When Queensland wedding celebrants Cara and Jamie decided to mark their love with a vow renewal, they knew exactly where they wanted to be: the Maldives. A destination they had long dreamed of visiting, its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and overwater chapels seemed made for romance. With no guests and no distractions, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows at the Four Seasons Maldives in a ceremony that was as magical as it was stress-free.
“The Maldives had always been a dream destination, and when we saw the Four Seasons Maldives had a wedding chapel in the ocean, we were captivated and it was all go from that moment,” Cara shares. Choosing such a secluded and iconic setting allowed them to step away from everyday life and immerse themselves fully in the celebration.
The day began in true Maldivian style, with the couple transported by a traditional Dhoni boat to the overwater chapel. Adding to the magic, they had written their entire ceremony themselves, giving a local elder the words to present. “We created a vow renewal template with sentence starters and completed them separately. Hearing each other’s words for the first time during the ceremony was really beautiful,” Jamie recalls.
After their vows, the chapel came alive with the sounds of Boduberu — a traditional group of singers, drummers, and dancers. “We got into the spirit and danced, or did our best to, Maldivian style with them,” Cara laughs. “It was so much fun!”
Dinner that evening was an unforgettable highlight. They were sailed out to a private overwater deck, where each course of their meal was delivered by boat. As the sun set across the horizon, they dined in complete seclusion, surrounded by the ocean. “It was an absolutely magical experience,” Cara recalls. From champagne with breakfast to being whisked around in a “Just Married” golf buggy, every detail was designed to make them feel special.
What surprised them most was how different the day felt compared with their original wedding. “As it was just the two of us, without any guests, there were no expectations from anyone. It felt very different to our wedding, as we didn’t need to think about whether guests were being well looked after or were happy. This allowed us both to be completely in the moment and relish the beauty of the Maldives,” Jamie reflects. “There was absolutely no stress and nothing to worry about at any time.”
In fact, they admit they enjoyed this day even more. “We honestly enjoyed the day more than our actual wedding day — which we loved — which showed us just how special, stress-free, and enjoyable an intimate destination wedding or vow renewal can be,” Cara says.
After three nights at the Four Seasons, they continued their celebrations with a private boat transfer to Finolhu. Meaning “sandbank,” the island is famed for its long stretches of uninhabited sand and chic barefoot luxury. With five nights to unwind, all-inclusive dining, and more time to savour the Maldivian seascape, it was the perfect extension of their vow renewal experience.
As seasoned celebrants themselves, Cara and Jamie know a thing or two about planning. Their top tips? “Check reviews of suppliers to make sure they’re highly rated and align with your vision,” Cara says. She also laughs about the logistics of her glittering gown: “My gold sequin dress wasn’t light! With the seaplane weight limits, we had to be smart with luggage. Thankfully it’s such a sunny destination, we could pack light — especially Jamie.”
Above all, they encourage other couples to consider a small-scale destination wedding or vow renewal. “It was relaxed, stress-free, and so special. We were able to relish every magical moment.”
The Dream Team
Venue: Four Seasons Maldives
Planner: With Love Elopements
Photography: Digital Studio Maldives
Dress: When Freddie Met Lilly
Honeymoon: Finolhu
