Weddings on Aitutaki
With natural beauty that can only be described as heavenly, Aitutaki is the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony to remember. With the palm trees swaying in theocean breeze, the cool waters of the lagoon lapping against the white sandy shore, your wedding day can be everything you ever dreamed of and much more. Whether on a remote beach or in one of our century-old missionary churches, the setting will ensure that your special day lives on in your memory forever. Whatever needs or details you may wish to include, such as the age-old Rarotongan tradition of planting an ‘uto’ tree to signal a new birth or beginning, rest assured that we will find the right setting and atmosphere to suit your budget. Cook Island marriages are internationally recognized and of course, legally binding worldwide.

Have it Your Way
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 can wear traditional wedding attire or you may prefer an island wedding with elaborate Polynesian grass skirts, vibrant floral head-pieces and bare feet. Another option isfor the bride to wear a local ‘pareu’ and the groom a Polynesian shirt. Polynesian attire for your special day can also be rented or purchased.

Some popular venues are:
CICC church of Aitutaki the oldest church in the Cook Islands. The wedding ceremony is done ‘the Cook Island way’, with the entire Cook Islands Choir singing Maori songs. Communion or the lighting of candles may be included in the ceremony.

"One Foot Island" Aitutaki
Probably the most popular spot of them all.
Weddings here can include a mix of any or all of the following elements

  • Travel by boat from Ootu Beach to One Foot 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 dance group performing just for you.
  • Stroll along the beach while being serenaded with love songs.
  • For something different, Cook Island Drummers signal the brides' arrival on the island. The bride is carried from the canoe by traditional Cook Island warriors as the chief warrior chants accompanied by beating drums. The bride is then escorted to her waiting groom.
  • 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 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.
  • Dancing shows can sometimes be included in your wedding celebrations.
    The shows are especially prepared for your wedding day and add a unique Polynesian traditional event to your special day.
  • "One Foot Island" Aitutaki.
    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 NZ$50.00
  • Marriage Certificate NZ$15.00
  • Marriage Waiver Fee (If you wish to be married less than the 3 days residency requirement) NZ$45
  • Marriage Amendment Fee NZ$20.00
  • Church Minister or Priest a donation ( we suggest minimum of NZ$50.00)
  • Marriage Celebrant NZ$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 NZ$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 NZ$50.00; or
(2) at another chosen location at a cost of NZ$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 or a wedding specialist who can then ensure all your needs are met.

Do all the arrangements yourself
There are wedding specialists on hand 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 is everything you dreamed it would be.