A Dream Wedding in the Maldives: How Robert and Emily Used Reward Points

Romantic Wedding in the Maldives

Just a day after their first date in 2019, Robert Lipman found himself dreaming of the Maldives with Emily Austin. "I tried texting her, hoping she still had an interest in me," shared Robert, who works in marketing. "But I promised myself that one day I would bring her back here because I knew she was the one for me." Fast forward six years, and that promise came true as the couple flew from Seattle to this stunning island in January 2026 to tie the knot.

The beachside wedding was beautifully arranged by the resort staff, and what’s remarkable is that the entire cost was covered using reward points from their credit cards. Robert and Emily planned a three-week wedding and honeymoon across four countries without feeling overwhelmed.

Thinking Outside the Traditional Wedding Box

When Robert proposed to Emily at a renowned restaurant in California in 2024, they quickly realized that a traditional wedding wasn't for them. Emily expressed, "Honestly, organizing a big wedding with all our friends and family, where I would be the center of attention, felt a bit stressful." They envisioned a simple ceremony with a more relaxed vibe.

In the years leading up to their wedding, Robert had been accumulating reward points to prepare for their dream honeymoon. They visited romantic destinations like Japan and the south of France, and they decided that part of their journey had to include time in the Maldives, a long-standing wish.

Planning and Execution

The couple reached out to several resorts and discovered they could hold their wedding at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, which offered an all-inclusive package covering the ceremony, reception, and even photography—all for a price lower than a standard economy flight. Robert was astonished: "Are you saying we can do all this for that price in one of the most beautiful places in the world?"

Once they confirmed the ability to customize the package to fit their style, the couple eagerly agreed.

The Journey of Earning Reward Points

Robert began exploring ways to earn reward points back in college. "A friend introduced me to the concept of 'churning'—opening credit cards to earn bonuses and then canceling before the renewal. My first goal was a business class flight, which I achieved with my very first credit card."

An Unforgettable Travel Experience

On their journey, the couple not only flew to the Maldives but also made a stop in Singapore. They spent four nights exploring the city before diving into their wedding festivities in the Maldives. At the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, they exchanged vows and then relaxed at St. Regis.

Upon arriving at the beach, they were greeted by local musicians playing Bodu Beru, a traditional Maldivian music style. Their wedding was not just a ceremony; it was also a cultural exploration.

Customizing the Wedding Package

While the Ritz-Carlton provided numerous impeccable services, the couple wanted to infuse their personalities into the wedding. Emily chose a simple floral arrangement featuring white roses and orchids. They also had the freedom to decide on the wedding location, music, and dining venue. Robert thoughtfully prepared a little surprise for Emily by bringing a bottle of champagne he had proposed with in France for their honeymoon night.

Helpful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

If you're looking for a romantic setting for your wedding or honeymoon, the Maldives is a fantastic choice. Vietnamese citizens require a visa to enter the Maldives, which can be obtained at the airport for about $30. Expect to spend around 1 million VND for a meal, so budget accordingly for your trip.

Flights from Vietnam to the Maldives typically depart from Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, with round-trip fares starting at around 10 million VND, depending on the travel season. The dry season from November to April is the best time to visit the Maldives, offering pleasant weather and stunning scenery.

Plan meticulously to ensure a memorable wedding or honeymoon in this paradise!