Rarotonga Wedding Guide

EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF THE COOK ISLANDS

Set like a jewel in the heart of the South Pacific Sea in a secluded corner of the South Pacific, where the quality of life is still measured only in soft, languid days, majestic sunsets, inviting azure-colored reefs and warm smiles, lies the Cook Islands, "A place can not be dreamed any more beautiful than this", wrote one eighteenth century explorer. Imagine an island hideaway where you wake to a caressing tradewind and spend the day exploring pristine Cook Island beaches where yours are the only footprints. You might then float among jewel-colored fishes in one of the calm lagoons protected by reefs that encircle the islands. What a perfect paradise for your wedding day!!

Wedding at Muri Beach, Rarotonga

WHAT A WONDERFUL PLACE TO GET MARRIED, OR RESTATE THE WEDDING VOWS. The Cook Islands offers a romantic backdrop for such special occasions, a paradise setting!  There are many beautiful spots on Rarotonga and Aitutaki suitable for a romantic wedding. You may choose to get married on one of Rarotonga's lovely beaches, the botanical gardens, an uninhabited island, or a local church.
                                                                                                        .             Ngatangiia Church
The 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 may wear traditional wedding attire as per your custom at home or you may prefer an island wedding with Polynesian grass skirts, head bands and bare feet.. Polynesian attire may be rented or purchased.  Another apparel option is for the bride to wear a local pareau and the groom a Polynesian shirt.

St. Mary's Catholic Church
The wedding in the Catholic Church  is done the Cook Island way with a full Cook Island Choir singing Maori songs. You are greeted outside the church by a Warrior who welcomes you on your wedding day.  You may also wish to plant an uto tree, a Cook Island's tradition. You may include in the ceremony communion if you wish or the   lighting of candles.

Wedding on Koromiri Island.  Travel by glass bottom boat from Muri Beach to Koromiri Island.  Enjoy a string band and Polynesian love songs while making your way across the lagoon.   After your wedding ceremony sip champagne, slip off your shoes and dance on the sand Polynesian style to the tunes of the string band.  You can also enjoy a Polynesian dancing group performing just for you.  Take a stroll along the beach while being serenaded by love songs.  A perfect wedding day!

You can also ad adventure to your wedding with the bride traveling by canoe to Koromiri Island escorted by Cook Island Drummers signal the brides arrival to the island. The bride is then lifted from the canoe by the warriors and as the chief warrior chants and the drums are beating the bride is  escorted to her waiting groom.  After the ceremony both the bride and groom return together via the canoe.  

A string band is a Cook Island tradition for your wedding day and provides atmosphere, entertainment and romance to your wedding ceremony.  Dancing on the sand to a slow love song makes you know that you have truly selected a magical place for your wedding day.  Trying the hula of the Cook Islands ads a Polynesian touch and is also lots of fun for both the bride and groom.  If you have family and friends celebrating with you, they can all join in on learning Cook Island Dancing which makes for a fun time for all.  

Planting an Uto Tree is a custom in the Cook Islands.   It signifies a new birth or a new beginning.  We incorporate the planting of a new tree in many of our weddings which are 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. A perfect ending to a perfect wedding!                                        

Another apparel option is for the bride to wear a local pareau and the groom a Polynesian shirt. After the ceremony, enjoy champagne on the beach while watching the magnificent sunset.  Afterwards you might like a candlelight dinner at one of Rarotonga's many restaurants.  Another option is a local umukai (island feast) on the beach,  inviting the string band, witnesses, and other guests.   The choice is yours for it is your special day!

Weddings on the Island of Aitutaki are also very popular because it its magnificent lagoon and dozens of deserted islands that make for a perfect wedding location.  Aitutaki is a 55 minute flight from Rarotonga Island.   You must plan to spend at least 3 nights in order to qualify for your wedding license. Choose from several accommodation options in Aitutaki.and make your wedding a special holiday.

A Wedding in the rain. 
The weather in the Cook Islands is not always sunny.  We have lots of rain year round.  Your wedding day is special and should proceed on time rain or shine.  Cook Island's custom says that it is very lucky to marry on a rainy day! You will have lots of children and be very happy.  If you have elected to have a dance troupe on your wedding day, we can provide tent coverage for your wedding party. 

A Wedding on the beach with those precious moments alone. 
You may have invited family or friends to your wedding who can act as witnesses.   Otherwise Jetsave Travel is happy to provide witnesses for your wedding.  We enjoy attending weddings and look forward to celebrating with you and wishing you a very happy wedding day!!!! 

You can also include Fire Knife Dancing shows in your wedding celebrations.  The shows are especially prepared for your wedding day and add a long time Polynesian traditional event to your special day. Imagine a show just for you!!!!!!
You can also include Polynesian Dancing Girl(s), Drummers, or a complete dance troupe for your special enjoyment on your special day!

Wedding on "One Foot Island" Aitutaki.   What a fabulous spot for your wedding-on a deserted South Pacific Island. Travel from Aitutaki mainland by Kitkat catamaran and hold your wedding on famous "One Foot Island". You may also like to spend your wedding night at the One Foot Hideaway Beach Batch or you may return to the mainland that afternoon and spend your wedding night in luxury at the Aitutaki Lagoon Hotel or your choice of accommodation.

ONE FOOT WEDDING PACKAGE  -  NZ $1315.00
---------------ISLAND OF AITUTAKI--------------------------------
Includes transfers by catamaran to One Foot Island, wedding license,  wedding cake, flower archway, wedding bouquet, flower leis, wedding license, donation to the Minister and champagne wedding toast.  Optional Extras: String Band NZ$200.00 or Dance Group NZ$325.00 Note:  There is no professional photographer or videographer in Aitutaki or the other outer islands.  The additional cost for a photographer from Rarotonga is NZ $945.00 which includes 40 photographs and negatives and includes a wedding photo album.  The additional cost for a videographer is NZ$935.00   Note:  Airfare from Rarotonga to Aitutaki not included in the wedding package.  See Aitutaki Island for further details on airfares and overnight stays on One Foot Island. 

SIMPLE WEDDING-ISLAND OF AITUTAKI - NZ$750.00
Includes transfers by private car to your selected beach or garden setting on the mainland Aitutaki, flower archway, wedding bouquet, flower leis, wedding license, donation to the Minister and champagne wedding toast.  Optional Extras: String Band NZ$125.00 or Dance Group NZ$250.00 Note:  There is no professional photographer or videographer in Aitutaki or the other outer islands.  The additional cost for a photographer from Rarotonga is NZ $945.00 which includes 40 photographs and negatives and includes a wedding photo album.  The additional cost for a videographer is NZ$935.00   Note:  Airfare from Rarotonga to Aitutaki not included in the wedding package.  See Aitutaki Island for further details on airfares and overnight stays on One Foot Island.

REQUIREMENTS: A notice of 4 working days must be given to the Registrars Office for a marriage license in Rarotonga or a 4 day notice (in person) in Aitutaki or other Outer Island..  Licenses can be issued within 4 days for an extra rush processing fee of NZ$100.  A valid passport or birth certificate is required.  Divorce papers are required if divorced.  Papers must be translated into English.

SERVICES: There is a choice of ceremony:   (1) by the registrar's office Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm at a cost of $50.00; or (2) by another chosen location at a cost of $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, Bahi 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

RENEWAL OF WEDDING VOWS:   Includes private car transfers to selected beach location, donation to the Minister or Celebrant, flower leis for bride and groom, champagne wedding toast, and planting (if you wish) of the Uto tree (Young Coconut Palm).     NZ $625.00 Book This Package

SIMPLE WEDDING:   Includes private car transfers to selected wedding location, donation to the Minister, marriage license including transfers to and from the registry office, two witnesses, flower leis, wedding bouquet, champagne wedding toast, and planting (if you wish) of the Uto tree (Young Coconut Palm).
NZ $695.00
Optional: Wedding Photographer and Wedding Album: NZ$550.00 Book This Package

SIMPLE WEDDING on "Koromiri Island":   Includes private car transfers to Muri Lagoon and boat transfers via glass bottom boat to Koromiri Island, donation to the Minister, marriage license including transfers to and from the registry office, two witnesses, flower leis for bride and groom, wedding bouquet, romantic serenader and champagne wedding toast.    NZ $1095.00 Book This Package

DELUXE WEDDING:   Includes private car transfer to selected wedding location, donation to the Minister, marriage license including transfers to and from the registry office, two witnesses, flower leis, wedding bouquet, wedding cake,  two bottles of champagne, stringband with Cook Island's singer or dancer, photographer, wedding album, and planting (if you wish) of the Uto tree (Young Coconut Palm).          NZ $1950.00 Book This Package

DELUXE WEDDING on "Koromiri Island":  Wedding ceremony on the romantic island of Koromiri with decorated archway of flowers.  Includes transfers to and from the registry office, marriage license, minister, two witnesses, flower leis, wedding bouquet, boat transfers to Koromiri Island in glass bottom boat with bride transported separately in traditional canoe with warriors, canapes, champagne toast, string band, drummers, and photographer including wedding album, videographer including wedding video and planting (if you wish) of the Uto tree (Young Coconut Palm).    The package also includes Candlelight dinner Flame Tree Restaurant. NZ $3295.00  Book This Package

HOTEL WEDDING PACKAGES

CROWN BEACH RESORT- 
The Crown Beach offers 3 wedding packages to choose from which you may book through Jetsave Travel..
Simplicity Package:-Includes marriage licence and application, marriage celebrant, transfers to and from the Registry Office, tropical flower head lei for the bride and neck lei for the groom and decorated archway and champagne wedding toast. .NZ$1199.00 Book This Package

Crown Beach Dream-This package includes the Simplicity package plus bridal bouquet for the bride, one tiered wedding cake and romantic candlelit two course dinner for two on the beach with champagne plus photographer including 40 photos and negatives, and special wedding day gift.  NZ$2799.00

Crown Beach Royal-This package includes the offerings of the Simplicity and Dream package plus a relaxing 30 minute massage for the bride and groom and local island string band and singers.   NZ$4399.00 Book This Package

CLUB RARO RESORT- 
Club Raro offers the White Lily Wedding package including wedding on a beachfront location, transfers to and from the Registry Office, marriage licence, celebrant, bottle of sparkling wine and planting of the Uto Tree. (Young coconut Palm) NZ$699.00 Book This Package

EDGEWATER RESORT- 
The Edgewater resort offers a variety of wedding packages which you may book through Jetsave Travel. Special Offer for 2008: Book 10 rooms or more and receive the Tipani Wedding Package free of charge. Book 15 rooms or more and the bridge and groom will receive the Tipani Wedding Package free of charge plus up to 5 nights free accommodation.

Tipani Package-Wedding Ceremony at a beach wedding chapel including a decorated archway and floral decoration, marriage license, transfers to and from the registry office, flower leis and  planting of the Uto Tree. NZ$750.00 Book This Package

Jasmine Package-The Tipani Package plus village stringband, platter of canapes for 2, tropical cocktail served in whole coconuts for the bride and groom, a romantic cooked breakfast with glass of sparkling wine served in the privacy of your room the day after wedding.  NZ$1450.00 Book This Package

Bird of Paradise Package-The Tipani Package plus big day beauty package for bride, village string band, serenader, photographer including photo album. single tier wedding cake, platter of canapes for 2, tropical cocktail served in whole coconuts for the bride and groom   NZ$2550.00 Book This Package

Orchid Package-Tipani Package plus massages for bride and groom, beauty package for the bride, local village string band and drummers. Bride arrives by traditional canoe or Paata (Royal Chair) carried by warriors, photographer and wedding album, wedding cake, platter of canapes for 2, private candlelit dinner for 2 with bottle of sparkling wine, tropical cocktail served in whole coconuts for the bride and groom, and a romantic cooked breakfast with glass of sparkling wine served in the privacy of your room the day after the wedding. -NZ$4450.00 Book This Package

MANUIA BEACH HOTEL- 
Manuia Beach offers a Wedding Package including marriage license, donation to the minister, flower leis for bride and groom, head garland for the bride, bottle of champagne, floral decoration, photographer including 40 photographs, and romantic dinner for two. NZ$1465.00 Book This Package

MOANA SANDS HOTEL- 
Moana Sands offers a Wedding Package"Barefoot Elegance" including marriage license, donation to the minister, small bouquet posy for the bride and button hole for the groom, bottle of sparkling wine, beach wedding at hotel site. NZ$899.00 Book This Package

MURI BEACH CLUB HOTEL- 
Muri Beach Club offers the Club Classic Wedding Package including wedding on a Muri Beach, transfers to and from the Registry Office, marriage licence, celebrant, bottle of champagne and planting of the Uto Tree. (Young coconut Palm)
NZ$699.00 Book This Package

MURI BEACHCOMBER- 
Muri Beachcomber offers the Beachcomber Bliss Wedding Package including wedding on a Muri Beach, transfers to and from the Registry Office, marriage licence, celebrant, flower leis for bride and groom, romantic serander, and bottle of sparkling wine
NZ$950.00 Book This Package

PALM GROVE- 
Palm Grove offers several wedding packages to chose from:
Island Sweethearts Wedding- features marriage license, marriage celebrant, flowers for the wedding couple, decorated archway, bridal bouquet, bottle of champagne NZ$720.00 Book This Package

Tropical Romance Wedding -includes all the features of the Island Sweethearts plus a photography package including 40 photos, negatives and album NZ$1345.00 Book This Package

South Pacific Celebration Wedding includes marriage license, marriage celebrant, flowers for the wedding couple, flower archway, bridal bouquet, bottle of champagne, photography package with 40 photos, negatives and album, hair and makeup, videography, and a string band for the ceremony
NZ$2235.00 Book This Package


PACIFIC RESORT- 
The Pacific Resort offers the Foundation Wedding Programme. The wedding package includes wedding license, celebrant fee, and flower leis for the bride and groom. You may choose a variety of locations for your wedding; white sandy beach in front of Pacific Resort, the village limestone church, or an uninhabited island in Muri Lagoon. NZ$1300.00 Book This Package
or
The Island Princess Wedding package including wedding license, celebrant fee, flower leis for the bride and groom, maiden dancer, archway made from coconut palms decorated in flowers, traditional canoe lagoon transfer with warrior, arrival warrior with shell horn announcement and serenader with ukelule.
NZ $2,500.00
Book This Package

RAROTONGAN BEACH RESORT- 
The Rarotongan Beach Resort offers a variety of wedding packages which you may book through Jetsave Travel.
Taputou Package-Wedding Ceremony on the beach including marriage license, transfers to and from the registry office, flower leis and  planting of the Uto Tree. NZ$1299.00 (see special offer including accommodation) Book This Package

Mataora Package-Features a fresh flower archway, island string bank, tropical flower crown and bouquet for the bride, neck garland for the groom, wedding cake, methode chammpenoise, platter of canapes and tropical fruits, planting of the Uto tree, flame torches (for sunset ceremony) celebrant or minister, witnesses, marriage licence and transfers to registrars office.  NZ$2995.00 Book This Package

Parataito Package- Features warriors, dancing, drumming. Leading up to the ceremony the couple are treated to an Aromatherapy Full body massage for the bride and groom at Spa Polynesia. A dramatic ceremony with warriors, dancing and drumming. The bride is borne aloft by warriors in a decorated outrigger canoe to her groom. Also included is an island string band, methode champenoise, two-tier wedding cake, platter of canapes and island fruits, a fresh floral archway, tropical flower crown and bouquet for the bride, neck garland for the groom, planting of the Uto tree, flame torches (for sunset ceremony), photographer (80 photos plus negatives and album) or videorapher and edited video, three course candlelit dinner for two with your personal waiter, minister of celebrant, witnesses, marriage licence and transfers to the Registrars office.  NZ$6,999.00 Book This Package

Go to Wedding Reservations

OTHER SERVICES: You may wish to have a local hair dresser or
manicurist.  This bride had her hair done up with local flowers.  You can request
any type of hair style (long or short). Polynesian massage is also very popular and can be arranged for both the bride and groom. Any amenities or services you wish may be included in your customized wedding package.

NOTE:   The above are just samples of weddings Jetsave Travel can provide.  We can also include  local costumes, singers, dancers, drummers, candlelight dinners, beach picnics, invited guests etc.We are able to customize your wedding package just for you!

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JETSAVE TRAVEL P.O. BOX 40 RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS TEL: (682) 27-707 FAX: (682) 28-807 E/MAIL: jetsave@cooks.co.ck