Weddings & Honeymoons in the Cook Islands

Weddings in the Cook Islands

Are you looking for a romantic wedding in a tropical paradise? What better way to start your lives together than exchanging vows in the beautiful Cook Islands?

Weddings can be arranged on the beach, in beautiful tropical gardens, in traditional churches, or on beautiful Koromiri Island, just off the shore of Rarotonga. Some of the resorts offer their own special wedding ceremonies. We can help you arrange the perfect wedding – from the simple beach wedding to the elaborate traditional tropical wedding.

Enjoy those special touches that make getting married in the Cook Islands so wonderful: floral bouquets, floral ei (lei), traditional Cook Islands dancers, professional photographers, special wedding dinners, wedding cakes, and more.

Cook Island marriages are internationally recognized and are legally binding worldwide. It is recommended that you check with the marriage-licensing bureau in your state or province for local requirements regarding marriages.

The Legal age of consent to marry in the Cook Islands is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required. Application for Marriage License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at Avarua at least 3 working days prior to the marriage.

Your passport and birth certificate will be required when filling out the "Notice of Intended Marriage" at the Registrar's Office.

• If divorced a copy of the Decree Absolute will be required.
• All documents must be in English.
• You must register at least three full working days prior to your wedding date.
• If you are getting married in Aitutaki, you must arrive at least three full working days prior to your wedding date.

Please note: The information provided above is to be used only as a guide. We advise in all cases that you contact the relevant official government offices of the destination at which you choose to marry, for up-to-date legal requirements, before booking your wedding.

Wedding Tips & Info

Send a 'Save the Date Letter' if you are having guests. Invitations to traditional weddings are supposed to be sent 4-6 weeks before the event, but, more lead time is helpful. Send them off as early as possible, preferably at least eight months in advance. Remember, this is a destination wedding, and your guests may be planning their family vacation around it.

Ideally, this destination wedding should be a vacation for you as well so let some things go. Don't get so caught up in little details that you can't enjoy your time in a special place. Figure out what's important to you, and label the rest of it "small stuff" that you won't sweat. That will free you up to take a tour, relax, play, and join in on what your guests are doing.

Make sure you arrive and leave yourself time to recover from jet lag - no one wants bags under their eyes on their wedding day.

Travel Insurance, this is important anything can happen most commonly are delayed flights which might make you miss a nights accommodation. Travel insurance can be purchased through Goway Travel at the time of deposit for your booking. For only a few more dollars it's peace of mind while travelling.

Make sure all of your documentation is current, passport, visa etc. Check the spelling of your names on your travel invoices to make sure they are correct before the vouchers are sent to you.

Check the expiry dates on all of your credit cards. Call your credit card company and let them know that you will be traveling and when. There is nothing worse than going to pay for dinner on your arrival night and getting declined! Highlight your insurance policy number, you might even want to copy the policy number down and leave it at home this way if you misplace it while traveling you will have the backup at home.

Plan Your Packing

At least a few weeks before your trip, write out a list of things that you think you'll need and want to bring along on your trip. Give yourself more than a few days before the trip to plan what you'll bring. This way you won't forget anything important and you will have time to add or eliminate things on the list. This also helps in the re-packing stage to come home.

Get advice from your dressmaker or retailer on how a dress should be packed for travel and plan to carry it on if you can, along with any other wedding apparel you would find hard to replace on short notice. Packing for the wedding and the honeymoon can add up to a lot of luggage. If you can, have some of your guests and family who are traveling with you carry important things.

Don't over-plan for your guests. You have probably gone through a lot of trouble choosing a nice place to get married. Let your guests enjoy it! Don't plan so many get-togethers, family dinners, rehearsal dinners, and so on that your family and friends have no free time.

On your arrival day at the resort where you will be saying "I DO", clear your schedule as you will want to spend time with your coordinator to run through any additional queries you may have.

Use plenty of sunscreens; the weather is much warmer than in North America. If you are on a beach you want to apply sunscreen - strap marks are hard to hide.

Coming home, make sure to schedule yourself at least two days to relax on your return, you may be jet lagged and this way you can spend two days as newlyweds in your home.

When you come home we would love to hear from you, please call us and let us know how wonderful your wedding was.

There are ways to include the people who are not able to be there to enjoy your celebration. One option is to have a reception at some point after the wedding when you return. You can plan something very much like a traditional wedding reception (formal invitations, cake cutting, dancing, even wedding attire) or something not as elaborate such as a small party or get-together. This is a great time to show you wedding photos or videos.

Wedding Frequently Asked Questions

What name will you travel under? 

It is always best to keep it simple and travel under your maiden name. Your airline ticket should have the same name that appears on your passport for it to be valid.

What if you are only renewing your vows? 

The renewal ceremony will cost the same as a wedding ceremony. Please let us know when you are planning to organize your travel and ceremony so that you are looking to do a renewal so we can let the coordinator know.

Do I need to register in Canada/the United States of America? 

No - as your Cook Islands wedding is legal in Canada and the United States of America.

What if I wanted to book my hair and makeup?

All resorts offer these facilities. Once your wedding is confirmed we will put you in touch with your wedding coordinator at the resort who can then make any necessary arrangements.

What if you want to stay longer than the packages?

This can easily be arranged please let us know when we are booking your arrangements exactly how much longer you would like to spend and where and we will be happy to arrange it (extra cost).

Enjoy your Romantic Cook Islands Wedding...

Honeymoon Travel Tips & Info

Pre-arrange any desired upgrades for your accommodation. Pre-arrange all tours and evening romantic dinners if required.

Travel Insurance, this is important anything can happen most commonly are delayed flights which might make you miss a nights accommodation. Travel insurance can be purchased through Goway Travel at the time of deposit for your booking. For only a few more dollars it's peace of mind while traveling.

Check the weather charts for the time you are planning your honeymoon. Although we cannot always predict the weather, they will give you a good idea of how to avoid the rainy or humid seasons.

Some resorts require proof of marriage to take advantage of any honeymoon offers. Bring copies of your marriage certificate and any other required documents.

Make sure all of your documentation is current, passport, visa etc. Check the spelling of your names on your travel invoices to make sure they are correct before the vouchers are sent to you.

Check the expiry dates on all of your credit cards. Call your credit card company and let them know that you will be traveling and when. There is nothing worse than going to pay for dinner on your arrival night and getting declined! Highlight your insurance policy number, you might even want to copy the policy number down and leave it at home this way if you misplace it while traveling you will have the backup at home.

Leave a copy of your travel plans with flight numbers and hotel information with a friend. This way if there is any emergency you can be reached.

Remember to bring any brochures you have collected on your destination to help organize nights out on the town, shopping areas and parks you might want to visit.

Packing; at least a few weeks before your trip, write out a list of things that you think you'll need and want to bring along on your trip. Give yourself more than a few days before the trip to plan what you'll bring. This way you won't forget anything important and you will have time to add or eliminate things on the list. This also helps in the re-packing stage to come home, if you have your list you can check off your belongings to make sure that you haven't left anything behind. Pack correctly; pack your casual wear but remember you might want to glam it up a few nights.

In all of IslandsEscapes' Romantic Itineraries the arrival day you will check into your hotel and then the rest of the day is at leisure. This is important, you may be jet lagged so you don't want to add to your arrangements on the first day - stay and relax before you begin your exciting honeymoon.

Coming home, make sure to schedule yourself at least two days to relax on your return, you may be jet lagged and this way you can spend two days as newlyweds in your home.

When you come home we would love to hear from you, please call us and let us know how wonderful your honeymoon was.

Honeymoon Frequently Asked Questions

What name should I travel under? 

In order to travel under your married name, you will need to have your passport changed which can take up to 6 weeks. We recommend that your flight arrangements are made under your maiden name but IslandsEscapes can arrange for all accommodation, transfers and tours to reflect your newly married status.

Do I need to bring proof of marriage? 

Yes, some resorts offer honeymoon specials or value-added extras in which case they will ask for proof of marriage.

What if I want to stay longer than these packages?

That's great, this can be arranged. All of our packages are flexible in the duration of a trip, enquire for more details.

Do you charge a travel consulting fee? 

No, IslandsEscapes will make all of your travel arrangements simply for the cost of your package.

Do you make all the arrangements for extracurricular activities?

Yes, IslandsEscapes will arrange all transfers, tours and accommodation. We also pre-arrange special dinners through the hotels, spa treatments and all flights. There are also many activities that can be arranged through the hotels on arrival like water sports and other activities.

When is the balance payment due for my Honeymoon travel plans?

$200.00 per person deposit is paid at the time of booking. Sorry, but the deposit is non-refundable. A guaranteed balance of payment is required six weeks prior to departure.

What are the passport requirements?

Your passport must be valid for 6 months after travel and an airline ticket for return or onward travel.

Should we reserve seats on all of our flights?

Yes, airlines tend to block out seats so it is easier for you to pre-book your seats with your consultant, this will guarantee that you get the seats you desire it will also be one less worry for you.

Will we be able to contact someone while we are traveling if we have any questions or concerns? 

Yes, we have local representatives which you can call 24 hours a day.

Enjoy your Honeymoon of a Lifetime...

Cook Islands Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Cook Islands. 

Learn about the history and culture of the Cook Islands, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about the Cook Islands' nature and wildlife, weather and geography, and 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Cook Islands for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Cook Island vacations today!

Extend Your Stay

Consider an additional stopover after or before your Cook island vacation at one of Goway's other South Pacific destinations. You can choose from our selection of Australian vacations, New Zealand vacation packages, Tahiti vacation packages or perhaps one of our Fiji resorts.

Book your Cook Islands Vacation with Goway!

With a wide choice of Cook Islands vacations and experiences, Goway’s Downunder wizards can offer you many ways to explore and enjoy the Cook Islands. Relax with a romantic tropical island stay, escape winter on a Snowbird long stay, enjoy an air-land getaway and more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to the Cook Islands.