A wedding at Victoria Falls is more than a beautiful setting. It’s a story waiting to be told – across river, bush and sky. Whether you’re eloping, planning an intimate celebration or bringing the full family and friends, Vic Falls offer a backdrop that manages to be wild, beautiful and deeply personal.
In this guide, we share what you need to know if you’re planning a wedding in Vic Falls: from venues and legalities to budgets and timelines, so you can plan a celebration that feels grounded, meaningful and entirely unique to you and your partner.
Why Choose Victoria Falls for a Destination Wedding?
Victoria Falls is a very special setting – natural, atmospheric and entirely immersive. It works just as well for an African destination wedding with 80 guests as it does for a two-person elopement.
You’ll find sunset light on the Zambezi River, riverside decks that glow by candlelight and bush clearings that bring in the sounds of the wild. It’s ideal for couples who want something beyond the expected, without losing the details that matter most.
Legal Requirements: Can Foreigners Marry in Zimbabwe?
Yes – non-residents can legally marry in Zimbabwe, provided the correct paperwork is submitted in advance.
Documents typically include:
- Certified copies of your birth certificates and passports
- Affidavits of single status (or divorce decree if applicable)
- Marriage license application (arranged locally)
- A police clearance from your home country
- Marriage clearance from the Zimbabwean Police
That said, legal requirements for a Zimbabwe wedding can vary depending on your nationality and local administration. We strongly recommend checking with your wedding planner or the local authorities in Victoria Falls to ensure you have the correct and complete documentation.
Pure Africa can help you navigate the process through local partners. We recommend arriving a minimum of four working days before the ceremony to finalise documentation.
Victoria Falls Wedding Venues: River, Bush, or Deck?
At Pure Africa we offer four signature wedding packages in Victoria Falls, each designed to deliver a seamless and memorable celebration. Our in-house wedding planning team is on hand to guide you through every step and customise your day.
Waterfront Package
Set beneath fringed palm trees, this package includes a ceremony at the Pure Africa Waterfront followed by a three-course dinner reception by the water’s edge. Guests are welcomed with iced tea and the night transitions into drinks around the firepit. Menu planning and wine pairing are included, with full bar facilities and return transfers provided.
- Price: From US$140 pp
- Timing: 15:00–00:30 (9 hrs)
- Capacity: 20–300 guests
- Includes: Venue hire, ceremony setup, dinner reception with service, basic décor and transfers
- Excludes: Cash bar and add-ons like florals, entertainment, lighting, tent hire and accommodation
Cruise Package
Ideal for couples looking to combine a Zambezi River Cruise experience with dinner on land. Includes a sunset cruise with canapés and drinks, followed by a three-course dinner at the Pure Africa Waterfront. Smaller groups can opt for a dinner cruise onboard Zambezi Reflections. After docking, guests can gather at the firepit with bar service available.
- Price: From US$200 pp
- Timing: 15:00–00:30 (9 hrs)
- Capacity: 20–150 guests (max on Zambezi Explorer)
- Includes: Ceremony, cruise, dinner reception, service and transfers
- Excludes: US$10 National Park river usage fee per person, cash bar and add-ons
The Cruise Package is especially popular for wedding ceremonies with a difference. Couples can celebrate onboard one of Pure Africa’s luxury vessels – surrounded by water, sunset light and uninterrupted views – before returning to shore for a beautifully curated dinner reception. For more intimate groups, the entire evening can unfold on the boat itself with celebrations, dinner and cocktails. It’s a relaxed, elegant option that captures the essence of the Zambezi while allowing for full customisation of styling, music and menus.
Bespoke Package
Tailored entirely to your vision, the Bespoke Package offers full flexibility across a variety of exceptional venues in Victoria Falls – from riverbanks and luxury lodges to private sites within the National Park. It’s perfect for those planning an elaborate African destination wedding or a fully customised elopement in Victoria Falls. Our planning team will curate every detail, with complete creative freedom and no set inclusions or limitations.
- Price: On request
- Timing: Flexible, depending on venue and event format
- Capacity: Customised based on location and requirements
- Includes: Full-service wedding planning, venue sourcing and tailored coordination
Excludes: All elements are add-ons and quoted based on your selections – from catering and décor to entertainment, transport, accommodation and more
Cost of a Wedding in Victoria Falls
The cost of a wedding in Victoria Falls depends on your guest count, choice of venue, food and styling. But as a guide:
- Waterfront package USD 140 per person
- Cruise package USD 200 per person
Each wedding is different, so we work closely with couples to create a quote that reflects their exact preferences.
Planning Timeline: 12-Month Snapshot
A realistic, streamlined planning journey might look like this:
12 months out
- Start to secure a venue
- Send guest invitations
6 months out
- Secure celebrant
Begin paperwork for - legal marriage
- Define guest list & accommodation blocks
4 months out
- Confirm styling and menu preferences
- Book any special extras (live music, photographer, boat charter)
2 months out
- Finalise timeline & logistics
- Submit all documents for marriage license
- Send guest info packs
1–2 weeks out
- Arrival of couple & early guests
- Final checks with wedding team
- Ceremony rehearsal (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners legally marry in Zimbabwe?
Yes, with proper paperwork. It’s important to allow time to process and finalise everything locally.
What’s the best month to marry at Victoria Falls?
April to August are especially popular for dry-season weddings – great weather, golden light and reliable river levels. That said, we host weddings year-round – each season brings its own magic, so the best time depends on your personal preferences and vision for the day.
Can we host the reception on a boat or bush venue?
Absolutely. Many couples choose to cruise into the evening or dine beneath the stars in the bush.
Is there support with logistics and styling?
Yes. We offer planning guidance, styling coordination and vetted local vendors to ensure your vision comes to life smoothly. We also work with specific hairstylists and make up artists so your wedding party can look and feel their best.
To plan your destination wedding in Victoria Falls, contact our planning team at Pure Africa Weddings or visit pure.africa for venue ideas, package details and availability.
