Tanzania has beautiful resorts, beaches, safaris, and hotels ideal for luxury weddings. Planning a destination wedding? Here’s a list of venues in Zanzibar, Arusha, and Dar es Salaam to consider.
For many couples, a wedding isn’t just about the day—it’s about the experience. And when you think of Tanzania, it’s easy to see why it’s a dream destination for both locals and foreigners. From the turquoise shores of Zanzibar to the dramatic plains of the Serengeti and the cultural warmth of Arusha, this country offers settings that feel straight out of a painting.
Tanzanian couples living abroad often return home for something rooted and familiar yet luxurious. Foreign couples, on the other hand, come for the beauty, the hospitality, and that rare mix of wild and refined. Whether you picture a barefoot beach ceremony, a sunset safari reception, or an elegant celebration in a city resort, Tanzania gives you more than just venues—it gives you moments that stay with you long after the music stops.
Breathtaking Destination Wedding Venues in Tanzania
Below is a curated list of some of the best destination wedding venues across Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and beyond. Each one offers something different—style, scenery, and a story worth telling.
1. Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
A dream location for couples who want to say “I do” against a backdrop of wildlife and golden plains. The service, scenery, and exclusivity make it unforgettable.
- Location: Bwejuu Beach, Southeast Coast, Paje-Michamvi Road, Dongwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, safari setting, etc.
- Instagram: @fsserengeti
2. Shukran Palace
Shukran Palace blends luxury and culture in perfect harmony. Set along Zanzibar’s serene coastline, it offers stunning ocean views, elegant halls, and peaceful gardens—an ideal spot for couples who want a grand yet intimate destination wedding.
- Location: Pingwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, waterfront, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @shukran_palace
3. Sea Cliff Resort & Spa
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Sea Cliff Resort and Spa is known for its dreamy sunsets and serene atmosphere. What could be more magical than a romantic wedding on the exotic island of Zanzibar? It’s a top pick for destination weddings that blend relaxation and celebration. From a small, intimate gathering to a grand reception, this venue surely can accommodate your unique dream experience.
- Location: Mangapwani, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @seacliffzanzibar
4. White Sands Resort
White Sands Resort is perfect for couples who want a beach wedding without leaving the city. Located in Dar es Salaam, it combines oceanfront beauty with modern comfort. The palm-lined paths, lush gardens, and sweeping sea views create a romantic setting for ceremonies and receptions. With on-site wedding planners and world-class amenities, it’s where luxury meets the effortless charm of the Tanzanian coast.
- Location: Africana Road, Jangwani Beach, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @whitesands_resort
5. Ramada Resort
A stylish beachside resort that brings a modern touch to Tanzanian weddings. Its event spaces and oceanfront settings make it perfect for couples hosting guests from abroad.
- Location: Africana Road, Jangwani Beach, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @ramadaresortdar
6. Baraza Resort and Spa
- Location: Bwejuu Beach, Southeast Coast, Paje-Michamvi Road, Dongwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @barazaresortzanzibar
7. Melia Zanzibar
One of Zanzibar’s most luxurious resorts, offering panoramic ocean views and curated wedding packages. Perfect for couples abroad looking for an all-inclusive experience.
- Location: Kiwengwa, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @meliazanzibar
8. Malaika Beach Resort
Set along Lake Victoria, Malaika Beach Resort is calm, classy, and scenic. It’s great for couples who want a waterfront wedding away from the crowds.
- Location: Tunza Road, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @malaikabeachresort_tz
9. The Mora Hotels
The Mora Hotels is a haven for couples and families seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and coastal charm. Overlooking Zanzibar’s turquoise waters, it offers elegant suites, sparkling pools, and white sandy beaches perfect for relaxation or celebration. Whether it’s a romantic wedding, a family getaway, or a quiet escape, every detail here is designed to create unforgettable moments by the ocean.
- Location: Muyuni, Matemwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, ocean views, etc.
- Instagram: @themorahotels
10. Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime wedding experience surrounded by Tanzania’s wild beauty. Imagine exchanging vows under open skies, with golden plains and roaming wildlife as your backdrop. Perfect for adventurous couples who want romance, nature, and timeless African magic all in one setting.
- Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Best for: Destination weddings, foreign couples, Tanzanian couples abroad
- Known for: Luxury, cultural charm, safari setting, etc.
- Instagram: @serengeti_national_park
Why Couples Choose Destination Wedding Venues
Destination weddings aren’t just about travel. They’re about meaning. For many couples, especially Tanzanians living abroad and foreigners who’ve fallen in love with the country, Tanzania feels like the perfect blend of beauty, culture, and calm. Here’s why so many choose to say “I do” here.
1. The backdrop is unmatched.
Tanzania offers diversity in its landscapes, beaches, islands, mountains, and wildlife reserves. Whether it’s Zanzibar’s clear waters or Serengeti’s golden plains, couples don’t have to overdecorate. The location itself does the work.
2. It feels intimate and intentional.
Destination weddings naturally bring a smaller guest list, which means only the people who matter most make the trip. That intimacy creates stronger memories and more personal moments.
3. It blends culture and celebration.
Tanzania gives you the space to mix traditional rituals with modern style. You can have a Maasai blessing ceremony one day and a black-tie dinner by the beach the next.
4. A built-in honeymoon.
Many couples love that their wedding and honeymoon merge into one. From Zanzibar’s coastal resorts to Ngorongoro’s crater lodges, there’s no need to travel again after the vows.
5. Experienced local vendors.
Planners, decorators, and photographers in Tanzania are used to working with international couples. They understand the logistics, from customs paperwork to cultural details, and make the process easier.
6. It’s often more affordable than expected.
Compared to Western wedding destinations, Tanzania offers luxury at a better rate. With the right planner, couples can have world-class experiences without the inflated price tags.
7. It tells a story worth remembering.
There’s something powerful about exchanging vows in a place that feels alive—surrounded by ocean waves, safari sunsets, or Swahili music drifting in the air. Every couple leaves with a story that’s entirely theirs.
What to Know When Planning a Destination Wedding in Tanzania
Planning a wedding away from home comes with its own set of challenges. But with a bit of preparation and the right people by your side, it can be the most rewarding experience. Here’s what you should know before you start.
1. Timing matters more than you think.
Tanzania’s best wedding seasons are June to October and December to February—dry months with good weather. But these are also peak tourism seasons, so book venues and vendors early to avoid missing out.
2. Legal and religious requirements vary.
Foreign couples need to check marriage registration procedures, including residency rules and documentation. Tanzanian couples living abroad may also need to ensure their marriage is recognized locally and internationally. A planner who’s handled such weddings can guide you through it easily.
3. Choose your venue for experience, not just beauty.
Some resorts and lodges specialize in weddings, with on-site planners and backup plans for weather. Others might be visually stunning but logistically difficult, especially for large guest groups. Always ask what’s included in the package, how many events they’ve hosted, and whether they handle coordination.
4. Understand the hidden costs.
Travel, local transport, decor imports, and photography permits can add up quickly. Some remote venues may also have higher catering or accommodation rates. Make sure your budget includes all these details to avoid surprises later.
5. Hire local experts who know the terrain.
From navigating permits at national parks to setting up beach receptions in Zanzibar, local wedding planners, decorators, and MCs know the rhythm of the place. They’ll handle the logistics while you focus on the experience.
Final Thought
A destination wedding in Tanzania is more than a celebration—it’s a journey. It connects love with nature, tradition with elegance, and two families with one unforgettable moment. Whether you’re returning home to your roots or flying in for the first time, Tanzania offers something rare: weddings that don’t just look beautiful but feel deeply meaningful.
