For couples in search of a totally unique wedding experience or the option to escape it all and engage in a small intimate ceremony, Sri Lanka provides a wonderful backdrop. With stunning tropical beach villas, grand colonial mansions, quirky boutique hotels and a full spectrum of religious buildings the choice of venues is endless allowing for almost any style of wedding.

There are numerous wedding packages available through the larger tour operators but we don’t believe that something as personal and important as a wedding can be organised via a package. There is nothing romantic about big hotels, buffet tables, bikini wearing onlookers, cheap and tacky decorations, set price extra or themed entertainment. Nor is there anything authentically Sri Lankan about these packages which seems a shame if a couple have specifically chosen sri lanka for their wedding.

Instead we like to work closely with our clients on a one-to one basis, using first hand experience to create totally unique, tailor-made event that reflects the bride and grooms character. We have personally visited each and ever one of the properties listed on our website so are familiar with the exact layout of each one and any limitations it may have. We have also worked hard to develop good relationships with the different managers/owners and will put you in direct contact with them as well so that together we can plan the perfect day.

For more information and to discuss the various options please give us a call on (0207 112 0019) or send an email.

The Ceremony

The traditional Sri Lankan wedding ceremony is a beautiful exchange of vows and symbolic gifts that dates back to 300BC. It involves Kandyan dancers and drummers, the blowing of the conch shell, seven exchanges of the betel leaf to ensure that the bond, unity and love will last for 7 generations, binding of the couples index figures with a golden thread and the exchange of rings, rice, milk and water as a promise to look after one and other for life. The ceremony is accompanied by singing girls and chanted blessings.

Couples can either opt to have a full traditional ceremony or just incorporate parts of it into a more simple civil ceremony. Being a truly multi-faith country it is also possible to have Christian, Catholic and Hindu ceremonies or alternatively a simple exchange of vows at a Sri Lankan Registry Office.

The Reception

The hotels and villas we recommend are capable of catering for various numbers of guests and can provide all the usual trimmings. Most of the owners tend to be European and so have a good understanding of what couple’s are looking for and thus execute such events to an exceptionally high standard.

Having said that it is always helpful if clients can provide as much information as possible in the form of pictures and references as to what they would like. This is especially useful in the case of wedding cakes and floral decorations. Set menus and drinks can be discussed in detail via email as well as musicians, photographers and any extras such as fireworks, hot air balloon trips, vintage car hire and elephant rides.

Legal Requirements

The following legal requirements and formalities apply to all marriages in Sri Lanka.

1) The couple to be married must be 18 years of age and over on the day of performance of the ceremony of marriage. The minimum age is 18, as in most western countries.

2) Documentation for wedding and marriage ceremony must be sent to the hotel at least 4 weeks prior to the wedding day and includes:

Photocopy of birth certificate – original to be presented prior to the wedding day

Photocopy of valid passport – original to be presented prior to the wedding day

Details of the names, addresses and occupations of the couple to be married

Details of parents’ names, occupations and addresses of the wedding couple

An affidavit confirming marital status of bride and groom prior to the wedding

If either party to the marriage is divorced, a Decree Absolute proving the lawful termination of the previous marriage must be presented prior to the wedding ceremony

If widowed, Death Certificate of former spouse of the previous marriage

If names have been changed prior to the wedding, legal proof of change of name

3) The couple must arrive with all the original documentation 5 days prior to the wedding.

4) The Registrar of Marriages will provide an official marriage certificate in the local Singhalese language with a certified duplicate copy in the English language.

With more than 13,000 km of coast line, warm 28 degree waters and marine life that is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef, Sri Lanka is a great location for all aquatic activities.

Water Sports

The best place for water sports is without doubt the town of Bentota on the West Coast, which is approximately 2.5 hours south from the airport. It benefits from a large flat estuary at the mouth of the Bentota Ganga, which ensures safe waters all year round for wakeboarding windsurfing, waterskiing, banana rides, donuts, kayaking and jet ski. Therefore, even during the monsoon (April-Nov) when the sea is unsafe for swimming and other activities have to cease the water sports can continue.

The best accommodation in Bentota is Taru Villa, Riverside Cottage and Nisala Arana. Other activities include river cruises and from Nov-March surfing, body boarding, deep sea fishing, snorkelling and diving.

For advise on water sport packages and accommodation please give us a call on (0207 112 0019) or send us an email .

Diving & Snorkeling

There are several dive sites along Sri Lanka's coastline, where vibrant and beautifully shaped coral is home to a varied number of fish species that include the Emperor Angel, the Moorish Idol, Powder Blue Surgeon, Sergeant-Major, Lion, Unicorn, Parrot Fish, Clown, Porcupine, Rays, Eels and others. For the more adventurous and enterprising divers, dozens of ship wrecks litter our coastline, almost always close to rocks and reefs and in clear accessible waters.

Hikkaduwa and Tangalla on the west coast, Unawatuna on the south coast and Nilaveli on the east coast are all wonderful places for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best time for diving and snorkeling on the west coast is from November to April and on the east coast is from April to September.

For advise on accommodation in these areas please give us a call on (0207 112 0019) or send us an email.

Surfing

The South west coast of Sri Lanka is open to the same regular, long distance swells as Indonesia, making it an ideal choice for surfing between November and April when northeasterly winds are most likely to coincide with the big southwest groundswell. There are many great surf spots to choose from, all easily accessible from each other, so it is easy to base yourself in one location and try them all out!
The mellow reefs at Hikkaduwa tend to favour left-handers. However, the most consistent spot is Main Reef, which has fun lefts and rights on a flat coral reef. Further north is Benny's and the North Jetty that both boast a fairly consistent big swell. South of Main Reef is the equally powerful Inside Reef. Beyond here is a long stretch of Beach Break, which varies from a fat wave (ideal for surfing beginners) to a fun shore break (great for body-boarders). The interesting colonial town of Galle has some good left breaks near the jetty just outside of town, and a bit further east, Koggala has some excellent left-handers when the swell is on.

Further east still is Midigama, which is less consistent than Hikkaduwa and more exposed to south winds. However there are two superb spots - a long fat left and a short powerful right breaking over a shallow reef. As a reliable option when the rest of the south coast is blown out, the beach break in Weligama can be surfed even when small.

The ‘A-frame' surf shop in Hikkaduwa provides tide tables. Most shallow reefs change significantly with the tides.

Hikkaduwa is a convenient 3 hours from the airport with a variety of both cheap and up-market places to stay such as The Tropical Beach House and Aditya.

For advise on accommodation in Galle, Midigama and Weligama please give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or an email.

Fishing

Fishing provides one of Sri Lanka’s most enduring images – even if it is difficult to tell these days whether the famous stilt fishermen of Weligama are more interested in catching fish or tourists. But Sri Lanka’s fishing heritage runs much deeper than the traditional craft of the stilt fishermen and is the lifeblood of coastal communities all around the island.

Sport fishing in Sri Lanka is relatively undeveloped, but 1,140 miles of shoreline and warm Indian Ocean currents ensure there is a plethora of fish in the sea, estuaries, mangrove lagoons and rivers. Deep sea fishermen may encounter Marlin, Sail Fish, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevallie, Benito, Queen Fish, Barracuda, Grouper, Cobia and Tuna making this beautiful island second to none when it comes to sea angling.

As with all other water related sports fishing in Sri Lanka is regulated by the two annual monsoons that feed this tropical isle. The west and south coasts are favored during north-east monsoon period from November to April when the sea is blue and calm, while the east coast is at its best during the south-west monsoon period from May to September.

Rafting & Canoeing

Sri Lanka has hundreds of rivers and small streams that originate from hills and offer excellent water sports facilities. Some of the rivers such as Kelani River in Kitulgala, southwest of Kandy, are very popular among tourists for rafting purposes as well as boasting Hollywood stardom as the backdrop to the film Bridge over the River Kwai. Popular sites for canoeing are the Kalu Ganga (Black River) and the Kelani Ganga.

Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher’s delight. This tropical island attracts more than 400 species, nearly half of them migrants and more than 20 endemic to Sri Lanka. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the migrants have landed, but there is plenty to satisfy you all year round.

Golf

Sri Lanka now offers enthusiastic golfers a perfect tropical getaway with three beautiful courses. From the historic Royal Colombo in the capital, to the recently developed Victoria Golf Club nestled among the verdant green hills of the central highlands, and Nuwara Eliya Golf Club in the tea country, Sri Lanka proves quality can be better than quantity. The combination of breath taking scenery, pleasant climate and challenging courses makes Sri Lanka a fantastic country in which to play golf and each club offers a very different golfing experience suitable for all abilities and tastes.

For advice on accommodation in either Colombo, Kandy or Nuwara Eliya please call us on 0207 112 0019 or email us .

Cricket

Sri Lanka is one the world's top destinations for watching cricket. The enthusiasm for the sport is evident wherever one looks. On the coastal beaches, the paddy fields of the interior and the grassy mountain slopes - you see kids in droves propping up makeshift wickets and practicing their skills with bat and ball. Add to this the wonderful Sri Lankan hospitality, natural beauty and some of the most affordable luxury accommodation available anywhere and it's easy to see why this is such a popular choice on the fans touring calendar. There is perhaps no other test playing nation that can offer visiting fans such a varied, exotic and accessible backdrop to compliment the on-field attractions.

The England Cricket Team will be touring Sri Lanka in November and October 2007. The fixture list is scheduled for release shortly in what promises to be a thrilling series. A rejuvenated England team will face a rapidly developing Sri Lankan squad, full of new faces and promise. A healthy rivalry has developed between the two teams over recent years and this encounter promises to be no less exciting than the epic battles that have preceded it.

Hiking

The central region of Sri Lanka with it’s a ruggedly beautiful “Hill Country” if absolutely ideal for walking and hiking. Rising to an elevation of about 2500 meters, the climate is significantly cooler and thus comfortable for walking and the scenery is utterly breathtaking. With miles of tea plantations, nature reserves, mountain ranges and jungle paths to explore the area is a dedicated hiker’s paradise.

Most of the good hill country hotels and villas cater for walking enthusiasts with information, maps, designated trails and full trained guides on hand who have exceptional local knowledge and can really bring the landscape alive. There are also many gentler walks for those who enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Our top recommendations would be the Ceylon Tea Trails, Kirchhayn Bungalow and Rangala House, but for more information and advice please call us on 0207 112 0019 or email us .

Mountain Biking

The size of Sri Lanka makes it extremely accessible by bike and a two-wheel adventure is a great way to view the country’s beautiful landscapes. Hear the birds tweet as you cruise along the Horton Plains or a jungle path, take a pedal back in time in the ruins of the ancient cities at Polunnaruwa and Anuradhapura, or try a relaxing route along the beaches on the south-west coast.

The circuit at the Sigiriya rock fortress, built in the 5th century, is particularly rewarding and the Kandy to Knuckles mountain range trail is also stunning - and can be extended by going on to Nuwara Eliya and the Horton Plains.

For anyone who enjoys cycling but doesn’t want a full holiday on two wheels, Sri Lankan has a huge number of boutique hotels in many different areas where bikes can just be hired for the day.

If you would like advise on a cycling holiday or accommodation with that facility please call us on 0207 112 0019 or email us .

Hot air ballooning has only recently become available in Sri Lanka and what better way to view this beautiful country than from the air.

The main balloon centre is in the cultural triangle and the majority of flights take-off from close to the Kandalama Hotel just outside Dambulla. The second center is on the outskirts of Ude Walawe allowing guest to take an elephant safari with a difference. Flights are sometimes available in other areas of the island on a request basis, especially for larger groups.

Ballooning trips are available daily throughout season from October to May when the winds are light and the sky at its bluest. A typical trip would start at dawn and last for approximately one hour – depending on the prevailing winds. A support vehicle will follow the flight and a champagne breakfast will be organized at the landing site. All hot air balloons are manufactured in the UK, where balloon pilots are also trained by instructors licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka.

The price per person is approximately £130 and you trip will include:
- A 3-4 hour travel experience
- Pre flight tea and biscuits
- Approx one house flight +/- depending on conditions.
- Champagne and tropical fruit Breakfast
- All hotel Transfers
- Friends can come along for the breakfast too for an extra $5 a head.
- Flights leave from near the Kandalama Lake in the Cultural Triangle.

Please note that the cost is fully refundable if you are unlucky enough to have bad weather on the day of your flight. Your wake up call will not come and you will not be woken in the morning.