Adventure Weddings & Elopements in Madagascar

Elopements in Madagascar are wild. When you think destination wedding locations, Madagascar is one of those epic locations you never ever hear about. Am I right? Maybe not even consider going to let alone have on your destination wedding location radar! In fact, if you’re not an avid traveler you could be afraid of visiting a place that is this undiscovered by the general population. Education is power. So we would love to share with you some reasons why you should consider Adventure Weddings & Elopements in Madagascar!

Travelling to Madagascar

First of all, where is Madagascar? It’s the world’s 4th largest island (over 220,000 square miles) off the south eastern coast of Africa. Malagasy is the local language but many speak French as well. Secondly, you will for sure need a VISA to enter into the country. As of when this post was written visitors could still buy upon arrival. For instance the approximate costs follow:

Short-stay tourism VISA’s:
- €27/ $28.70 (up to 30 days)
- €33 / $35.88 (31 to 60 days)
- €46 $50.23 (61 to 90 days)

Thirdly, you’re likely wondering how the heck you get there… right? It can be time consuming and a bit expensive, but you’ll find the adventure is worth it. On that same note, you’ll find South African Airlines, Airlink, and Air Madagascar all fly to Ivato International Airport (TNR) from Johannesburg South Africa. It’s give or take about a 3 hour flight.

Driving in Madagascar

Furthermore, to drive in Madagascar you need to be a minimum of 23 years old, know how to drive a manual car, prepared to drive on the right side of the road (just like the USA). Likewise, be ready to rent a 4×4 and be a confident driver. Why? Gotta be ready to dodge pull carts, rickshaws and livestock! Also be very prepared for the unexpected, like police hinting for bribes. Most times a smile, repeating your destination, and pretending you do not understand French. It’s likely all of them will let you through with no consequences (but have some lower bills in cash always on hand).

Best Time to Elope in Madagascar

The best time visit and hold elopements in Madagascar is between the months of late April to mid November. Outside of those months you could expect to experience cyclones and their extremely wet season. Our favorite month to visit is May and late October. Another tidbit to know is that you’ll find in the areas outside of the city limits there are limited resources. So it is very important to plan every detail of where you will adventure to and have a backup plan if needed.

Wedding Locations in Madagascar

Nestled within the Indian Ocean, Madagascar invites you to explore the abundant nature she posses! From rugged raw browns to sweeping mountain vistas, crazy rock formations, to pristine beaches and lush tropical rain forest areas, the country has it all. Although, it is a tiny bit difficult to see a variety of those tones and textures in one day. As the road systems outside of the cities are not well developed. The country is categorized into 5 divided regions where you will find countless locations for elopements in Madagascar! Come along with us as we share the awesomeness with you!

Madagascar Central Highlands:

As you wander your way towards the central highlands in Madagascar, preparation and information is key as it is a rural area. To illustrate, the central highlands of Madagascar are filled with rice paddy fields, dormant volcanoes, mangrove swamps, rolling hills and high mountains too!

Southern Madagascar:

Within the lower highlands of Madagascar, you’ll find incredible Isalo National Park, which instantly reminded me of the Badlands in the United States. Think: Earthy, browns, twisted peaks, crazy colors, and a middle of nowhere feel. Plenty of locations to embark on a Madagascar hiking elopement too!

Eastern Coast of Madagascar:

Welcome to the Eastern Coast of Madagascar! Find your way through tropical rain forests, magical mountains, vibrant waterfalls, crystal clear blue-green waters, plants and animals you have never seen before! Above all, this place is picture perfect for adventure weddings & elopements in Madagascar!

West Coast Madagascar

In Madagascar’s west coast, you’ll find the famous Avenue of the Baobabs where people from around the world flock to, to photograph. That said, if interested in that location, it’s best to arrive before sunrise and be there for it to avoid crowds. Especially since it is only 850 feet long!

Also in this area is the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. Which offers a very unique jagged limestone cliffs and a crazy cool bridge to adventure on. Probably one of the more interesting things about this park is that here you will find lemurs, amphibians, reptiles and bats in basking in their natural habitat. Therefore, if you’re a wildlife lover exploring this fabulous place during your Madagascar elopement could be utter bliss!

Tsaratanana Massif

Is a mysterious area found in the northern section of Madagascar. Specifically, while exploring the Marojejy National Park, I felt transported back to Saint Lucia, Kaui or Thailand! Oh la la the BEAUTY stays with you forever! Wild rivers, stunning summits, dense fog you can smell and feel, and the sounds of LIFE surround you and INSPIRE you. Take your pick on short of long hikes to waterfalls or viewpoints too! You’ll absolutely adore what our weddings and elopements in Madagascar team custom crafts for you!

Example Madagascar Wedding Timeline

If discovering narrow coastal plains, hiking to high plateaus, exploring subhumid forests, sweet waterfalls, and rugged mountain shapes, call your name in night. Then planning a Madagascar elopement could be THE BEST DAY EVER! So what could your Madagascar adventure wedding timeline look like?

Example Madagascar Elopement Itinerary:

4:30-5am Wake up for your Madagascar elopement adventure! Have a snack 😉
5-7am Hair and Makeup in your fabulous hotel room!
7-7:30am Breakfast and get Wedding Attire on.
7:30-8am Drive to a secret waterfall.
8-8:45am Hike to the waterfall!
8:45-9am Madagascar wedding ceremony!
9-10am Explore and wedding portraits around this magical area! Oh, hey Narnia you’re gorgeous!!
10-10:45am Hike back out.
10:45-11:10am Drive to a crazy cool canyon area!
11:10-11:35am Hike to overlook
11:35-12pm Champagne Toast feeling totally on top of the world during your adventure wedding in Madagascar!
12-12:30pm Explore and wedding portraits!
12:30-1pm Hike a bit more around this area.
1-1:30pm Luxury picnic lunch along the cliffs!
1:30-2:15pm Hike back out.
2:15-2:40pm Drive to the canyons and mountains near to the fabulous hotel you’re staying at!
2:40-3:45pm Explore and wedding portraits!
3:45-4pm Drive to really freaking epic rock formation that is CRAZY unique!
4-5pm Explore and wedding portraits there!
5-6pm Sunset somewhere awesome!
6-7:30pm Rest and Refresh!
7:30pm-? Dinner!