By Damin Chu
A destination wedding in Fiji means deep aqua-marine waters, striking
beaches, and a welcoming local culture to help you celebrate your commitment to your partner. Fiji encompasses over 300 islands, which means that you'll have enough variety to plan the wedding you've dreamed of, whether that involves a deserted
beach, a tropical jungle, or a five-star
resort. Most hotels and
resorts have wedding planners on staff to help you design the big day. You should call the hotel directly to inquire about their most up-to-date wedding packages.
Weddings the Fijian Way
Fijian culture is colorful and intricate, and couples will have the option of creating a unique wedding ceremony enhanced by Fijian traditions. Some Fijian wedding packages include a time-honored warrior ceremony that involves tattooed Fijian men creating a procession for the bride into a bamboo raft adorned with flowers. The boat is pulled across the bay as a symbol of the bride's journey to a new life with her husband. The bride is then taken to the groom, who is awaiting her on the beach, while celebratory local songs are sung. Couples may also choose to have a Western ceremony in a church or on the beach, or they may choose a combination of both types of ceremonies. A traditional kava ceremony, which involves the couple drinking a nonalcoholic drink created out of pepper plant roots, is another popular way for couples to interact with the local culture. It is said to bring the couple good luck.
Where to Stay
The Sheraton owns three hotels on Denarau Island and is an easy choice. All three create the ideal setting for a wedding, since they each have a wedding chapel on site, in addition to lush gardens, and lavish facilities that include spas, golf clubs, restaurants, and rooms with ocean views. Matamanoa Island Resort is located between the volcanic rocks of Matamanoa and the clear waters, reefs, and pristine beaches of the island shoreline. Couples at Matamanoa can choose a traditional wedding under a handmade arch made from fronds and complete with Fijian warriors and traditional dress, or go the more traditional route. The Taveuni Island Resort offers an adults-only affair, with no children under 15 allowed. Besides friendly staff and a relaxing atmosphere, the island offers jungles and reefs worth exploring. The resort prides itself on providing dream weddings to its guests, and any wedding will be enhanced with resort's superior sunset views.
Marriage Documents
Couples about to be married don't need to be residents to get a marriage license in Fiji. The license will cost approximately $10 and can be obtained at the offices of the Registrar General. There is one in Suva and one in Lautoka. All you need to bring are your passports and proof of divorce or a death certificate, if either partner has been previously married. The couple must go in person and the paperwork will take about 15 minutes to complete. The license should be ready after one business day.
Resources
About the Author:
Damin Chu is a freelance writer, whose writing has taken her down a number of avenues. In 2008, she returned from Shanghai, China, where she served as the managing editor of a China travel guide, in addition to writing travel features for the local newspaper. Her other projects have included writing for a Shanghai expat guide, a education documentary, and an environmental NGO.
