Great Destination Weddings

IN THE

PACIFIC ISLANDS

With the romantic

atmosphere, dreamy island

vibe and mesmerising

backdrops, it’s no wonder

couples flock to the gorgeous

Pacific Islands.

COOK ISLANDS

With 15 islands making up the beautiful Cook

Islands, there’s plenty on offer – but no matter

where you go, you won’t be sacrificing that

divine “island time”.

MAKE IT LEGAL: When you arrive,

you’ll need to apply in person to the Registrar

of Marriages in the Cook Islands, allowing a

minimum of three days for your application

to be processed. Take your passport when

completing a Notice of Intended Marriage at

the Registrar’s office in Avarua, and ensure

you have a copy of the Decree Nisi (divorce

documents) if you are divorced. The legal age

of consent in the Cook Islands is 20; if you’re

younger than that, make sure you have your

parent’s written approval.

FIJI

A world of natural wonders and hospitable

natives awaits you in Fiji – just two reasons

why plenty of couples visit these sun-filled

shores year in, year out. Choose a five-star

resort for your wedding party or exclusively

hire an island, and say your vows at night

under twinkling stars on a dreamy,

moon-kissed night. Pretty romantic huh?

MAKE IT LEGAL: You’ll need to take

your original birth certificates, valid passports,

and divorce papers or death certificates (if

applicable) to a marriage registry or district

office in Fiji at least two weeks before your

wedding for verification purposes. You can

apply for the actual marriage licence at the

same office at least three working days before

your wedding. Couples from Japan must

produce the koseki shouhon to certify their

personal details.

Two Become One...

VA N UAT U

This enchanting tropical paradise is a myriad

of islands dotted throughout the clear, warm

waters of the Pacific Ocean. Divine beaches

and emerald-green rainforests paired with

world-class resorts make Vanuatu an ideal

locale for a laid-back destination wedding.

MAKE IT LEGAL: Contact a wedding

organiser who can provide you with a

marriage application form. Lodge your

completed application with the Vanuatu

government 28 days prior to your wedding, but

ensure you’re in the country at least three days

before the big day. You’ll need to show your

passports and arrange two witnesses.

HAWAII

Hawaii’s postcard-perfect beaches with

glistening sand, swaying palm trees and

aquamarine waters will make you feel like

you’ve arrived in heaven. Chanelling America’s

luxe vibe with the laid-back spirit of island life,

Hawaii offers the best of both worlds.

MAKE IT LEGAL: Regardless of what

travel visa you have, you can get married

in Hawaii – but you’ll need passports to

prove your identity. You’ll need to apply

for a marriage licence through the Hawaii

Department of Health prior to your wedding.

If you’re aged under 19, you’ll also need a

birth certificate and photo ID to prove you can

legally wed. If you’ve been divorced for less

than two months, be sure to take your divorce

papers with you.

TAHITI

With 118 islands to choose from, Tahiti offers

loads of options for a tranquil and luxurious

escape. From colourful coral reefs to stunning

palm-fringed beaches, idyllic aquamarine

lagoons and lush emerald peaks, you’ll be

spoilt for choice when finding the perfect

backdrop for saying “I do”.

MAKE IT LEGAL: Legally marrying in

Tahiti is a lengthy process, so you’ll need to

set aside three to five months to prepare all

the documentation. You must be at least 18

years old, unmarried, and not a national or

resident of France, plus have two witnesses to

accompany you. You’ll also need to submit the

following documents to the Mayor’s office in

the commune where you’re getting married,

at least 45 days prior to the ceremony:

• Completed Marriage of Foreign Citizens in
  French Polynesia application


• Letter signed and dated by both of you,
  addressed to the Mayor of the commune
  chosen for your ceremony


• Copy of both passports


• Certified copy of both birth certificates,
  authenticated with an Apostille, translated
  into French by an approved translator
  (available on the consulate’s website) and
  legalised by the French Consulate


• Certificate of Non-Marital Status, signed by a
  lawyer, translated into French and legalised
  by the French Consulate


• Proof of residency for both of you
  On your wedding day, the Mayor will perform
  your ceremony in the presence of your two
  witnesses, hand you your marriage
  certificate – and you’re all done!

SAMOA

When you think of the Pacific Islands beaches

mainly spring to mind, right? Samoa not only

boasts some of the world’s most beautiful

beaches, it also offers plenty of breathtaking

rainforest, mountain and valley views and

nature trails. It’s a slow-paced island hideaway

that’ll leave you and your guests ultra-relaxed

and totally blissed out.

MAKE IT LEGAL: At least 14 days before

arriving in Samoa, fax a completed Intent

to Marry form, along with copies of your

birth certificates and passports (plus divorce

documents or a spouse’s death certificate if

relevant) to the Ministry of Justice in Apia.

You’ll need to make sure you’re in Samoa at

least a few days before your wedding, and be

prepared to pay a nominal fee to the

Ministry of Justice.

greatdestinationweddings.com.au 129

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAMOA TOURISM AUTHORITY, VANUATU TOURISM