Naladhu Private Island

Naladhu sits in South Malé Atoll, a 30 minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, and the transfer boats run around the clock. There are only 20 houses, every one with its own pool and butler, and the whole island can be booked for a group, so it need never feel shared with anyone outside your party.

The resort hosts celebrations that run over several days, which is the real appeal. Guests can snorkel, dive, swim with nurse sharks, sail on the Nirvana yacht, try a cooking class or book the spa, and there is a fitness centre and tennis on site. The Maldives is made up of 1,192 islands, and a private one removes every outside distraction.

Ceremonies here are simple and barefoot in spirit. Vows are exchanged in a shaded coconut grove under an arch of palms and white silk, with the island chief standing witness and bodu beru drummers keeping the beat. The resort does not say whether this carries legal weight, so ask the team how UK couples handle the paperwork, and whether a legal signing at home beforehand makes life easier.

For the evening, the resort suggests a seafood barbecue above the lagoon. The beachfront restaurant, The Living Room, works on a no-menu concept, and the island welcomes up to 40 wedding guests. Ask the team about the wedding dinner and the music curfew.

All 20 houses have a private pool, so a wedding party can stay together on the island. Ask the team how many guests the whole island sleeps. Dining is available at any hour, and guests can also use all the restaurants and facilities at neighbouring Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli. Between events there is yoga, meditation, kayaks, beach games and diving. Shared speedboat transfers are arranged within two hours of landing, and a private seaplane is available on request. The resort pictures the couple staying on for the honeymoon while the rest of the party heads off sailing.