Tahiti has some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches, fresh tropical food, romantic things to do for couples, and rich island culture. This makes them a popular place for destination weddings and vow renewals.
It’s one of your most precious memories, and you want to keep it forever. And whether your dream wedding is a small ceremony at sunset on a secluded beach or a big party with friends and family at an island resort, we can make it happen. Tahiti is the perfect place for a wedding or vow renewal.
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How to have a legal wedding in Tahiti
It’s easy to have a wedding in Tahiti. There are many beach wedding locations in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora that include everything from the cake and flowers to the photos and decorations.
Even though you have to fill out some paperwork, it’s well worth it to have your wedding on a tropical island, on a beach, or at a resort with overwater bungalows.
Visitors from outside of Tahiti who want to get married there have to choose the date of the celebration and the commune where they want it to take place.
The following papers must be sent to the City Hall of the municipality where the marriage will take place at least 45 days before the ceremony.
Find out if you can get married in Tahiti
To get married in Tahiti, the couple must be at least 18 years old. The law says neither party can be married simultaneously or have a close relationship. Each person getting married must be there in person and must say their vows in front of a witness who is at least 18 years old.
The bride and groom must each pick a witness (who must be 18 years of age or older; please note, if the chosen witnesses are not present, the mayor will appoint a witness).
Each person getting married must be there in person and must say their vows in front of a witness who is at least 18 years old.
It is important to remember that all weddings and elopements are done in French. If the couple doesn’t speak French well, they can choose to have an interpreter at the ceremony who can answer all questions in French.
There can’t be ceremonies for French citizens or people who live on French territory. Once all the rules have been followed, the couple can choose the commune where they want to get married and submit two sets of dates.
Note that you can’t get married or run away in French Polynesia on a Sunday or a national holiday.
The official wedding ceremony
On the day of the wedding, the guests and witnesses of the soon-to-be-married couple go to City Hall. The mayor or a representative from the mayor’s office will perform the ceremony.
It is important to remember that all weddings and elopements are held in French. If the couple doesn’t speak French well, they can choose to have an interpreter at the ceremony who can answer all questions in French.
After the wedding, the mayor will give the couple a “Certificat de celebration de Mariage,” which means “Marriage Certificate.”
This certificate will be dated and signed by the mayor’s office of the commune where the marriage takes place. When the couple goes back to their home country, they can use it to show that the marriage was legal.
Frequently asked Questions
Can we get married when we are divorced?
If someone has been married before and is now divorced, they can still get married legally in Tahiti. Before. You must have your divorce papers finalized and the process finished. You can also apply for a Certificate of Non-Marital Status at your local civil office.
How long do I have to stay in Tahiti before I can get married?
There is no minimum stay, you can get married, for example, on the day of your arrival in Tahiti.
Which documents are a must-have to get married in Tahiti?
The following documents must be sent to French Polynesia at least 45 days before the legal wedding date:
- Passport copies
- Certified copies of birth certificates with apostille
- Proof of residency from both
- Certificate of Non-Marital Status
- Application “Marriage of Foreign Citizens” in French Polynesia
- A Letter to the Mayor
* All documents must be in French or an official translation of it.
*Certified copies of birth certificates are only valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
Summary
Couples from outside of Tahiti who want to get married there have to choose the date of the celebration and the commune where they want it to take place. To apply for a wedding various documents must be sent to the City Hall of the municipality where the marriage will take place at least 45 days before the ceremony.
The mayor of the commune where the couple is getting married will post a “publication desbans” that says they don’t object to the marriage. The ceremony will be held at the mayor’s office and witnessed by at least two people.
After the wedding, the mayor will give the couple a “Certificat de celebration de Mariage,” which means “Marriage Certificate”.
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How to have a legal wedding in Tahiti
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