Saying Your "I Do's" in The Motherland

Courtesy of Odyssey Couleur Magazine

By Ann Brown

When people think of exotic wedding locations, Africa might not be the first place to come to mind. But that is changing as more and more people each year head to the continent for their dream wedding. And exchanging vows in Africa is a lot easier than many may think-plus, the post-card perfect location possibilities are endless. There are travel agents specializing in African weddings, and many of the countries can provide you with information on where and how to get married in Africa. If something here strikes your fancy, your next step should be to contact the country's tourism board, which can provide a list of wedding planners, travel agents and packages for weddings.

Kenya: Lions and Tigers, Oh My...
According to Maisa Fernandez, spokesperson for the Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya is fast becoming a favorite wedding destination. And no wonder. Kenya offers a range of wedding choices: classic beach weddings, balloon weddings over the Masai Mara Game Reserve, wild bush weddings, traditional African weddings. A popular location is on the edge of Laikipia Plateau overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River, where you can exchange vows at sunset.

Get married at the Mara Safari Club, Maasai Mara National Reserve, along the Tanzanian Border and the Serengeti National Park. Not only is the backdrop scenic, but this area is home to the highest concentration of game in Kenya and the largest lion population.

Tip: Couples marrying in Kenya are usually required to reside in Kenya for 21 days. However, if you apply for a Special License, you need only arrive in Kenya four working days in advance of your wedding day.

For more info: www.magicalkenya.com

Morocco: Like An African Queen
Just the name Morocco conjures up exotic images. The moment you land in Morocco, you feel transported to another time. There is so much to see in the country that mixes Arab, African and French cultures: kasbahs, Roman ruins, ancient cities. Your wedding guests can explore before and after the wedding, doing everything from shopping to riding donkey taxis to enjoying a spot of tea.

One of the most popular places for weddings in Morocco is La Mamounia in Marrakech, a former Moroccan palace that has been called one of the most beautiful hotels in the world. It's set in 300-year-old gardens and weddings are customized down to the last detail.

Tip: Before you marry, you'll need an affidavit translated into Arabic, which can be arranged through a Moroccan Embassy. Most types of marriages are permitted.

For more info: www.visitmorocco.org, www.mamounia.com

South Africa: Brides of the Bush
South Africa offers many destinations for weddings, with a wide variety of ceremony types-from a beach wedding to botanical garden settings to safari backdrops.

If it's romance you want, head to the banks of the Timbavati River, against a backdrop of African bush. The five-star Ngala Tented Safari Camp (www.ngala.co.za), on a private reserve within Kruger National Park, will arrange everything-including the ceremony, post-wedding dinner, honeymoon night accommodations, champagne bush breakfast and an afternoon game drive with a stop for cocktails served by a butler.

Others may enjoy a ceremony in the ivy-clad wedding chapel on the grounds of Blue Mountain Lodge, surrounded by indigenous bush, forest and farmland. The lodge also offers candlelit ceremonies at nightfall followed by a reception on the manicured lawns. After the ceremony, spend your honeymoon night in a villa with private pool and panoramic views of the mountains.

Tip: South Africa does have a somewhat detailed process for couples applying to get married in the country. In addition to the presenting the proper ID, you must complete an application process that may take up to eight weeks to be completed (you can do via the mail).

For more info: www.southafrica.net/satourism, www.bluemountainlodge.co.za

Tanzania: Out-of-Africa Vibe
Head to Tanzania for a truly unique ceremony. Say your wedding vows in a back-to-nature setting-then head for a honeymoon at an ultra-luxurious resort.

A favorite for couples is the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Here, bride and groom are escorted down the aisle by singing and chanting Masai. Then the ceremony can take place on the Tree Camp deck, which is covered with rose petals.

Tip: Like Kenya, Tanzania requires a stay of 21 days or more prior to the wedding. But you can apply for a Special License if this is not possible.

For more info: www.tanzaniatouristboard.com, www.ngorongorocrater.com

Zanzibar: Beach Nupitals
The mystical spice island of Zanzibar has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world. So it's no wonder they host countless oceanside weddings each year. And, with its pristine white sands and cool Indian Ocean breezes, Zanzibar is a hot spot to marry and honeymoon at any time of the year.

When planning your wedding here, you'll have lots of resorts to choose from, such as Breezes Beach Club (www.breezes-zanzibar.com) where they will arrange your wedding and honeymoon.

Tip: Zanzibar and Tanzania share a united government, so the same marriage rules apply for both.

For more info: www.tanzania.go.tz, www.zanzibargovernment.org, www.breezes-zanzibar.com

Zambia: Waterfall Weddings
Though Zambia is home to the breathtaking Victoria Falls, it has much more to offer: incredible wildlife, safaris, a rich culture and extremely friendly people. Say intimate "I do's" on a private island in the Zambezi River. Do so at the River Club, just upstream from Victoria Falls and home to 10 luxury chalets that can accommodate 20 people.

Tip: Zambia requires proper ID and paperwork.

For more info: www.zambiatourism.com

Ann Brown is a freelance writer based in New York.