Tying the Knot in Fiji
There are hundreds of beaches to be wed on in Fiji! More than a dozen resorts in Fiji offer the option of a beachside wedding – or renewing your vows – in a traditional Fijian ceremony. Unlike Tahiti, weddings are legally recognized here too…so you don’t have to worry about doing it all over again when you return home.
Get married surrounded by nature in Fiji. Wedding packages are available for prices that are far less than what you’d pay to celebrate at home. Vow renewal ceremonies are also available, whether you just got married or are celebrating your 50th anniversary!
Ceremonial Fijian Weddings
Your wedding in Fiji can take place in a quaint chapel, on a stunning beach with beautiful waves lapping against the shore, at sunset on a floating pontoon or anywhere else you imagine! You can incorporate Fijian dress, traditional escorts, choirs, dancers or anything else you choose.
Traditional Fijian weddings incorporate some or all of the following:
- Bili Bili: Native Fijians wearing traditional garb carry the bride to the wedding ceremony on a beautifully decorated throne filled with fresh flowers.
- Warriors: Fijians in historic dress escort the bride to her waiting groom.
- Salusalu: A floral necklace including leaves and tapa (indigenous tree bark that is painted and made into a cloth).
- Kava: This ceremony incorporates kava, made from ground root and drunk throughout the islands to commemorate special occasions. It’s like toasting with local champagne!
- Lovo: The traditional feast is cooked via an underground oven of hot stones, similar to the Hawaiian luau.
- Meke: Incorporating dance, stories and song, this production is performed on important occasions.
- Fire Walking: This ceremony is considered an ancient ritual and is performed during weddings and other special occasions.
Legal Weddings in Fiji
Provided they meet the following requirements, weddings that occur in Fiji are legally binding.
- Passport: The couple must present valid passports.
- Birth Certificates: Only original certificates are accepted.
- Other Paperwork: If relevant – death certificate of former spouse, notarized consent of parent if under 21, divorce papers, or ‘letter of freedom’ and baptism certificates for Catholic weddings – sent three months in advance.
- Application: There is no waiting period, but you must apply for a license in Fiji, at the Registrar General’s office. Registrars are located in Nadi, Suva and Lautoka and open Monday-Friday.
- Fee: F$20 is required for a license and valid for three weeks.
