Island Information

Moon Handbooks
South Pacific (8th Ed.)

South Pacific Wedding Guide

Could there be a more romantic setting for a wedding as the South Pacific? The very name conjures up romantic imagery of islands, coconut palms, blue lagoons, warm climate and friendly people. The South Seas has a long history of romance and adventure, of tranquil island settings, sunny skies, love and laughter. It is not surprising, then, to find that couples around the world choose the South Pacific not only for their honeymoon, but combine that with their actual wedding ceremony. They escape the humdrum of everyday life and escape here to find a paradise setting where they may start their life's journey together.

Below are some features of weddings in different countries in this region.

• French Polynesia - Be aware that weddings in Tahiti are not recognised in the USA (check for your own country), but one can always have a civil ceremony in USA and then enjoy a full Tahiti wedding. Polynesian marriage ceremonies can be simple, or involve elaborate costume and floral adornments providing the most spectacular of events and great for the photo album! Wedding coordinators are often employed by the larger resorts.
• Cook Islands - is also a Polynesian country and similar elaborate costume, head ornaments and so on provide a romantic and exotic ambience to your fairytale wedding in Rarotonga or Aitutaki. Saying 'I do' at a local church is also possible. Many destinations here offer coordinator services to programme and advise on your big day.
• Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) - In this country, weddings for visitors are not so prevalent as in some of the other South Pacific countries, so check when you enquire with the resorts. Obtaining the legal permit can take at least 10 days, so to ensure a hassle-free vacation it is best to organise this before your arrival. A permit is valid for 3 months. For a canoe wedding, the bride arrives on an outrigger canoe adorned by flowers and paddled by a Samoan warrior. Wedding locations are mostly on the beach with floral arch, or can be arranged at a small local church. Celebrate in the evening with Fia Fia (polynesian dance entertainment).
• Tonga does not permit beach weddings, only ceremonies in a local church, so if you are looking for a beach wedding you may wish to choose an alternative country destination. Religion is strongly adhered to in Tonga, and the process for a church wedding can be quite involved.
• Fiji Islands has a well-established tourism infrastructure and this helps to ensure a successful and stress-free Fiji wedding vacation. There is also a full-range from budget through to 5-star luxury. Larger resorts offer not only the popular beach at sunset location, but often dedicated wedding chapels, or hilltop location, or even a rainforest setting by a waterfall. It is also possible to be married in traditional Fijian wedding costume, made from hand-painted tapa (beaten bark) cloth and salusalus (neck leis of fragrant tropical flowers). The photo featured on this page was taken at Maravu Plantation Beach Resort & Spa in Taveuni.
• Vanuatu - Marriage coordinators are often available at resorts here to help you plan your big day. Professional photographers can also be arranged. Choose a simple ceremony or something more elaborate with warrior attendants (ni Vanuatu people) wearing exotic local dress. Embrace the full romance of a Melanesian wedding.
• New Caledonia is a more cosmopolitan country than any other in the South Pacific, with modern hotels and resorts offering a stylish elegance so this is more a place for a contemporary wedding in a tropical climate, than an exotic destination with local culture. French speaking.