marriage license in Cook Islands

Hi,
I'm going to Cook Islands in two weeks to get married. Its an informal thing, and I'm arranging details myself. I just have a question about the 3 day requirement to be in the country. Does this mean I have to go to the office on one day, and return 3 days later to pick up the license? Or do I just have to show an entry stamp in my passport when I go to get the license?

The reason I ask is that I am going to Rarotonga for two days, then to Aitutaki, and hope to have the wedding on the second day in Aitutaki. Is this going to be doable?
Thanks.

I'm not sure on the actual legalities and whether or not you can do the paperwork in Raro for Aitutaki.
However when we were married there in 2001 we had to go to the registration office 3 days in advance of the ceremony.
It was all organised by one of the companies over there (Captain Tama's).
Given how long it takes to get things done in the Cooks (island time and all), it would not be surprising if it did take 3 days to get the paperwork done.

This is a good question and I am not sure the answer. When are you going to Rarotonga? I will be down there the first week in February and could contact the proper people to get an answer for you. Perhaps someone out there knows the answer and will post it for you, if not I would be happy to research it for you.

Papa Mike

Thanks for the reply, Papa Mike. I will be in Rarotonga on the 19th of January, so your offer to help, though appreciated, will come too late. I've read that you can pay an extra $90 to get them to process it quicker, so it might be an option.

The three days is the processing time AFTER you apply for the license in person. If you will be married in Aitutaki, you should e-mail the Ministry of Justice ASAP and ask what the correct procedure is. You can find more info and their e-mail via www.ck .

Thanks Raro for helping out , I knew you were out there, keeping an eye on things!

Have a long and happy marriage dadams!