Sh100 million weddings? Kenya's coast is now for the rich in love

young couple share a romantic dinner on the beach (Getty Images/iStock) photo The shores of the Kenyan Coast are experiencing a rise in posh, flashy weddings hosted by affluent families at five-star hotelyoung couple share a romantic dinner on the beachs, villas and cottages along the beaches of the Indian Ocean. The couples, mostly in their late 20s to early 40s, are willing to spend millions to create unforgettable moments during their nuptials. Islands along the north and south coasts have become idyllic oases of seclusion, ideal for destination weddings. However, tying the knot in these scenic locations doesn't come cheap. Hoteliers reveal that such weddings can cost anywhere from Sh3 million to Sh100 million, depending on the couple's preferences, number of guests, and the duration of the celebration. Tourists travel from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Cameroon, Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Nairobi to exchange vows and celebrate love by the ocean. Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa in Mombasa recently hosted one of the most luxurious weddings ever held at the coast-that of a Bollywood star-which saw the entire five-star hotel closed off for the event. In December 2024, Mombasa was abuzz with opulence during the wedding of Zakir Khosla, son of prominent businessman Imran Khosla, attended by President William Ruto. According to Sarova Whitesands General Manager Francis Msengeti, the destination wedding market has grown significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Kenyan Coast emerging as a top choice. "Yes, we did the biggest and most luxurious wedding. Entertainers arrived via private charters, drinks were sourced globally, and the food was exquisite. It was a week-long celebration, and everything went flawlessly," said Msengeti. He said the cost of a beach wedding depends entirely on a client's budget and the level of detail desired. "When you look at the hotel deliverables-rooms, food, entertainment, and activities, including transport-the budget can range from Sh5 million to Sh100 million depending on the size and scope," he added. He attributes the popularity of the coast to its picturesque environment, ocean views, pleasant weather, and professional service. One memorable wedding involved guests from Cameroon, for whom the hotel brought in Cameroonian and Ghanaian chefs based in Kenya to prepare traditional cuisine. Other hotels known for beach weddings include Swahili Beach Hotel, Indian Ocean Beach Club, and Golden Palm Beach Resort. Swahili Beach has between four and five weddings booked for the upcoming month and hosts events year-round. PrideInn Hotels, Resorts and Camps Managing Director Hasnain Noorani echoed these sentiments, noting increased interest in beach weddings from both local and regional clients. "We've hosted elaborate Indian weddings with guests flying in from all over the world. These multi-day celebrations blend cultural traditions with luxury hospitality," said Noorani. He added that many couples now prefer minimalist, nature-inspired settings that emphasize natural beauty, soft lighting, floral arrangements, and ocean views. "While MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) usually refers to business events, we now see social functions becoming a big opportunity for hotels," he said. He added that the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions has boosted tourism and destination events, and that the industry has become more health-conscious as a result. In Diani, hotelier Joan Ndung'u said beach weddings have become a lucrative product, with celebrations held in hotels, villas and cottages. Ndung'u explained that destination wedding clientele are usually under 40 years old and often combine their nuptials with safari experiences before or after the ceremony. She added that Diani has hosted private weddings with as few as two people and grand affairs with up to 400 guests. "Most guests stay three nights and spend around Sh100,000 for flights, accommodation, and other expenses. That's not the cost of the wedding itself," she clarified. "With destination weddings, it's more about the experience than the number of guests," she said. Ndung'u said the product has strong potential, as even a two-person wedding can bring in revenue equivalent to 100 tourists.

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