Weddings in the Cook Islands

Everything you ever dreamed of and more. Our

tropical paradise offers hundreds of possibilities for
your never-to-be-forgotten wedding day. Many of our
visitors are so moved by our paradise, they renew
their vows at special ceremonies. Whatever your
needs, you'll find the setting and ceremony to fit your
budget. Cook Island marriages are internationally
recognized and, of course, legally binding worldwide.
The Cook Islands offers a romantic backdrop, and
many picturesque venues for many special occasions
such as weddings. You can choose to get married on
one of Rarotonga's beaches, the botanical gardens, an
uninhabited islet, a local church, or at your Hotel - a wide choice of many beautiful spots.
Your ceremony can be as elaborate as you wish, from the bride, groom, two witnesses and the
minister, to any selected number in the wedding party.
You may wear traditional wedding attire or you may prefer an island wedding with Polynesian
grass skirts, head bands and bare feet.
Another apparel option is for the bride to wear a local pareu and the groom a Polynesian shirt.
Polynesian attire may also be rented or purchased.
Some popular venues are:

St. Mary's Catholic Church

The wedding in the Catholic Church is done the Cook Island way, with a full Cook
Islands Choir singing Maori songs. Communion or the lighting of candles may be
included in the ceremony

Motu Koromiri (Koromiri Island)

Probably the most popular spot of them all.

Weddings here can include a mix of any or all of the following elements

• Travel by glass bottom boat from Muri Beach to Koromiri Island.

• Enjoy a string band and Polynesian love songs while making your way across
the lagoon.
• After the wedding sip champagne, slip off your shoes and dance on the sand
Polynesian style to the tunes of the string band.
• Enjoy a Polynesian dancing group performing just for you.
• Stroll along the beach while being serenaded by love songs.
• For something different, the Bride can travel to Koromiri Island by canoe.
Cook Island Drummers signal the brides' arrival on the island. The bride is
lifted from the canoe by the warriors and as the chief warrior chants and the
drums are beating the bride is escorted to her waiting groom.
• After the ceremony both the bride and groom return together via the canoe.
 • Planting an Uto Tree is a custom in the Cook Islands. It signifies a new birth or
a new beginning.
• The planting of a new tree is incorporated in many weddings which are held on
the beach or island locations. After the tree is planted it is given a name by the
wedding couple and this name will stay with the tree forever.
• Fire Knife Dancing shows are sometimes included in your wedding
celebrations.

The shows are especially prepared for your wedding day and add a long-time
Polynesian traditional event to your special day.

"One Foot Island" Aitutaki.

Another popular location - a remote islet within the vast Aitutaki lagoon.
There are many other beautiful locations for weddings in Rarotonga or Aitutaki, and
most major accommodators have professional Wedding Co-ordinators at your service.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following is general information for getting married in the Cook Islands.
It is recommended that you check with the marriage licensing bureau in your state or province
for local requirements regarding marriages.
Legal age of consent to marry is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents required.
Application for Marriage License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages, on
the Island where the wedding is intended to take place, at least 3 working days prior to the
marriage.
The current valid passport and birth certificate of both intending Bride and Groom will be
required when filling out the "Notice of Intended Marriage" at the Registrars Office.
If divorced a copy of the Decree Absolute in English will also be required.
Fees
Marriage Licence $50.00
Marriage Certificate $15.00
Marriage Waiver Fee ( If you wish to be married less than the 3 days residency
requirement) $45
Marriage Amendment Fee $20.00
Church Minister or Priest a donation ( we suggest minimum of $50.00)
Marriage Celebrant $100.00
Registrar of the Court. Free if conducted between 8am and 4pm week days and in
courtroom only.
Registrars will conduct the wedding between 4pm & 6pm away from courtroom for
$45.00.

Churches on the Island

Cook Islands Christian Church, (Protestant) Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day
Adventists, Roman Catholic.
It will be necessary to check with your local minister regarding the requirements to
marry in the church as they will also apply to the Cook Islands.
SERVICES

There is a choice of ceremony:

(1) at the registrar's office Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm at a cost of $50.00; or
(2) at another chosen location at a cost of $100 upwards.
Two witnesses are required for either ceremony.
The main denominations in the Cook Islands are:
The Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC), Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventist, Bahai
and Mormon.
You must select the minister from the village in which you plan to marry. You may also
choose a marriage celebrant to conduct your wedding services.
Like someone to arrange it all for you?
Consider a wedding package.
Consider a Wedding specialist who can then ensure all your needs are met.
Do all the arrangements yourself
The Cook Islands has wedding specialists who are extremely experienced and qualified. You
will find that most accommodation properties offer wedding and honeymoon packages, and
they are able to cater to your special needs. Renewal of vows ceremonies can also be
arranged.
Every accommodation facility in the Cook Islands has the ability to ensure that your
honeymoon be everything that you dreamed it would be.