Sand in Our Toes, Vows in the Air – A Dreamy Mozambican Beach Wedding

Some weddings make you swoon. Others make you want to pack your bags and book a one-way ticket to paradise. This one does both.

Layla and Michael, a London-based couple with roots in Durban and Harare, always imagined their wedding somewhere warm, soulful, and surrounded by water. When they discovered Bazaruto Island, off the coast of Mozambique, everything fell into place. “It felt untouched, spiritual, and personal,” says Layla. “Exactly how we wanted our love to feel.”

Their wedding was a barefoot celebration of joy, colour, and connection—with the Indian Ocean as the backdrop and golden light pouring over every detail.

🌴 The Setting: An Untouched Island Paradise

Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort served as the couple’s dream location. Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, it offers secluded beaches, coral reefs, and that exclusive destination wedding feel—without being fussy.

Their guests, who flew in from the UK, South Africa, and Canada, were welcomed with tropical fruit mocktails, embroidered kikoi wraps, and personalised notes on driftwood tags.

💍 The Ceremony: Sea Breeze, Silk & Sunset Vows

The ceremony was held directly on the sand. A natural driftwood arch, wrapped in flowing ivory muslin and dotted with blush hibiscus, framed the ocean view. Low woven benches and rattan mats replaced traditional chairs, giving the whole affair an effortless, earthy feel.

Layla wore a backless ivory chiffon gown that moved with the breeze. Michael kept it smart in a tan linen suit and barefoot confidence. Their bridal party dressed in white and soft coral tones, blending perfectly with the scenery.

“We wrote our vows separately but somehow used the same quote,” said Michael. “It was surreal.”

🍴 The Celebration: Island-Inspired Elegance

After the ceremony, guests were led down a lantern-lit path to a private beach cove for the reception. The décor was subtle yet lush:

Tables draped in raw linen

Soft shell and pearl accents

Candles nestled in tropical leaves and washed-up coral

Menus handwritten on banana leaves

Dinner was a Mozambican-inspired feast featuring grilled prawns, peri-peri chicken, cassava fries, and coconut cream desserts. Local musicians played barefoot under the stars while the couple shared their first dance to a Swahili love song.

“It wasn’t about glitz. It was about grounding ourselves in the land, the water, and the people,” Layla said.

🌊 Magical Moments We Loved

A pre-wedding dhow cruise with snorkelling and bubbly

The couple’s shell bracelet exchange before walking down the aisle

Flip-flop favours in a handwoven basket (“for dancing & exploring!”)

Their moonlight swim at midnight—yes, really

A surfboard guestbook that now hangs in their London flat

📝 Layla’s Tips for Planning a Beach Wedding from Abroad

“Plan for the weather—then surrender to it.” Winds, tides, and tropical heat are real, but magical.

“Keep your dress light.” Comfort is key when the ocean is your aisle.

“Create experiences, not events.” Her guests still talk about the beach bonfire more than the bouquet toss.

“Use tech that helps.” The Plan My Wedding Africa app helped them manage RSVPs, share guest travel tips, and build their day-of timeline all in one place.

💡 Final Thought

This wasn’t just a wedding—it was a warm, wind-blown, heart-wide-open kind of celebration. The kind where your feet never quite touch the ground, and the sound of waves becomes the rhythm of your love.

If you’re a couple dreaming of exchanging vows with your toes in the sand and your heart wide open, Mozambique might just be your perfect place.