Kenya Destination Wedding Guide 2024

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Kenya.

Weddings in Kenya: What You Need To Know

Kenya is a popular destination for couples who want to tie the knot in an exotic location.

With its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests and abundant wildlife, Kenya offers something for everyone.

From intimate ceremonies overlooking the Indian Ocean to lavish celebrations in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, a Kenyan wedding is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Kenya, there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a venue for your wedding.

Whether you want a traditional Maasai ceremony or a more modern celebration, you’ll be able to find a venue that suits your needs.

Kenya is also home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

If you’re dreaming of a beachfront ceremony, there are plenty of spectacular locations to choose from.

Whether you want to exchange vows beneath the African sun or dance the night away under the stars, a Kenyan beach wedding is sure to be an unforgettable event.

But first: you need to know where in the world Kenya is…

Where is Kenya?

Kenya is located in East Africa, and it is bordered by South Sudan to the northwest, Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Uganda to the west, Tanzania to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the southeast.

Area: 224,961 sq mi (582,646 sq km), Population: (2022 est.) 51,464,000, Capital: Nairobi.

Kenya Facts To Know:

Language: Swahili, English
Currency: Kenyan shilling (KES)
Airports: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Moi International Airport (MBA), Kisumu International Airport (KIS)
Official Tourism Website: http://magicalkenya.com/
Driving side: Left

Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Kenya for your special day:

4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Kenya

Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!

But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Kenya:

1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Kenya or closer to home.

You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.

Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:

2. Decide on a budget

When it comes to having a Kenya wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.

But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.

Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:

3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget

No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.

Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Kenya:

4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details

A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.

Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Kenya

Kenya Weddings: Key Information

Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.

To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Kenya:

What is the average cost of a wedding in Kenya?
What are the marriage requirements for Kenya?
What is the weather like in Kenya?
What should you pack for a trip to Kenya?
What things are there to do in Kenya?
What are the best Kenya wedding venues?

Read on to find out more:

How Much Does a Wedding in Kenya Cost?

The fee for filing a “Notice of Marriage” is $5 (KES 600).

Then, after the 21 days lapse with no objection, the couple completes an affidavit as directed by the Registrar of Marriages who also commissions the affidavit and completes a Marriage Certificate form. The cost for this service is $22 (KES 2,700), and at that point the date for the ceremony is booked.

Additional cost may apply depending whether the ceremony is held in or outside the Registrar’s office or in a church.

Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Kenya

If you are planning a marriage in Kenya, the Registrar of Marriages in Nairobi is the best starting point for information and current requirements.

Registrar of Marriages, Office of Attorney General and Department of Justice, Sheria House, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi
Telephone: +254 020 222 7461/62
Website: Office of The Attorney General of Kenya
Postal address: P. O. Box 40112-00100, Harambee Avenue, Nairobi

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide the following documents:

Valid passport and a copy of the passport.
Passport size photos.
Birth certificate, and a copy of the birth certificate.
Return plane ticket/Visa/Work permit.
Certificate of no impediment (CNI).
Notice of Marriage form.
If you have already been married, provide the relevant documentation to demonstrate that you are either divorced or widowed.
Name change document – generally all names on all documents need to match (including your parents’ names), otherwise proof of name change needs to be shown.
Wedding invitation card in case of Christian or Hindu marriage.

Other legal requirements are:

To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
Two witnesses are required, and copies of identity cards or valid passports for both.
There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Kenya, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
The marriage ceremony procedure involves filing a Notice of Marriage form available at the Registrar’s office with the Registrar of Marriages and waiting out a twenty-one days legal notice period for any objections to be raised on the intended marriage.

Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.

What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.

What Is The Weather Like in Kenya?

August and September are the best months for a beach vacation since they are the months with the lowest average temperatures, as well as the months with the most sunshine and the lowest chance of rain. On the other hand, January and February are the months in which the sea is calmer and clearer, which makes them the most suitable if you want to go diving. Although these months are the hottest and most humid, they are also the driest months of the year.

The least hot months to visit the arid region are July and August, yet there isn’t much of a difference from the rest of the year as the heat is still quite intense.

You have the option of going on a safari in national parks and in the highlands during the months of June and September, or between January and February. During the first period, the chance of afternoon and evening showers is higher at higher altitudes. During the second period, the chance of intense heat is higher at lower altitudes.

The worst time of the year for visiting is during the long rains, which may last from March to May in the interior and from April to June on the coast, with a peak in April for the interior and May for the coast.

What should you pack for your trip?

In general, for the plateau, wear layers of spring/autumn clothing that will keep you warm at higher elevations, a sun hat, and sunscreen. You may also bring a raincoat for rainy periods.

When visiting parks and reserves, wear neutral-colored clothing and canvas shoes. When going mountain climbing, you should have hiking shoes. For the summit of Mount Kenya, you should bring cold weather gear, a down jacket, a Gore-Tex jacket, a hat, gloves, a scarf, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The summit is accessible throughout the year.

Kenya Weather By Month

Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Kenya:

Average Temperatures in Kenya

The table below shows the average temperatures in Kenya each month:

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Mean (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)
January	12	28	20	54	82	68
February	12	28	20	54	82	68
March	12	27	19.5	54	81	67.1
April	13	26	19.5	55	79	67.1
May	13	25	18.5	55	77	66.2
June	12	25	18	54	77	65.3
July	11	25	18	52	77	64.4
August	11	25	18	52	77	64.4
September	12	27	19.5	54	81	67.1
October	12	28	20	54	82	68
November	12	27	19.5	54	81	67.1
December	12	26.5	19.5	54	81	67.1
Year	12	30.3	19.2	53.6	79.7	66.5

Average Rainfall in Kenya

The table below shows the average rainfall in Kenya each month:

Month	Millimeters	Inches	Days
January	40	1.6	5
February	50	2	4
March	70	2.8	6
April	155	6.1	13
May	110	4.3	11
June	25	1	6
July	12	0.5	5
August	14	0.5	5
September	25	1	5
October	45	1.8	7
November	120	4.7	14
December	80	3.1	9
Year	745	29.3	90

Sunshine Hours in Kenya

The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Kenya each month:

Month	Average	Total
January	9	280
February	9.5	265
March	8.5	265
April	7	205
May	6	180
June	5.5	160
July	4	125
August	4	125
September	5.5	170
October	7	215
November	7	205
December	8	255
Year	6.7	2440

Sea Temperatures in Kenya

The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Kenya each month:

Month	Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
January	28	82
February	28	82
March	29	84
April	29	85
May	28	83
June	27	81
July	26	79
August	26	78
September	26	78
October	27	80
November	28	82
December	28	83
Year	27.4	81.3

What To Wear in Kenya? (Packing Tips)

It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.

We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Kenya so that you can make the most of your time there.

The climate can vary greatly depending on the time of year and region, so be sure to pack clothing that can be layered.
Insect repellent: If you’re planning on spending time outdoors, insect repellent is also a must
A hat and sunglasses are also essential for protection from the strong sun.
Beachwear: Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit!
Comfortable shoes: You should also pack comfortable walking shoes for any hiking and exploring that you will be doing.
Camera: Kenya is home to many different types of wildlife, so binoculars and a camera are a must for anyone hoping to spot animals in their natural habitat.
Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Finally, don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure! Kenya is an amazing country with something to offer everyone.

Things to Do in Kenya

There are many different things to do in Kenya, no matter what time of year you visit.

Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:

Best Kenya Wedding Venues & Hotels

With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Kenya?

Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:

Wedding Venues in Kenya

Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi
Zen Garden in Nairobi
Sawela Lodge in Naivasha
Pride Inn Flamingo Beach Resort Mombasa
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa Mombasa
Paradise Lost Kiambu
Kiboko Bay Resort in Kisumu
Voyager Beach Resort Mombasa
Ciala Resort Kisumu

Hotels in Kenya

The Drexel House Kenya – Nairobi
Gigiri Lion Villas – Nairobi
Acacia Tree Lodge – Nairobi
Olsupat Lodge – Nairobi
Hc beach resort – Mombasa
Severin Sea Lodge – Mombasa
Ocean Village Club – Diani Beach
Blue Marlin Beach Hotel – Diani Beach

Check out the full list here: 60+ Wedding Destination around the World