Getting married in the Cook Islands

Hi all,

We invite all the ones who got married in the Cook Islands or who are about to get married in the Cook Islands to participate in this thread :)

What are the formalities to get married in the Cook Islands? Is it the same for a couple of foreigners of for a mixed couple (between a foreigner and a native of the Cook Islands)?

Are the procedures complicated?

How long does it take to carry out all the formalities?

Thank you in advance for participating,

Armand

There is a thriving industry on Rarotonga and Aitutai catering to the needs of couples wishing to get married as well as those who require special ceremonies to renew their original marriage vows.
Most hotels and accommodation suppliers either offer their own wedding packages or can arrange for the services of a one stop wedding specialist to look after all the organisation.

Marriages in the Cook Islands are legally binding and internationally recognized (although check with your home country as each country have their own rules and you may have go to the courthouse/municipally center to get your marriage legalized).

The legal age of consent to marry is 21 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.

Applications for a Licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 working days prior to the marriage. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands.

The following documents are required:

- Your passport and birth certificate will be required when filling out the "Notice of Intended Marriage" at the Registrars Office.

- A copy of the Decree Absolute/Nisi if divorced

- If you have been widowed you will need to provide the Death Certificate of your spouse.

- Catholic couples will need to have completed a course for engaged couples, such as the FOCCUS program, and will need to have Baptism Certificates.

- All documentation must be in English or translated into English.

- You may choose either a celebrant (non-religious) or a Minister to perform the ceremony. Churches on the Islands: Protestant (Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican), Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Apostolic, Assembly of God and Baha'i).

For more information you can contact the Registrars office at Phone: 682 29410 Fax: 682 29610 or E-mail: offices@justice.gov.ck

Some of the Wedding organizers (there is more... Just google)

Queen Tutai Manarangi of Aitutaki queen@aitutaki.net.ck

Captain Tama's Cruizes weddings@tamascruizes.co.ck

Edgewater Resort stay@edgewater.co.ck

Little Polynesian littlepoly@beach.co.ck

Manuia Beach Boutique Resort rooms@manuia.co.ck

Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel beach@moanasands.co.ck

Pacific Resort Rarotonga weddings@pacificresort.co.ck

Pacific Resort Aitutaki weddings.ait@pacificresort.co.ck

Rarotongan Beach Resort info@rarotongan.co.ck

Shona's Weddings bluelagoonvilla1@oyster.net.ck

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa weddings@pacificresort.co.ck

Wedded Bliss Rarotonga bliss@oyster.net.ck

Wedding Planning Rarotonga Limited info@weddingplanner-rarotonga.com

Weddings Cook Islands weddings@turamapacific.co.ck


Good luck!
/Magnus

:one Magnus!

Harmonie.;)

Great post!!! :D