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Tie the Knot on Remote St Helena Island for a Wedding Like No Other

February is the month of love, with World Marriage Day on 8th February and Valentine’s Day on 14th February. For couples seeking a wedding with a truly unforgettable backdrop, the remote South Atlantic island of St Helena offers a one-of-a-kind experience.


From historic venues to dramatic landscapes, St Helena blends romance, adventure, and seclusion, and is ideal for couples looking to mark their love in a truly remote and unforgettable destination. Couples can even pair their wedding with a honeymoon in Southern Africa, creating the ultimate travel adventure, combining authenticity with stunning beaches and safaris.


Booking.com* research shows 6.7 million Brits attended an overseas wedding in 2025, highlighting the growing demand for weddings that go beyond the ordinary. 


Under St Helena’s 2017 Marriage Ordinance, all couples are welcome to get married in this British Territory, including same-sex couples. Couples can choose a civil or religious ceremony at a licensed venue, or a church or other religious building. Wedding couples and guests should plan to stay on the island for at least a week due to flight connections. 


The legal requirements to get married on St Helena are:


1. Submit a Notice of Intended Marriage at the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

2. Display the notice for 21 days before the ceremony.

3. Provide passports, birth certificates, and proof of any previous marriages being legally dissolved.

4. Be over 18 years old.


Image credit - top row: Craig Williams - bottom row: Ed Thorpe and Mathias Falcone


Venue options include a range from some of St Helena’s most historic landmarks to distinctive island locations. Couples can choose The Castle, one of the island’s oldest buildings dating back to 1659; Longwood House, Napoleon’s former residence during his exile and now a museum; or Plantation House, the Governor’s official residence since 1792, set within grounds that are also home to Jonathan, the world’s oldest living tortoise at 194 years old.


For religious ceremonies, St James’ Church in Jamestown, the oldest Anglican church in the southern hemisphere (1774), offers a tranquil setting, while adventurous couples can even exchange vows at High Knoll Fort, a striking tower overlooking Jamestown, built in 1799 and now managed by the St Helena National Trust.


Jonathan Passaportis, Head of Tourism for St Helena Government, said: "St Helena is a unique and special island. Virtually undiscovered by travellers and just six hours from Johannesburg, it offers couples a memorable setting, local gastronomy and warm island hospitality for their special day. With a mild subtropical climate and year-round between 15–28°C, it’s an ideal choice for couples seeking a wedding destination that’s totally different."


St Helena Island has some amazing places to stay too, including Farm Lodge, a historic East India Company planters’ house, which sits in 10 acres of lush gardens, just 20 minutes from the capital Jamestown, offering peace, privacy, and stunning countryside views; or in, the boutique hotel, Mantis St Helena in Jamestown which blends history and modern luxury. Housed in the former 1774 East India Company officers’ barracks, it features contemporary rooms, à la carte dining, and outdoor terraces, all just steps from the town’s main attractions and tranquil Castle Gardens.


For a more low-key stay for wedding guests, the island offers charming guest houses, B&Bs, and self-catering cottages. With weekly direct flights year-round from Johannesburg and Cape Town (seasonal), St Helena is now more accessible than ever. For couples seeking a wedding off the beaten track, where adventure meets romance, the island is an extraordinary place to tie the knot.


To find out more about getting married on St Helena Island click here 





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