Getting married in the Cook Islands

There is a thriving industry on Rarotonga and Aitutai catering to the needs of couples wishing to get married as well as those who require special ceremonies to renew their original marriage vows.
Most hotels and accommodation suppliers either offer their own wedding packages or can arrange for the services of a one stop wedding specialist to look after all the organisation.

Marriages in the Cook Islands are legally binding and internationally recognized (although check with your home country as each country have their own rules and you may have go to the courthouse/municipally center to get your marriage legalized).

The legal age of consent to marry is 21 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.

Applications for a Licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 working days prior to the marriage. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands.

The following documents are required:

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

- A copy of the Decree Absolute/Nisi 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.

- You may choose either a celebrant (non-religious) or a Minister to perform the ceremony. Churches on the Islands: Protestant (Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican), Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Apostolic, Assembly of God and Baha'i).

For more information you can contact the Registrars office at Phone: 682 29410 Fax: 682 29610 or E-mail: [email protected]

Some of the Wedding organizers (there is more... Just google)

Queen Tutai Manarangi of Aitutaki [email protected]

Captain Tama's Cruizes [email protected]

Edgewater Resort [email protected]

Little Polynesian [email protected]

Manuia Beach Boutique Resort [email protected]

Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel [email protected]

Pacific Resort Rarotonga [email protected]

Pacific Resort Aitutaki [email protected]

Rarotongan Beach Resort [email protected]

Shona's Weddings [email protected]

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa [email protected]

Wedded Bliss Rarotonga [email protected]

Wedding Planning Rarotonga Limited [email protected]

Weddings Cook Islands [email protected]


Good luck!
/Magnus

Magnus!

Harmonie.