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The Cook Islands are well recognised as a place where the magic of romance catches more couples looking to get married than just about anywhere else in the South Pacific. And just as importantly, if you wish to renew your vows, what better place than the perfect piece of paradise on which to do so.
Most resorts have specific wedding planners with plenty of packages on hand which help couples choose what you might like for your special day, whether it is traditional or locally customised and with whatever your budget may be.
You can choose to be brought in for a sand and palm tree ceremony by Cook Islands warriors on a canoe or be married traditionally in one of the many very beautiful churches the Cook Islands are renowned for. In fact, your imagination really is the only limit when it comes to deciding what type of venue you might like or how you may like your ceremony conducted.
The Cook Island Government has long recognised the special place weddings has in its economy and has made the creation of a wedding much easier than in many other places.
If you plan to get married, this is what you need to know or have in place:
You need to be in the Cook Islands for just three working days prior to the wedding to obtain your Marriage Licence. You'll need your respective birth certificates and passports, plus divorce papers and death certificate of former spouse if these are applicable. The legal age of consent to marry is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.
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The cost of License if marriage is performed by Registrar of Marriages: NZS56.25. If conducted by a church minister: NZ$22.50. Cost of Marriage Certificate NZ$11.25. 3. Application for License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands on arrival.
Churces on the Islands: Protestant, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic. It will be necessary to check with you local Minister regarding the requirements to marry in the Church as they will also apply to the Cook Islands.
All documents must be in English or translated into English. Weddings in the Cook Islands are legally-binding and internationally-recognised.
Select from any one of the resorts listed below and have a look at the many packages on offer, bearing in mind that all are open to discussing and changing any aspect you may choose.
Pacific Resort
Pacific Resort in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki, offers customised packages, starting with the basic design and then creating your perfect wedding day with individual touches specific to your personal requirements.
The beautiful grounds of Pacific Resort Rarotonga and Pacific Resort Aitutaki are so well established and large, your choice of venue is varied.
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Many like the idea of using the little uninhabited islet that is within walking distance at low tide, of the resort within the lagoon. Pacific Resort's cruise ferry will take your wedding party to the islet where you can have the complete ceremony, or choose if you like to be taken there afterward and take part in the Cook Island tradition of planting a young coconut tree to celebrate the occasion.
Pacific Resort's wedding packages all include the following: Choice of wedding venue, all standard car transfers, the wedding license, a donation to the minister, flower leis for bride and groom, a meal for two with a sumptuous designed menu, a bottle of bubbly and full liaison with wedding co-ordinator and resort staff.
Aroa Beachside Inn
Aro'a Beachside Inn's romantic wedding package starts at $480.00 and includes: Minister or Justice of the Peace; Escort (Take you in to Avarua to Justice Department to arrange/collect Marriage Licence and to do other shopping and etc required; Flowers (Includes 2 Head Ei's (Garland), 2 Neck Ei's (Garland), Brides Bouquet and Wedding Arch with Plant/Flower Border, Which can be located on the Beach or in the Gardens); Wedding Cake and Sparkling Wine (Tropical Wedding Cake frosted, decorated with fresh flowers) ) Romantic Sunset Dinner for Bride and Groom $100.00
Menu Includes Beverage: 1 Bottle of Wine/New Zealand Lindauer Starters: Various Dishes including Salads, Vegetables and Fish Main Course: Lamb, Beef, Chicken & Fish Variety of Salads Vegetables Island Dishes Kumara (Sweet Potato), Taro & Maniota (Arrowroot) Wedges
Optional Extras include: (Wedding Guest $ 25.00 per person - not including Alcohol); Band & Dancers (2 Hour Show - $300.00); Band Only (Duo - $150.00)
Mana Photos; Tutu Manea Package $225.00 (40 Photos plus Negatives); Tutu Taakoka Package $300.00 (40 Photos plus Negatives & Album); Tutu Koromiri Package $375.00 (80 Photos plus Negatives & Album); Extra Film $ 40.00 (24 Exposure) (Each Package applies to 2 ½ Hours Only, Extra Hours will incur a charge).
Manuia Beach Hotel
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Manuia Beach Hotel weddings are conducted in the sand floor chapel at the edge the beach with the lagoon and magnificent sunset as background. Being a small and romantic beachfront property this hotel will put together whatever package you require on an individual basis - just ask! The packages below are just two examples of basic packages. Just let us know what extras are required and we will give the cost to you.
Prices includes: Marriage Licence Donation to your officiating Minister Wedding Co ordinator Transfers to process your licence and to meet the Minister 2 Flower eis for the bride and groom 1 head garland for bride 1 bottle of champagne Fruit platter Taped music Special gift from the Cook Islands AU$340/US$190 Extra's: Prices in NZ Dollars payable locally Romantic serenader 100.00; Manuia Beach Hotel string band 135.00; Warrior and Maiden escort 135.00; Children's dance team 270.00; Photographer/Album/Negatives; 40 photos 240.00; with album 330.00 ; 80 photos 360.00; with album 450.00; Video of wedding 360.00; Bridal Bouquet 60.00; Private dinner for couple on their veranda or on the beach with torch lights. Price on application.
Edgewater Resort
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The Edgewater Resort, Cook Island's largest and most romantic resort, invites you to discover the perfect setting for your magical day. Set amidst swaying coconut palms on a long white sand beach, experience exchanging your vows at sunset, beside the pristine waters and untouched beauty of the lagoon.
Celebrate your marriage with your loved ones, be serenaded by an island string band and as the drum beats echo out over the lagoon, join the dancers on the beach. Plant the Polynesian tree of life; a young coconut palm, and breathe in the scent of tropical flowers in your hair.
Choose from one of our many island wedding packages or create your very own. The specialised wedding co-ordinator will be there on the day to make sure everything runs smoothly. You can choose from a range of options and we will tailor the package to suit your individual needs.
Crown Beach Resort
If you are looking for a relaxing wedding, this is the way to do it! Your wedding will be about you and your future together. Crown Beach is the perfect setting for your ceremony. To ensure that the family is not left out, a professional photographer with both packages is included. You will be presented with a unique style of album, made of natural local materials, full of the memories of your wedding.
Two example of Crown Beach weddings are: Dream Wedding. AU$1230 Personal Wedding Consultant/Witnesses Marriage License and application Marriage Celebrant Flowers (Traditional eis and bouquet) Floral Archway for ceremony Wedding Cake Champagne Dinner for 2 Professional photographer Crown Beach Royal Wedding. AU$1595
Personal Wedding Consultant Witnesses Marriage Licence and Application Marriage Celebrant Flowers (Traditional eis and bouquet) Flower Strewn Pathway Floral Archway for ceremony Island performers (usually singing duo) Wedding Cake Champagne Dinner for 2 Professional Photographer Wedding Package Upgrade Options: String band - Canoe - Warrior Escort , (Chants and Dances) - Island Costumes - Hair stylist - Masseur - Full Dance Team - Champagne or Cocktail receptions for small groups. Prices vary, based on availability and total package.
For further information, please contact directly: Marriage Inquiries Registrars Department Department of Justice and Lands PO Box 11 Raratonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific Ph: (682) 29-410 Fax: (682) 29-610 E-mail: offices@justice.gov.ck |