The Cook Islands is the perfect setting to bring your fairy tale dreams to life, writes Lizzie Brandon
Picture the scene. An expansive white sandy beach, glistening crystal clear waters, gently lapping the shore. Beneath an archway of hibiscus flowers, the bride and groom, sun-kissed and barefoot, smile nervously as they declare their love and exchange rings – then turn around laughing as family and friends cheer their happy union.
It’s a whimsical image straight from a TV ad or a travel agent’s YouTube channel. But it’s within your reach! The Cook Islands offers couples endless options for their perfect wedding location, along with those oh-so-exquisite finishing touches to make your day truly one of a kind.
Settle in with your favourite cuppa, cocktail or mocktail and let’s think about just a few delightful possibilities for a wedding in the Cook Islands.
Start making memories before you say, ‘I do’
Because of the legal requirements – of which more later – you need to arrive in the Cook Islands at least a few days before your wedding. So, make the most of this. After all, this is the trip of a lifetime with a group of friends and family who are rarely, if ever, gathered all together.
Aside from relaxing poolside, absorbing some vitamin D (safely smothered in SPF 50+) with your favourite book, or snorkelling just off your resort’s beach, there are loads of ways to enjoy yourselves.
Thrill-seekers might like a day on the ocean aboard a charter fishing trip. The views of the Islands from over the reef are stunning, and, depending on the season, you could see humpback whales. Occasionally you’ll glimpse sharks, whale sharks, turtles, and dolphins. The Cook Islands is renowned for its game fishing, so expect to catch tuna, marlin, mahi mahi, and wahoo. You might even be one of the lucky few to land a saltfish, giant trevally or barracuda.
On the other hand, if that sounds a bit energetic, indulge your senses and focus on your wellbeing at one of the Islands’ idyllic spas. Blissful body wraps, scrubs, facials, and couples side-by-side massages in beachside cabanas are all available, often combining world-class spa brands with a heavenly Polynesian twist.
Tie the knot in the perfect setting
Most couples choose to get married on the beach at their resort, amid their hotel’s gardens, or at the local chapel. But you could also head to the hills and enjoy 360-degree views of the turquoise ocean or venture into the jungle and stand beside a tropical waterfall. Or you could work with a wedding planner to arrange your ceremony on an offshore island. For example, One Foot Island is an uninhabited atoll in the Aitutaki lagoon with a gorgeous, secluded beach. On a small boat, the trip there takes about 25 minutes; it’s about 40 minutes for a bigger boat.
Entwine nature’s beauty into your Big Day
Gorgeous tropical flora and foliage are perfect for your wedding day flowers, from fragrant frangipani posies to vibrant but delicate orchid trails, and bold, contemporary arrangements of red ginger, anthuriums and hibiscus. To truly embrace the essence of this southern Pacific paradise, you could wear a traditional Cook Island ‘ei katu (flower crown). And let’s not forget button holes or flower garlands for the gents.
The Cook Islands’ talented florists would love to craft your dream wedding day flowers into a reality. Be sure to contact them well in advance so you can chat about how they can reflect your unique style and preferences.
‘If music be the food of love, play on…’
According to insideweddings.com, three of the most popular wedding songs right now are Marry You by Bruno Mars (no surprises there!), All of Me by John Legend, and Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran.
Every couple has “their song”, and whether yours is mainstream like these or more tongue-in-cheek (anyone for Stuck in the Middle with You by Stealers Wheel?!), you could be serenaded at your ceremony – on a traditional Cook Islands ukulele! These eight-string instruments are usually made from mahogany and other local woods, such as kwila or wild hibiscus. Walking to or from your wedding vows as someone gently strums your favourite tune on one of these charming little guitars could certainly add another level of Polynesian joy.
Eat cake!
What’s a celebration without cake? The Cook Islands boasts some amazing bakers, and their divine creations are often adorned with fresh flowers – which can, of course, be coordinated to match the bridal bouquet. You could opt for the traditional fruit-filled, white iced wedding cake, or delight your eyes and tastebuds with less conventional, such as carrot, white chocolate mud, or lemon and coconut.
Gifts for your beloved
According to Polynesian legend, Oro, the god of peace and fertility, gave one black pearl to Princess Bora Bora as a symbol of his love. Therefore, it’s said that gifting black pearls signifies eternal love.
On the remote northern atoll of Manihiki, Cook Islands, black pearls are created through an extraordinary collaboration of nature and human innovation. Black-lipped oyster shells are carefully collected and seeded, and the pearls that develop gradually absorb the colour of the shell. The resulting pearls are deeply lustrous, with shades of blue, silver, green, and rose.
You’ll find black pearls crafted into all sorts of jewellery, from elegant bracelets to quirky pendants, such as stingrays and roosters! Since 30 years of marriage is traditionally the Pearl Anniversary, these rare gems could be perfect for couples celebrating that milestone. Which leads us on to…
Reaffirm your love
All these delights needn’t just be for newlyweds! Wedding vow renewals are becoming an increasingly popular tradition. As relationships evolve over the years, a different kind of appreciation for a long-term partner also blossoms. And, of course, with age comes greater wit and wisdom (maybe!)
Couples are finding that renewing their vows is a joyous and intimate way to celebrate significant anniversaries or reflect on the strength of a marriage coming through challenging times. It’s not only an opportunity to acknowledge each other’s love and support, but it’s also a chance to recall the quirkier or just plain hilarious moments that make the relationship unique.
If you’re going to do it, why not do it in style in the Cook Islands?
The practical and legal stuff
Before you get too carried away on a cloud of pure romantic bliss, there are a few legal requirements to tick off. These shouldn’t be too arduous, but they require some forward planning.
You’ll need to lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage with the registry office in-person at least three full days before your wedding date. For example, if your ceremony is on the 8th, you need to register on or before the 4th. If you miss this deadline, you’ll be charged a waiver fee in addition to the usual costs. The registry office is open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am-3.00 pm, and closed on public holidays.
You and your spouse-to-be will need to show your current passports and birth certificates. The latter should be a certified copy, if not the original document, and if the name is different to the one on your passport, you’ll need to show the appropriate legal paperwork (e.g., divorce decree) to verify the reason.
If you are a widow or widower, you’ll need to provide your former spouse’s death certificate.
All documents must be presented in English.
You can have your wedding on any day except Sunday. However, you’ll incur a surcharge if you choose a Saturday or a public holiday. Like New Zealand, different regions have their own regional holidays (for example, Aitutaki Gospel Day on 27 October), so be sure to check for these too.
