Tahiti Weddings & Honeymoons

Weddings in Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti offer an ideal setting for the most beautiful and memorable event of a couple's life together. A Tahitian wedding ceremony is for many a dream come true. The ceremony can be as elaborate as a royal event, or as simple as an "I do" on a white sand beach surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon. There's no more enchanting way to exchange vows, celebrate an anniversary, or promise yourself to your loved one, than with a traditional Polynesian celebration.

Note that traditional Polynesia wedding ceremonies in Tahiti are not automatically recognized as legal in North America. Couples intending to marry legally should do so before arriving in Tahiti and then exchanging vows in a Tahitian wedding ceremony. Same-sex weddings have been legal in Tahiti since 2013.

In addition to the above traditional ceremonies, Canadian, US, and British citizens can be legally married in Tahiti. Choose from a civil wedding ceremony in the beautiful city hall of Papeete, Moorea, or Bora Bora. There are a number of compulsory conditions that must be met, including 180 days' advance notice so please plan early, and contact your Destination Specialist for further information.

Wedding Vow Renewals

Many visitors to Tahiti are discovering what is becoming another island tradition--wedding vow renewal ceremonies. It's easy to arrange a romantic and festive traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony or renewal of vows, either through a hotel, tour operator, cruise line or at the TikiVillage in Moorea which specializes in such ceremonies. Not legally binding, vow renewal ceremonies are popular for people celebrating their anniversaries. Many couples find it one of the most romantic and exotic ways to once again demonstrate their lifelong commitment to each other.

Although there are many different types of ceremonies, a traditional Tahitian vow renewal begins with the bride being treated to a soothing massage by her Tahitian bridesmaid" with monoi oil while being sung to and adorned with fragrant flowers like a Tahitian princess. Meanwhile, the groom is taken to a motu (small islet), painted with tattoos (temporary, unless otherwise arranged), and given a crown of tropical leaves. The bride wears a traditional Tahitian wedding pareu and a flowered headpiece.

The wedding vow renewal ceremony is conducted in Tahitian by a priest and each couple is given a Tahitian name and a name for their firstborn child. A Tahitian marriage certificate made of tapa cloth parchment is presented while village women sing hymns. The ceremony is often followed by a romantic sunset cruise where the couple continues to be serenaded by soft Tahitian music. It's a lifelong memory that can only be experienced in Tahiti, "The Island of Dreams."

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. 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 such 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 any 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 night's accommodation. Travel insurance can be purchased through Goway Travel at the time of deposit for your booking. For just a few more dollars, it's peace of mind while traveling.

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.

Enjoy your Romantic Tahitian Wedding...

Honeymooning in Tahiti

Mention "Tahiti" and one of the most vivid impressions that comes to mind is that of a young couple strolling hand-in-hand along a turquoise lagoon as palm trees sway gently in the warm South Pacific breezes.

Cut to the couple snorkeling in clear, shallow, 79-degree water losing count of the variety of colourful sea life present and being dazzled by the coral gardens. Finally, cut to the couple relaxing on the deck of their over-water bungalow feasting on a dinner of grilled fish, fresh fruit, and sautéed vegetables delivered by an outrigger canoe as the sun stages what may be the most beautiful sunset in history.

Part of Tahiti's charm is that compared to other surf and sand destinations, Tahiti hosts a relatively small, but steadily increasing number of annual visitors from the U.S. - just over 50,000 people per year. Of these, an unusually high percentage is made up of either newly wedded couples or people celebrating special wedding anniversaries. Both come to Tahiti seeking the kind of romantic experiences that Tahiti and Her Islands are known for -- the kind of experiences that led to Tahiti adopting the theme, "Tahiti. Where Love Lives."

The attraction of Tahiti to couples is based on its South Sea location and climate, the proximity of Tahiti to the West Coast of the U.S. - approximately 7 1/2 hours' fight from Los Angeles -- and "totally Tahitian" experiences such as staying in overwater bungalows, picnicking on a remote motu or islet, taking a 4wheel drive jeep trip into the Tahitian river valleys, or going on shark and ray feeding excursions.

Above all, it may ultimately be the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the Tahitian people who make Tahiti the world's most inviting romantic destination. Their ever-smiling faces, their traditional songs and melodies that fill the air, and their eagerness to please visitors are reasons why newly married and anniversary couples keep Tahiti among the highest-rated romance destinations year after year.

Honeymoon Travel Tips

Prearrange 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 night's 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 in case you misplace it while traveling.

Leave a copy of your travel plans with flight numbers and hotel information with a friend. This way if there is an 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.

Your arrival day means checking into your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. This is important, you may be jet-lagged, so don't bind yourself to added 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, Goway South Pacific will make all of your travel arrangements simply for the cost of your package.

Do you make all the arrangements for extracurricular activities? 

Yes, Goway 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?

A $200.00 per person deposit is paid at the time of booking. This deposit is non-refundable. 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 who you can call 24 hours a day.

Enjoy your Honeymoon of a Lifetime...

FUN FACT

The beautiful black pearls, cherished by natives and visitors alike, are indigenous to the Tuamotu Islands of French Polynesia.

Tahiti 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 Tahiti. 

Learn about the history and culture of Tahiti, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Tahiti's nature and wildlife, weather, and geography, along with '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 Tahiti for yourself. Start exploring...book one of our Tahiti vacations today!

Extend Your Stay

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

Book your Tahiti vacation with Goway!

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