The island nation of the Maldives played host to a rather unusual wedding ceremony recently when British couple Chris and Janet Wright decided to tie the knot. The couple, both keen scuba divers, decided to get married 12 metres underwater and took their vows surrounded by submerged guests and a small wedding party.

Chris and Janet have been together for twenty years and began diving more than a decade ago. Their love of the warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding the Maldives led them to make the decision to wed in the Maldives and their ceremony was held near the Centara Grand Island Resort and Spa in South Ari Atoll. This remarkable wedding ceremony was the first of its kind in the Maldives, a destination that is no stranger to scuba diving and marine activities.

Marine Setting

The couple had been on 26 dives before the dawning of the big day and having spoken to the resort staff about having the wedding underwater, diving instructor Ibrahim Shaan and his team immediately put together a plan of action. With help from the resort staff, a beautiful underwater stage was created for the couple’s special ceremony, complete with red carpet, curtains and fish sculptures, and a swinging seat decorated with flowers.

When the big day arrived both Chris and Janet were dressed in traditional wedding outfits, with Janet in a long white dress with a veil and carrying a bouquet of flowers. Their bridesmaid, Carol Bielfield, wore a tutu and friend Thomas Taylor acted as ring bearer. Friends joined them on the underwater stage after the couple had swum up the aisle. The vows were exchanged using placards and once the ceremony was over, the oxygen tanks were released creating a display of bubbles to the surface of the ocean.

Honeymoon on Maldives

As the couple and wedding party were already enjoying Maldives luxury holidays, there was no traditional departure for a honeymoon. Instead, the newlyweds emerged into the tropical heat and sun and took an island tour on a catamaran before heading back to their hotel for champagne and cake with family and friends. They then continued to enjoy their Maldives break as a newly married couple.

The Maldives are a popular honeymoon destination and becoming increasingly desirable as an alternative wedding venue. Powder soft sands, clear and warm waters and some of the best hospitality in the world make the island archipelago a honeymoon hot spot, and the beautiful sunsets and tropical surroundings are ideal for a romantic break. Scuba diving is one of the most popular island activities and there is a wealth of colourful plant and animal life below the water's surface.

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