Getting married in Mauritius: procedures and formalities

With its heavenly beaches and tropical ambience, Mauritius is the perfect place to celebrate a wedding. However, before saying “I do” under the Mauritian sun, it is essential to understand the procedures and formalities required to make your union official. It should be noted that these steps may vary depending on the nationality of the future spouses. Here is an overview of the steps that brides and grooms must generally follow, depending on their situation.

1. When both spouses are Mauritians

When two Mauritian citizens plan to marry in Mauritius, certain administrative steps must be followed. Firstly, at least 10 days before the wedding date, they must go to the registry office to complete a notice of intention to marry. The banns will then be published, providing an opportunity for any objections to be raised. The future spouses are required to present several documents, namely: 

• A certificate of celibacy issued by the Registrar’s Office,
• Birth certificates less than three months old,
• identity cards for themselves and their witnesses,
• In the case of divorced people, the previous marriage certificate and any documentation relating to the divorce. For widows, previous marriage certificates and the death certificate of the deceased spouse must also be provided.

Following these steps, the ceremony can be organized either civilly at the État civil or religiously, depending on the preferences of the bride and groom. Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony. After the ceremony, the newlyweds will receive an official marriage certificate.

2. When one spouse is Mauritian and the other foreigner

If you are a foreigner planning to marry a Mauritian citizen, be prepared for a slightly more complex administrative process. Your first step will be to go to the Registrar office in Port Louis, where you will need to present the following documents: 

This list is indicative only; we advise you to consult the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office website for more detailed information.

Mauritian nationals will need to provide : 

• Birth certificate less than three months old,
• Identity card and those of witnesses,
• In the case of divorced persons, the previous marriage certificate and any documentation relating to the divorce. For widows, previous marriage certificates and the death certificate of the deceased spouse must also be provided.

Once the application has been approved, you will need to submit a document corresponding to the publication of the banns to the registry office of your declared place of residence in Mauritius. After 8 days, you will need to collect a document certifying that no one is opposed to the marriage. Finally, you can give this document to the Port Louis registrar at the time of the wedding to complete your file.

The marriage ceremony can then take place before an approved civil or religious official, in the presence of witnesses. Following the ceremony, a marriage certificate will be issued. The foreign spouse can then apply for a residence permit based on the marriage, allowing residence in Mauritius for the duration of the marriage, although this does not grant the right to work.

3. Marriage where both spouses are foreigners

Are you planning to celebrate your union in the tropics while on vacation in Mauritius? It is perfectly feasible! To simplify the organization of the happiest day of your life, you can seek the assistance of hotels or travel agencies offering special packages. 

• First, you’ll need to provide the required documents, such as : 
• 2 copies of the first three pages of your passports, 
• 2 copies of your birth certificates in English or French, 
• Family record book (if children are involved), 
• The marriage certificate, specifying the date and place chosen for the ceremony, as well as your respective permanent addresses and professions,
• Divorced persons are required to present their previous marriage certificate and other documentation, while widows must provide their deceased spouse’s previous marriage certificate and death certificate.

Arriving on Mauritian soil at least 48 hours before the wedding, you will need to complete several formalities: 

• Submit the documents to the French Embassy for registration in the family record book (livret de famille), 
• Go through the registry office to check passports,
• Consult a solicitor to read the local marriage laws, prepare the affidavit to the Supreme Court, and verify the information provided in the documents,
• Go to the Supreme Court, where you will swear the affidavit before the clerk, confirming the veracity of the details mentioned on the official certificate issued by the solicitor,
• Meet with the civil registrar in the town where your hotel is located, where the officer in charge will preside over the civil marriage.

Following the ceremony, the marriage certificates will be submitted to the Prime Minister’s office for validation. It is strongly recommended to initiate these procedures several months in advance to ensure smooth planning of your wedding during your vacation in Mauritius.

In conclusion, getting married in Mauritius offers a unique and memorable experience, but it’s essential to understand the procedures specific to your situation. For Mauritian couples, a visit to the registry office and submission of the necessary documents are the main steps. Mixed-nationality couples and foreigners require more in-depth planning. Whatever your situation, early coordination with the local authorities will guarantee an unforgettable wedding ceremony in the heart of Mauritius’ enchanting tropical landscape.