Planning on getting married in Mauritius? Your choice of wedding venues is wider than you might think. If you fancy tying the knot somewhere a little bit different, here’s our pick of some of the island’s most unusual wedding venues.

On a private island

What could be more luxurious and exclusive than saying your vows within the confines of a private island? With a glorious lagoon setting, Ile des Deux Cocos – part of the protected Blue Bay Marine Reserve – is a tiny speck of land ringed by a white sand beach, which can be rented for weddings and special occasions.

Accommodation on the island comes in the form of a large 421 sqm villa, built by one of the early British governors, Sir Hesketh Bell, which has been fully restored to preserve its unique character. With a Moroccan-style courtyard and exquisite Mauritian interior, there is nowhere else like it anywhere in Mauritius.

Onboard a yacht or catamaran

If you’ve got the sea legs, then why not say ‘I do’ on a yacht or catamaran cruise? A number of operators in Mauritius offer the chance to get hitched on a luxury cruise, with nothing but the shimmering Indian Ocean and the colours of a tropical sunset to act as a backdrop for your wedding photos.

Travel entirely alone, with only your crew as witnesses, or bring along some friends and family for the ride. Some catamarans can cater for as many as 35-40 people, and operators will liaise with you beforehand to organise any optional extras like a professional filmmaker, wedding cake, dinner buffet or an overnight stay onboard. For starters, try Passion Océane, Catamaran Cruises Mauritius or Elegance Yachts for more info.

In a submarine

Yes, you read that right. Up on the far northwest coast near Trou aux Biches, Blue Safari Submarines offer adventurous couples the opportunity to get married 35 metres under the sea on the five-seater BS 600 submarine, surrounded by the deep blue ocean and an abundance of tropical fish and corals.

Ensuring you can wow all your friends and family back home, the unforgettable experience includes a 20 minute recording by an underwater cameraman, as well as a bottle of champagne and all administrative arrangements.

At a beautiful chateau restaurant

Set in a fragrant tropical estate and overlooking Turtle Bay, the River Citron and the ruins of Balaclava, Chateau Mon Désir is a stunning colonial-style fine dining restaurant with incredible views.

With a selection of different rooms to choose from, including a main dining hall, intimate salon and al fresco terrace, the chateau serves a mainly French menu which emphasises top quality seasonal produce. Weddings and special events have access to other exclusive areas, including the Fountain Garden which can seat up to 250, or – for particularly large gatherings – a dedicated area in front of the ruins, with dance floor, which can accommodate up to 500 people.

For more information, visit our guide to getting married in Mauritius.

Photos: Blue Safari submarine, Chateau Mon Désir.