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Fiji, with the azure oceans and pristine beaches, is one of the most popular overseas destinations for weddings. The sparking waterfalls, tropical forests or silver beaches in Fiji offers natural setting for the perfect wedding that you have always dreamt. In addition, Fijian culture of beautiful song and dance can be a part of your memorable ceremony from the marvel of fire walking to the beautiful voices of the people around you.
Documents Required
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Original or certified copy of birth certificates
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Passport
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Decree Absolute Document, if divorced
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Death Certificate, if spouse had died
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Statutory Declaration signed by a Justice of Peace or Notary Public or Solicitor to prove that the persons are not married (this declaration both applies to first or the second marriage)
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Consent of the father, if under the age of 21 years or mother if father is deceased
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Couples must present themselves together to apply for the license
Special License
Application form for special license can be obtained from Head Office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Suva, the Divisional Registrar Offices either the Divisional Registrar Offices either either the Divisional Registrar Offices either in Lautoka or Labasa or any offices of the district officer. This license is valid only for 28 days from the date of issue (within which the marriage may be performed) stated in the license and the marriage officer should satisfy himself/herself that the license is still in force.
Marriage Officers/Celebrants
Marriages in Fiji are solemnized by Government Offices or Ministers of Religions of the Christian faith or other suitably qualified persons professing any recognized religion, must first be registered as a marriage officer. The names of all marriage officers are published in the Fiji Republic Gazette upon registration and then annually at the beginning of each year.
The party who intend to get married should satisfy themselves that the marriage officer or celebrant assign to solemnize their marriage has already been registered. Should a party wish to be married in a garden, hotel, beach etc., arrangement should be made before hand with a marriage celebrant who will solemnize the marriage. Traveling expenses for the celebrant should be met by the party concerned.
Witnesses and Signing of the Marriage Certificate
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Every marriage shall be performed in the presence of at least 2 witnesses who can sign their names and are 21 years of age
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particulars filled in the certificate of marriage in triplicate must be typed or printed and must be the same as the particulars in the special license
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3 copies of the certificate of marriage must be signed by the parties, the witnesses and the marriage officer
The duplicate copy of the certificate of marriage must be given to one of the parties, the original must be sent within 7 days to the District Registrar or Registrar General (in Suva] for recording purposes.
Additional Religious Ceremony
Where the Registrar General or the district registrar has already performed a marriage, a marriage officer may, if the party desires upon production of the certificate of marriage, perform a further religious ceremony of marriage.
No further certificate of marriage shall be completed by the marriage officer in the case of an additional religious marriage ceremony.
Validity of Marriages Solemnized in Fiji for Citizens in Other Countries
The marriage is valid in all member countries that have adopted the Convention abolishing the requirement of legalization for Foreign Public Documents. This convention, opened for signature at The Hague on October 5, 1961 and applies to public documents that have been executed in one country and which are required to be produced in the territory of another country.
The convention have allowed and included documents such as Marriages, Births and Deaths Certificates are exempted from legislation of documents and the only formality required is the affixing of a certificate by a competent authority of the country from which the documents issued. This certificate or stamp is titled "Apostille [convention de La Haye du 5 Octobre 1961"]. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is equipped with the designated authority to certify public documents under the Convention. Please get your marriage certificate authenticated by the ministry of foreign affairs and External Trade before departure from Fiji.
Registry Offices for Marriage in Fiji
Lautoka Crown Law Office
1st Floor, Rogorogoivuda House, Tavewa Road
Tel: +679 600 968
Fax: +679 304 917
The Registrar General's Office
Suvavou House, Ground Floor, Suva
Tel: +679 315 280
District Office
Korivolu Avenue, Nadi
Tel: +679 700 101
License \Validity
The special license is effective immediately after the application is received within 1 working day and processed by the registry. It is valid for 21 days from the date of issue. After the marriage ceremony, it is advisable to apply for a proper/typed marriage certificate. This can be obtained from the local registry office - for returning nationals.
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
Source: www.fijihighcommission.org.uk
