Your Dream Wedding in the Cook Islands

First the paperwork and then we'll get to the fun stuff.

Weddings in the Cooks Islands are legally binding and are recognized internationally. You need to be in Aitutaki at least 3 days before the wedding to apply for a wedding license; all you need is both passports and original birth certificates translated in English if they are in a foreign language.

If you can't arrive prior to 3 days before the wedding, you will have to apply for a waiver. A processing fee of 50 NZ$ is required.

The easier and more popular option is to retain the services of a wedding planner. Bishop Cruises offers several packages and Annie the wedding planner is absolutely lovely. She has heaps of contacts on the island and will answer all your questions.

The most basic package costs 1800 NZ$ and includes:

• Transfers to Onefoot Island
  
• Personal wedding coordinator
  
• Marriage celebrant
  
• Wedding application, license & Apostille
  
• Bridal bouquet & flower circlet for the bride (you can choose which tropical flowers you like)
  
• Flower necklace or button hole for the groom
  
• Witnesses
  
• Stringband - Guitar & Ukulele player/singers
  
• Champagne
  

Should you not wish to use the above services, then it would still be possible for you to personally organize a celebrant, witnesses, transportation to the Motu, etc. This would be a cheaper option. However, you'll need a first point of contact there, usually a person offering Aitutaki lagoon cruises as they are the ones who'll take you to the Motu. If you prefer to get married in Aitutaki itself, we suggest you contact the hotel/resort where you'll be staying as they'll be more than happy to organize your special day.

Once you get back home you'll want to share your special day with your friends and family. You'll cherish the photos of your wedding for a lifetime. Although the wedding planner can organize a photographer for you, we suggest you take a look at the work of various photographers from Rarotonga, the main island, and choose the one you like best. You may find a photographer in Aitutaki itself but we found the work of the Rarotongan photographers to be of higher quality. Once you have decided on the photographer, you'll then choose a package which suits you best. You'll also need to organize a return ticket to Aitutaki for him/her.

Recommended photographers in Rarotonga: Melanie Cooper and Nior photography are great.

It's not because you have no guests that you're not allowed a special evening! For an unforgettable night, we suggest a romantic candlelit dinner on your own secluded beach spot, starting while admiring a magnificent sunset and ending in moonlight. The Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa offers a beautiful 5/7 course candlelit dinner which includes:

• 5/7 course meal
  
• Sommeliers selection (optional)
  
• Personal waiter and setup
  
• Taxi transfers
  

Romantic dinner on the beach in Aitutaki

Wedding dress
The weather can be very hot and humid in the Cook Islands. You won't want your makeup to be dripping during the ceremony! We suggest a light flowy chiffon or silk dress. It will look stunning on the beach. And creases in silk will fall out very quickly when exposed to humid conditions. If your budget is tight, browse major department store websites such as Nordstrom or Macy's or search on eBay. You might be lucky to find THE dress for half price or less.


Hair and Make-up
Unfortunately there's no hairdresser or beauty salon as such in Aitutaki. However, we have great tips for you!

For your make-up, go to a department store and ask for a trial at the beauty counter. This is usually free or redeemable upon purchase of products. Bring a friend or family member with you, it's always good to have a second opinion! However, don't buy anything straight away especially foundation. You'll need to be sure that the make-up looks good in natural light and that it stays flawless for at least 4 hours. Once you've purchased your products, you can practice a few times at home so that you are confident on your wedding day.

You don't really need a sophisticated hair-do for a beach wedding. You can leave your hair loose with a flower pin or flower circlet which the wedding planner will provide. There's also a lady in Aitutaki who can do your hair. We don't have her name but if you ask around once you are in Aitutaki, people will happily direct you to her. You can meet with her prior to the wedding to discuss what you would like.

     Etu Moana villa

Etu Moana
Etu Moana (meaning Blue Starfish) is a small boutique hotel with only 8 luxury villas. The villas are extremely well designed, private and comfortable ; rates start from 405 NZ$/night. The Etu Moana staff are the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Nothing is enough trouble. They'll always help you with a big smile. After just a few hours in Etu Moana, you'll feel completely relaxed and after a few days you'll even forget the date thanks to the change of scenery.

Breakfast is included but there is no onsite restaurant. However, there are restaurants within walking distance. Make sure you try Tapunas!! (refer to Visiting the Cook Islands lens).

Veranda of the villa, great for relaxing!

Pacific Resort and Spa
If you're more of a "resort" type of couple, the Pacific Resort Aitutaki has won several awards, including the 'World's Leading Boutique Island Resort'. This stunning resort has its own restaurant and beach café.

This lens was blessed by Squid Angel darcie_french on 05/13/2011. Thank you, darcie_french.