RSSA South Seas wedding and honeymoon is very popular with visitors to the South Pacific. Rarotonga is a favorite choice both because of its low cost in comparison with French Polynesia or Fiji and its reputation as a romantic destination. There is a thriving industry on Rarotonga catering to the needs of couples wishing to get married as well as those who require special ceremonies to renew their original marriage vows. Marriages performed in the Cook Islands are recognized internationally.
One can even get married the religious way. Churches of most denominations exist in the Cook Islands, which include Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon and Ba'hai. The marriage requirements of these will be the same as in other countries. But it will be advisable to check with your local Minister regarding the requirements to marry in the Church as they will also apply to the Cook Islands.
Rules and regulations -
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Cook Islands law requires all people wishing to get married to be 21 years of age or to have written consent from their parents.
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Application for a marriage license must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages at least three working days before the wedding. You cannot apply for a license outside the Cook Islands.
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Applicants for a wedding license must produce a passport and, if divorced, a copy of the Decree Nisi.
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The cost of License if marriage is performed by Registrar of Marriages is aroundNZ$57and is around NZ$23, If conducted by a church minister. The cost of Marriage Certificate is around NZ$12.
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The application for License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands on arrival. You will need to give a minimum of 3 working days notice for processing your application. Application for this license cannot be made outside the Cook Islands.
All applications are to be addressed to
Registrar's Department
Department of Justice and Lands
PO Box 11, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
T 682 29410 F 682 29610
E-mail: offices@justice.gov.ck
