Wedding Communications
Who will be taking care of my wedding arrangements?
Your Personal Wedding Planner will start immediately handling all your accommodation and wedding arrangements. We will be in contact with you via email or skype communications to work with you until all your wedding arrangements are finalised.
A few weeks out from your arrival in the Cook Islands, we will arrange with you a convenient meeting time for a consultation. Our Wedding planners will meet you at your accommodation on the scheduled day to go through all your wedding plans.
 
Wedding Consultation
What else does the Personal Wedding Planner do for us prior to our wedding?
On your consultation day, your Personal Wedding Planner will drive you to the Ministry of Justice so you can apply for your Marriage License. When you return to your hotel or accommodation, all of your wedding details will be reconfirmed and the order of events revised and reconfirmed. It is our job to make your wedding the dream event you imagined, so if you have any further questions or requests just let us know and we will be happy to assist.
 
Wedding Celebrant
Can we meet the Celebrant before our wedding?
Absolutely yes, it can certainly be arranged to meet your Celebrant prior to your wedding day should you wish. Our role is to make sure you are comfortable with everything that will happen during the Ceremony and feeling at ease with your Celebrant is extremely important. Our Celebrants have worked with us for many years and are not just part of our company but also great respected friends.
Does the celebrant provide vows?
We provide you with the options - so yes, if you require standard vows our we are able to supply those for you. Many couples choose to write their own vows to add that individual touch. Either way, what you decide is easily added to your ceremony. Your wedding is about your preferences and we are here to facilitate your individual touches with ease. 
Do we have to remember our vows?
This isn’t necessary as you repeat after the Celebrant or read from your own vows. 
Can we have a Reverend or Minister from a particular religious denomination?
If they are available, this can be arranged for you. Please note that for Catholic wedding ceremonies, the priest will need copies of the bride and groom’s baptism certificates.
 
Marriage Licence
When the Registry Office is open?
From Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 3.00pm. The Registry office is closed on Public Holidays.
What are the requirements to get married in the Cook Islands?
To obtain a wedding license in the Cook Islands, the Justice Department will need to view your original Birth Certificates, actual Passports as well as original Divorce Decree (if applicable) or if widow / widower, original Death Certificate of former spouse. Where there has been a name change of either the Bride or Groom, you will also need to provide supporting documentation for this
These documents must be original and written in the English language or accompanied with a certified English translation.
How many days do we have to be on the island, before we get married?
Three full working days prior to the wedding are required to process the marriage license, however if you are unable to include the required days into your itinerary, you can apply for a wedding license waiver at an additional cost of NZD$100.00 (minimum of 24 hours process).
The wedding day is not included in the 3 full days required.
Is the marriage certificate legal in all countries?
Yes, your marriage will be recognised worldwide. All certificates (except for those who reside in New Zealand) will be stamped with an Apostille Seal (making it legal overseas).
For Italian couples who wish to marry in the Cook Islands there are additional documents and procedures to be taken. Your wedding coordinator will provide you with this information.
Do we need an Apostille certification if we live in New Zealand?
No, Cook Island’s marriage certificates are recognised in New Zealand.
Are the costs of Marriage and Apostille certificates included in the ceremony packages?
Yes, both are included.
 
Ceremony
What days of the week can we book our wedding?
Weddings can take place from Monday to Saturdays.
Due to local customs we are unable to provide weddings on Sundays.
Any weddings held on a Saturday or Public Holiday will incur an NZD$200 surcharge.
Will there be any other weddings on our wedding day?
Our policy is that we only have one wedding ceremony a day. So No, your Wedding will be our one and only. We understand that your Wedding Day is one of the most important moments in your life. We focus on delivering our best services and taking care of all the details for you. We dedicate our services to you on your Wedding day
How long does the Wedding Ceremony run for?
Approximately 20 minutes is standard, however it depends on whether you introduce readings, poems, music or other special touches. Once we have established what your intentions are then we can provide a timeframe.
When is the best time to get married?
Cook Island Law allows marriages to be performed between 6am to 8pm. For the best light and least heat we suggest you hold your wedding between 3.00pm & 5.00pm, but we understand that you may have your heart set on a particular time of the day and we will endeavour to do just that. Should you require a sunrise wedding to start at 6am or a late afternoon wedding from 6pm, a NZD$200 surcharge will apply.
 
Wedding Venues
Which is the best location?
Our Weddings can be set on our Private Beach at Etu Moana Beach Villas. We strive to create a private, intimate wedding ceremony offering a unique and personal experience away from the hustle & bustle
Do you do weddings on an offshore island?
Yes. Weddings can take place on our stunning One Foot Island (an uninhabited island) - located in the middle of Aitutaki lagoon.
Where is One Foot Island and how far is it?
One Foot Island is a deserted atoll in the middle of the Aitutaki lagoon with a secluded white sandy beach. You will be taken over by boat, with the trip taking approximately 25 minutes on a small boat and 30 – 45min on a larger boat.
What is a suitable wedding time for a wedding on One Foot Island?
For the best light and least heat we suggest you hold your wedding between 3.00pm & 5.00pm, but we understand that you may have your heart set on a particular time of the day and we will endeavour to do just that. Should you require a sunrise wedding to start at 6am or a late afternoon wedding from 6pm, a NZD$200 surcharge will apply.
We plan our weddings on One Foot Island from 3pm to 6pm. This is the best time as couples will experience total privacy on the motu and we avoid to heat of day.
How hot will it be?
This all depends on the season and we will regularly be checking the weather reports for you so you are kept informed of temperatures. Aitutaki is closer to the equator than Rarotonga which means it is often a couple of degrees hotter. On One Foot Island it can get very hot during the day - as there is little shade.
Will there be people around, if we were to have a wedding on the beach?
Quite possibly yes, as the beaches are not totally private and people may take a ‘distant’ interest in a wedding ceremony. However, with that in mind, we have created many private intimate wedding ceremonies offering a unique and personal experience. We focus on you and your day ensuring true intimacy. Our experienced and professional planners will make sure your wedding is the experience you dreamed of.
What happens if it’s a rainy day?
Depending on your ceremony's style and your guest numbers, we can move you into a covered deck area. We make sure we have suitable plans in place to provide for changes in weather. Should we need to move to our alternate plans, this will be decided 2 hours prior to your Ceremony.
 
Wedding Entertainment
Can we have live traditional music at the Ceremony and how long do entertainers perform for?
Yes you can, and adding some Island atmosphere with a serenader, string band or drummers is a beautiful touch to your Ceremony. Our entertainers perform for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. We will work with you to program the best place within your Ceremony for their performance.
Can we bring our own music for the Ceremony?
Absolutely - Yes you can. Please make sure that you label your songs clearly in a playlist and we will take care of the rest. We will work with you to program the best place within your Ceremony to play your music.
When does the serenader begin singing and for how long?
Usually the serenader will begin about 5 minutes prior to the arrival of the bride at the ceremony site and then they will also continue for a short period after the ceremony ends.
What song genre does the string band play? How long do they play for?
They play Cook Island Maori songs for approximately 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
 
Flowers
Can I choose my own flowers? What type of flowers do you have in season?
Yes you can choose from the selection of seasonal flowers that are available at the time. From November to May (our summer season), we have frangipanis, Gardenias, hibiscus, orchids, and much more. From June to October (our winter season) our flowers are limited and we will need to check with our local florist as to what is available. 
 
Cakes
Can the baker do pretty much anything we would like?
Yes, we work with a local supplier that makes delicious island wedding cakes! You can send a picture through and we will make your dream Wedding cake a reality. Note we do not recommend mouse cake as hey will melt quickly in the heat.
What flavours do you provide? What shapes do they come in?
Flavours: Moist Chocolate, Banana, Lemon, Carrot and Coconut.
Shapes: Round – Square – Heart.
Decoration: Ribbon & Flowers to match Bridal flowers.
If you have a particular style, let us know early and we will work with our cake suppliers to find out if what you desire is possible.
 
Photographer
Do we get to meet the photographer for a consult before our wedding day?
On your consultation day we will schedule a meeting with your photographer to discuss your photo ideas. Our photographers are experts at capturing the shots you require but it is important to know what you are after, so we encourage you to provide ideas, or even pictures that you want to have copied for your shots. We know that this meeting ensures quality and gives you comfort to know that your special day will be recorded just how you had planned.
How long does the photographer stay for?
Typically between 1-2 hours according to the photo package you choose.
 
Hair & Make-up Stylist
Will I get to meet my stylist for a consultation?
Suppliers for Hair & Make up in Aitutaki is very limited. Please let us know far in advance should you wish to have hair & make up done and we will try our best to secure one for you. 
Can the stylist provide services for my bridal party, friends and family?
Yes, and it is necessary to book in advance.

All marriages in the Cook Islands are legally binding and internationally recognised. All certificates (except for those who reside in New Zealand) will be stamped with an Apostille Seal (making it legal overseas).

For Italian couples who wish to marry in the Cook Islands there are additional documents and procedures to be taken. Your wedding coordinator will provide you with this information.

To get married in the Cook Islands you have to apply for a license known as 'Notice of Intended Marriage' in person at the Ministry of Justice in Aitutaki, showing you: 

• Birth certificate
• Actual passport
• Original Divorce Decree (if applicable)
• Widow / widower, original Death Certificate of former spouse. 
• Where there has been a name change of either the Bride or Groom, you will also need to provide supporting documentation for this.

These documents must be original and written in the English language or accompanied with a certified English translation.

Don’t worry, your Wedding coordinator will take you. The license has to be applied for 3 full working days prior to your wedding day, note the wedding day is not included in the 3 full days required. If you are unable to include the required days into your itinerary, you can apply for a wedding license waiver at an additional cost of NZD$100.00 (minimum of 24 hours to process).

After the wedding your signed license is sent off to the Ministry of Justice in Rarotonga to be processed. You will receive your Marriage Certificate with Apostille a few days later.  Should you be departing straight after your wedding then your Marriage Certificate will be posted to you.

Weddings can take place from Monday to Saturdays.  Due to local customs we are unable to provide weddings on Sundays.  Any weddings held on a Saturday or Public Holiday will incur an NZD$200 surcharge. 

Etu Moana Vow Renewal Package

• Personal Planner & Coordinator
• Minister or Celebrant
• Cake decorated with a Tropical Touch
• Bridal Bouquet
• Buttonhole for the Groom
• Head & Neck Ei’s (flower garlands) for Bride & Groom
• Polynesian Floral Heart Shape in the Sand
• Polynesian Two Man Band
• Polynesian Decoration of your villa
• Choice of Menu
• One bottle of Champagne
• Romantic Dinner at the Beach illuminated with Tiki Torches

Rate: NZ$2,500

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