Cook Islands Weddings

With crystal clear lagoons, enticing temperatures, relaxed ambience and a warm welcoming people, the Cook Islands make it an easy choice when it comes to saying “I do”.  Simultaneously remote and accessible, modern and traditional, the Cook Islands present a perfect paradise for a wedding to inspire the soul.

Picture yourself walking down the aisle of a traditional Polynesian church to a melodic choir of island voices, stepping barefoot onto a sandy shore to say your vows flanked by a tropic sunset, being borne by husky islanders onto a Motu to pledge your love under a fragrant Frangipani bower.

Flights are daily with easy connections and there are a variety of accommodation options, from small bungalow style retreats, to private villas and large busy resorts.

Just 32 kilometres around and with only one road to circumnavigate,  whichever direction you head in, you can’t get lost on Rarotonga. With a strong cafe culture, a burgeoning organic and artisan food scene and a handful of bars and clubs, you can indulge in a 21st century Rarotonga that is still firmly anchored by traditional Polynesian values and history.

Licences are easily obtained and your marriage is legal and recognised worldwide.

Photo Cook Islands Tourism – Craig Owen Aitutaki

Download our quick guide here

Family Friendly

For a truly unique family experience, the Cook Islands will give you lifelong memories to savour.​

Adults Only​

The perfect escape for romance.
You will wish you had booked for just a few more days​…

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​Are weddings legally recognised overseas?
 Weddings in the Cook Islands are recognised as legal worldwide.
What documents are required
to get married in the Cook Islands?
Passports and Birth Certificates will be required when filling out the “Notice of Intended Marriage” at the Registrars Office;
A copy of the Decree Absolute if divorced;
If you have been widowed you will need to provide the Death Certificate of your spouse;
Catholic couples will need to have completed a course for engaged couples, such as the FOCCUS program, and will need to have Baptism Certificates;
All documentation must be in English or translated into English.
How do we apply for a
​marriage license?
All overseas marriage applicants are required by law to obtain and sign a marriage license from the resort
wedding coordinator or the marriage registry prior to the ceremony.
​Are wedding packages
​available?
We have a variety of all-inclusive packages along with extras
to suit all budgets and needs for your special day. Please contact us for further information.
What options do we have for locations?
In the Cook Islands couples can marry barefoot on the beach, in a village church, in the jungle, on a yacht… or how about on a private sandspit
accessible only by boat.
Are there group travel discounts available?
Wedding parties frequently qualify for group travel discounts depending on the size of the group. Please contact us for your personalised quote.
How many days before
should we arrive?
There is a requirement to visit the Registry Office during business hours at least 3 days prior, however this can be avoided by applying for a special licence at an approx cost of NZ$50. Otherwise it is recommended that you arrive a couple of days before your wedding to allow time to finalise plans.