The vast majority of hotel resorts in the Maldives have a license to perform so-called symbolic weddings. Even couples who are not civilly married can enter into their symbolic marriage at one of the Maldivian resorts. A symbolic wedding does not impose any rights or obligations, it is a ceremonial vow in which couples symbolically seal their romantic bond. After completing the ceremony, the couple is issued a symbolic marriage certificate. Hotel resorts arrange everything, from accommodation for wedding guests or witnesses, through securing the wedding bouquet and cake, wedding feast, photographer, or cameraman for the ceremony and everything that is needed. The symbolic ceremony can take place anywhere on the island: on the villa terrace, beach, pier, sailboat, or yacht. Some resorts even offer a symbolic wedding ceremony performed underwater. The interior of the "newlyweds" villa can also be adapted to the requirements of the loving couple, the most popular decorations are aromatic candles and flower petals in the bed or bathtub. Some hotel complexes allow newlyweds to plant their own palm tree.

A tourist wedding in the Maldives can be perceived as a renewal of vows that were sealed at the civil wedding ceremony in their own country. A symbolic wedding ceremony is also an original opportunity to renew marital vows on the wedding anniversary.