Itinerary
As a backdrop to any wedding Likoma Island is difficult to surpass, whether it is the natural beauty of the island or the gentleness of the local community. Kaya Mawa can arrange all your wedding requirements to make it as special as it should be. Likoma Island is essentially Anglican but almost every religion is represented in some form or fashion.
Here’s how we would envisage your day to go, whether it is for just the happy couple or the whole wedding party.
The Night Before
If we have the space and the bride and groom are feeling traditional we will offer a second room for the groom the night before. Alternatively the men can be sent off to Mango Drift the evening before for a quiet drink whilst the bride can enjoy her last night of peace at Kaya Mawa. If the plan is for the wedding party to stay together then perhaps an informal barbeque on the beach.
The Wedding Day
Wake up, go for a snorkel, breakfast followed by some waterskiing and relaxing for the morning.
1300 - Lunch 1430 - The wedding party head off to get prepared.
1530 – Guests and the groom head to the bar to toast the groom before leaving for the wedding venue, wherever it a be.
1600ish – the Bride arrives. 1700 - Drinks and canapés at the wedding venue. 1800 – Head back to Kaya Mawa. 2000 – Sit down for Wedding Super. 2130 – Speeches followed by dancing on the beach.
Alternatively we can help you arrange something far less structured. We tend to find that those that have set out a plan for the day tend to throw that in the bin on arrival, change their venues, their vows and even their wedding day as the Likoman vibe takes over.
Venues
Likoma Cathedral
The cathedral is stepped in history and can seat up to 1000 people, completed in 1906 and definitely the grandest venue available it is located in the main settlement.
If you are planning an intimate affair this may not be the right place for you. However if you are looking for that extra special wow factor, then look no further.
St Marks Church
Situated within a 10 minute stroll of Kaya Mawa this church predates the cathedral by 4 years-it is much smaller than the cathedral and oozes character. The choir and singing here is fantastic with great acoustics in the church. It is our local church so don’t be surprised if some of the village turn up, they love a good a wedding! Due to the proximity to Kaya Mawa St Peters tends to be the favoured choice for church weddings.
On the Beach?
Likoma Island is blessed with beautiful beaches and Kaya Mawa has the means to get you there. We do have four spots of our own which couples in the past have favoured. Whether it is the view point, the gazebo, the main beach or under the baobabs trees (all these spots can be seen on our website).
However if you spot somewhere else you would rather tie the knot then let us know and we can probably arrange it. We can do the whole show for you, from the choir to the pastor, petals strewn on the beach or a boat covered in bougainvillea as the bride arrives.
Extra Information
At Kaya Mawa we can accommodate up to 29 guests, we also have a four bed villa a 15 minute walk away, or 5 minute boat ride which can accommodate a further 8, 10 at a squeeze. And then for the overflow there is Mango Drift our backpackers a 10 minute boat trip away or 25 minute walk where we have rooms fro a further 20 and ample ‘tent’ space.
If we have enough notice, and remember we are an island in Malawi, we will do our best to meet every request to make the day perfect.
It must be noted that while we can organise a wedding that is entirely legal according to the laws of Malawi it will be the responsibility of the wedded to check that the ceremony is legally binding in their country of residence.
There are formalities required, please contact us to ensure that we have all the details required at least one month prior to the wedding date.
