The cheapest place to get married? Mauritius!
IT IS the sun-kissed Indian Ocean island fabled for golden beaches and luxury hotels. And now couples planning to tie the knot will be delighted to learn that Mauritius has been rated the cheapest in a global survey of wedding locations.
The Mauritian example chosen was the Maritim resort and spa, a five-star hotel with a long beach and infinity pool, all set on a 62-acre private estate.
Altogether, the big day there will cost couples just £12,492. The next cheapest destination is Sri Lanka, at £12,857.
In contrast, the average cost of staging a wedding in Britain is a staggering £23,141. The findings mean that marrying on a tropical beach could knock thousands off the bill, even after allowing for flights and hotel stays.
For the Seychelles, the price is about £13,600, and even Barbados can cost only £16,252.
Researchers from SN Travel and Virgin Atlantic drew up wedding costs in various destinations around the world.
The bill included hiring the venue, a photographer and video cameraman, a DJ or band, and a ceremony officiant. Other costs included hair and make-up for the bride, as well as flowers, but excluded the bride’s gown, the groom’s outfit, rings, stationery and transport.
Venue hire was the biggest single saving, with the cost in Mauritius just £511.
The most expensive destination in the survey was Chateau de la Plumasserie, 40 miles from Paris, where couples can expect to run up a bill of just over £26,000. The next most expensive was Italy at £24,738, followed by Britain.
The cheapest UK venue chosen was Jarrow Hall, South Tyneside, at £16,025, while the priciest was London’s Hurlingham Club, at £23,806.