So you’re ready to tie the knot? First off, congratulations!
We all know that organising and budgeting for your perfect island wedding can be a preeetty stressful time, especially if you’re planning on having it at an overseas venue! But don’t worry - we’re here to help you with all the hefty decisions when it comes to deciding on your Rarotonga wedding package, helping to make your big day and honeymoon at a tropical island oasis as seamless and worry-free as possible. Check out our top 6 Rarotonga wedding and honeymoon options below as well as our wedding tips, so you can have an experience that you couldn’t even dream of!
1. Muri Beach Club Hotel Resort (4-star) - Adults Only (18+)
Luxe beachfront rooms with Polynesian flair, an award-winning spa, delish South Pacific cuisine at the onsite restaurant, and with Motus (offshore islands) close by … what doesn’t it have?! Plus, their most popular all-inclusive “I Do” wedding package includes the basics (wedding coordinator, wedding license and celebrant/minister), covers up to 30 of your closest family and friends, and you can choose between 3 amazing reception venue options - the Lagoon Lounge, SilverSands Restaurant or Beachside Marquee.
They even offer some bonus treats for honeymooners like massages, bubbles or upgrades depending on how long you’re staying so make sure to ask your Flight Centre Travel Expert when you book your honeymoon package to see what extras you can get!
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 1: Receive the perfect wedding gift…your honeymoon! Talk to your Flight Centre Travel Expert about setting up your Wedding Travel Account while planning your Rarotonga wedding or honeymoon!
2. The Edgewater Resort & Spa (4-star)
There are 3 main wedding packages to choose from. For example, the All-Inclusive Package includes a wedding planner, beachside ceremony, marriage license and certificate, services of a celebrant or minister, reception for 30 people (including BBQ buffet, beverage package and wedding cake), 5 nights in a Beachfront Deluxe Room with return airport transfers for the wedding couple and more! Plus, they’ve got some incredible additions to choose from including the organisation of all floral arrangements, photography and video packages, an Island String Band, Island Drummers, a Polynesian Drum Show, a DJ for up to 4 hours, pampering at their spa (hair ups, make up massage)...the list goes on!
Their experienced events team is also well equipped to create the most romantic and truly memorable experience for your honeymoon, whether you’re wanting a champagne breakfast, a personal island tour or a private candlelit dinner on the beach.
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 2: Weddings in the Cook Islands are legally binding and recognised in New Zealand so there’s no need to do anything when you get home - nice and easy!
3. Manuia Beach Resort (4-star) - Adults Only (16+)
We recommend staying in the luxurious VIP Beachfront Suite for your honeymoon, which even includes a bottle of Moet on arrival and golf membership at the Rarotonga Golf Club during your stay! Plus, with tropical gardens and a beachside infinity pool at the resort as well, you’ll feel like you’re in absolute paradise.
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 3: You must be in the Cook Islands three full days prior to the ceremony to obtain a marriage licence.
4. Nautilus Resort Rarotonga (4-star)
Choose from a tropical garden ceremony, ceremony on the beach or your own private island for the moment you say "I do" from 2 to 180 guests! With so many incredible options to choose between from wedding reception locations, wedding cocktail party packages, food service options, entertainment options and more, you can’t go wrong!
For your honeymoon, retreat to one of the freestanding, lavish and sustainably-built Are’s or villas; each with their own salt-water private pool! We suggest staying in a Beachfront Are’ for easy access to the beach and the most stunning outlook over the turquoise waters of the famed Muri Lagoon. If you stay in a Beachfront Are’ for at least 5 nights for your honeymoon, you’ll even receive a complimentary 50-min Couples Relaxation Massage! (Subject to change and subject to availability - check with your Travel expert at time of booking).
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 4: Take your birth certificate with you as it is required for the marriage licence.
5. Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort (4-star) - Adults Only
Since it is the Cook Islands only private island resort with overwater bungalows, staying here is the ULTIMATE romantic retreat with uninterrupted panoramic views as well as direct access to the lagoon waters from your room. Plus, their “Over The Moon” Wedding Package is everything you need and more for your perfect island beach wedding.
If your goal is to relax in honeymoon heaven after the big day, then look no further than the Royal Honeymoon Pool Villa! The tropical-luxe living space with a Polynesian-style rain shower and your own private pool is the perfect place to enjoy your first few days (or week!) as newlyweds - you’ll never want to leave! Or of course, you can indulge by staying in one of the over-water bungalows - step down your own private deck and straight into the water! Nothing can beat that!
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 5: The legal age to get married in the Cook Islands is 20, otherwise written permission from both parents is needed.
6. Te Vakaroa Villas (5-star)
The 6 sophisticated, contemporary beachfront one or two-bedroom villas are ideal if you’re wanting maximum comfort and absolute privacy, designed by New Zealand based multi-award winning and leading architect Lawrence Sumich. Up to 20 guests can have exclusive use of the villas and the “Simple Elegant Ceremony Package” is provided complimentary on beach or within property when exclusive use is taken! Otherwise, tailor-made packages are available to suit your individual needs.
With stunning views of Muri Lagoon over the Infinity pool and the option to have a fully hosted holiday (rather than self-catered), this is the ultimate private wedding and honeymoon getaway.
TOP RARO WEDDING TIP 6: Make sure you check our blog on the best time to go to Rarotonga, as part of your wedding planning too.
