ZANZIBAR WEDDINGS

At Mbweni Ruins Hotel

Mbweni is famous for its romantic and exotic weddings. Because this is a small and intimate hotel, it is possible to have the whole property to yourself, and we can of course put any "overflow" into suitable nearby hotels.

The ruined chapel of St Mary's at Mbweni	Staff set up the wedding dinner in the chapel
Mbweni is famous for its candlelit dinners in the ruined chapel

2004 Wedding
In 2004 Magnus and Jane decided to travel out from the UK with all their guests and have the wedding at Mbweni.
But first the bridegroom, his sister, the best man and the bridesmaid joined other brave guests
and climbed to the summit of Kilimanjaro while the bride relaxed in Zanzibar with her close family.

They chose to have the Registrar come out from Stone Town and marry them on the clifftop overlooking the ocean, just before sunset.
Afterwards they had stunning photos taken on the beach, which was decorated with palm arches, firepits and torches.
Champagne and snacks were served by the swimming pool above the beach.
Later a dinner was held in the Raintree restaurant. The hotel staff, dressed in their best, sang traditional wedding songs
for the bride and groom. The Karibu band from Zanzibar played until the early hours of the morning.

Guests on the cliff top outside the restaurant	Signing the register
Reception by the pool later	Champagne and snacks before the dinner.
Wedding romance at Mbweni
1 year later, a happy result

Getting married in Zanzibar

Here are some tips on how to go about this:

The hotel can arrange to have the Registrar come out and marry you on the spot. Or you can go the Registry Office in the Zanzibar Stone Town and have the legal part of the marriage done there.

The parties to the marriage are supposed to stay in Zanzibar for at least two weeks before the marriage.

You should check that marriage in Zanzibar is legally recognized in your country of nationality: it is recognized in the United Kingdom.

Documents needed:

1) Application letter signed by both parties in English showing that they intend to marry in Zanzibar, addressed to:

Regional commissioner
P.O. Box 265
Zanzibar
Tanzania

2)      Two photocopies of passport
        Birth certificates
        Driving licences
        Certificates of domicile
        Two passport photos each
        A paper stating whether single or divorced, with proof...........very important.

In Zanzibar law, a notice has to be put on the Municipal Notice Board for the intended mariage 21 days prior to the ceremony.

For more photos please look at the Wedding Photo Album

Film of a Wedding at Mbweni