Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Renewing wedding vows in Rarotonga

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea

My wife and I are off to Rarotonga to renew our wedding vows in June. Does anyone know how you can do this without going through an expensive package with the local resorts? Thanks

From what I've read on TripAdvisor, this would appear to be a straightforward process. Have a read-through of the relevant information on that site, by keying in specific words surrounding your enquiry. Marriage celebrants can be engaged through the Justice ministry. Depending on where you are planning to stay on the island, some of the smaller resorts are beautifully landscaped to host a wedding or similar celebration. If you are staying at a private rental villa, your hosts will likely provide support and advice towards your event.

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Here's an idea.....

Fly to Aitutaki or Atiu or Mauke and have your hosts set it up for you.

I'll bet that the operators at the Etu Moana on Aitutaki would accommodate your requirements at very little cost. On Atiu contact Marshal Humphreys, or on Mauke get in touch with Ta and Teata at Okiva Lodge. Just make it clear to them you just want a little quiet ceremony without the hoo ra ra of a big first-time wedding.

Things are a lot more laid back on the outer islands, especially Atiu and Mauke. I think they would love to arrange things for you at a fraction of the price a big resort would charge. And they'll know all the right people to officiate, personally!

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