relevant documentation.
The civil ceremony at the registry office is free or subject to very modest administrative fees. If you wish the registrar to officiate at an external venue, a beachfront resort, a private estate, or a boutique hotel, a travel fee of approximately Rs 5,000 (roughly £90 / $110 / R2,000) applies. Two adult witnesses bearing valid identification must be present throughout the ceremony.
After the wedding in Mauritius: Getting your marriage recognized at home
This is a step that many couples overlook until it is too late. A marriage celebrated in Mauritius is legally valid in Mauritius, but you will almost certainly need to take additional steps to have it fully recognized in your home country.
The first step is to obtain an apostille on your Mauritian marriage certificate. This international legalization is done at the Prime Minister's Office in Port-Louis and confirms the document's authenticity for use abroad. Once apostilled, the certificate should be submitted to your home country's relevant authority.
British nationals should submit the apostilled certificate to the General Register Office (GRO) in the UK or, where applicable, to the relevant register office in Scotland or Northern Ireland. While England and Wales do not maintain a formal register of overseas marriages, having an apostilled document is essential for changing names, updating passports, and handling any legal or financial matters back home.
American nationals should be aware that the US does not maintain a central marriage registry for overseas marriages. However, an apostilled Mauritian marriage certificate is generally accepted by US federal and state agencies, banks, and other institutions. Check with your specific state's Department of Health or Vital Records for any additional requirements.
South African nationals should register their overseas marriage with the Department of Home Affairs upon return to South Africa, submitting the apostilled certificate along with the required application forms.
For all nationalities, it is worth consulting a legal professional in your home country if you have assets, property, pension entitlements, or other matters that may be affected by your new marital status and the matrimonial regime chosen under Mauritian law.
Where will you live after getting married in Mauritius?
Once married, many couples face the practical question of where to settle. If you plan to remain in Mauritius, your Mauritian spouse can support your application for a Spouse of a Mauritian Citizen Residence Permit, submitted to the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) in Port-Louis. This permit grants you the right to live and work in Mauritius without requiring a separate work permit — a significant practical advantage.
If you plan to relocate your Mauritian partner to your home country, the process will depend on your nationality and the immigration rules of that country. In all cases, the apostilled marriage certificate will be a central document in any spousal visa application. Processing times for spousal visas can be lengthy, often six months or more in the UK and US, so begin this process as early as possible after the wedding.
Can LGBTQIA+ couples get married in Mauritius?
Same-sex couples should be aware that while Mauritius took a significant step forward in 2023 by decriminalizing same-sex relations, same-sex civil marriage remains unrecognized under Mauritian law as of 2026. Foreign embassies and high commissions on the island are similarly unable to celebrate or register such marriages locally. Couples wishing to marry should do so in a country where same-sex marriage is legally recognized before considering settling in Mauritius.
Key tips for a successful marriage in Mauritius
A few practical habits make a significant difference. Request all civil status documents, such as birth certificates, criminal record checks, certificates of no impediment, well in advance, and in multiple copies if possible, as most will need to have been issued within three months of filing. Keep originals carefully stored and arrange certified copies early.
Reach out to your embassy or high commission as the very first step, even before you have gathered a single document. Consular staff can tell you exactly what is required, flag any country-specific nuances, and give you realistic timelines based on current workloads.
For couples with more complex situations, such as previous marriages, dual nationalities, assets across multiple countries, or non-standard immigration statuses, working with a specialist in expat administrative support or an international family lawyer can save considerable time, money, and stress.
Useful links:
Civil Status Division –Marriage of two Non Citizens
GOV.UK – Getting married or registering a civil partnership abroad
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
