Traditional Wedding Ceremonies

Currently, for a marriage to be legally recognised, in accordance with the national civil code, individuals must be resident in French Polynesia for a minimum of one month. Ten days must also be allowed for the wedding banns to be published.

Alternative to a civil marriage, couples may organise a traditional wedding ceremony without legal implications. This unique and festive ceremony is much sought after by honeymooners, gay couples celebrating their civil union, or married couples celebrating a major wedding anniversary.

These ceremonies are available on most islands. Please ask us for details and prices

The drama and pageantry of a Tahitian wedding celebration is a highlight for any couple. Ceremonies can be as simple as a sunset ceremony with a Tahitian priest or as elaborate as a pageant with musicians and dancers.

For many ceremonies, couples are bedecked in bright pareu, flowers, and shells. The groom is brought to the beachside location to make a grand entrance in an outrigger canoe while the bride is carried on a rattan throne carried on the shoulders of the best men. Music and dancers enhance the ceremony while a Tahitian priest performs the rites and gives the couple their new Tahitian names and another Tahitian name for their first born.

This is not a church wedding, unless you consider the towering palms along the beach a natural cathedral, but it may bring new blessings to the marriage.