Top tips for a Fiji Elopement
Have you always wanted to know more about eloping to Fiji??
Let us help guide you through the ins & outs of the process and explore further why eloping in Fiji should be a great decision!
With weddings in 2020 & 2021 postponed, cancelled and put on hold, there has been a sharp increase in elopements – and to be honest we don’t blame couples for choosing this option! Elopements are perfectly intimate, a special moment shared between just you and your partner and a perfect way to indulge yourselves in small but amazing wedding – your very own Fiji love story after what may have been a very challenging time.
The money you would have spent on a big wedding can be put towards a luxury elopement experience for the most amazing week(s) of your life. And once you’re hitched it’s straight into the honeymoon – you’re already there!
So say goodbye to all the fuss, all the drama and let’s talk about arrangements for the perfect relaxed nuptials – an elopement in Fiji.
Our top tips for a Fiji Elopement:
The key to elopements is to keep it simple, because lets be honest – it’s just the two of you. But enhance the experience with a choir, warriors and ceremony setup, or just let the gorgeous surroundings do the work!
Tip 1# – Definitely hire a professional photographer and videographer to capture your day – even though it’s just you two, your big day needs to be beautifully captured as a reminder of the day that was to share when you get home.
Tip 2# – Book a Hair & Makeup stylist – you want to look and feel amazing and make sure your partner is blown away!
Tip 3# – Be a little un-traditional. Do anything you please as part of your wedding day in any order you like.
Tip 4# – Help each other get ready – I have seen moments where couples help each other get ready before they say I do. It adds another level of romance.
Tip 5# – If you are worried about not having your closest loves one their on the day, hold a ‘Yay we’re married’ party or intimate dinner when you return and share the images and video of your day.
Enjoy the day guilt free! There is nothing more special than sharing this moment between you – it’s your day, do it your way!
What you need to know:
We suggest not to tack on an elopement as an afterthought – despite it being simple, you’ll want to make sure it is done properly and that the overall holiday including your wedding is a well-planned success. Most hotels and resorts in Fiji will assist you to have a simple wedding on the beach or in their gardens, with charges typically varying between 2-4kFJD on top of your accommodation costs. Check with them before booking what their packages are so you know what’s going to be included and what you have to budget for further.
To ensure you book the right resort – ask yourself a few questions. What sort of things do you like doing? Do you want activities or just want to relax on the beach? What is important to you with the standard of the resort? Do you want to splurge of an all-inclusive wedding package or keep it super simple? Do you have a budget and how long did you want to stay for?
There are many different places in Fiji and you want to make sure you pick the right one to get the best experience. We highly recommend using the services of a Fiji wedding expert to guide your decision. Let them know if you have a budget so they can work within your price range.
What do we need to officially marry?
From a legal perspective, you’ll need a marriage license, two witnesses and a celebrant. Most resorts or wedding planners can pre-arrange the some aspects of the license and you’ll need a quick trip to visit to the Registry Office before the day. You will need to take original or certified copies of:
– original birth certificates
– valid passports
– divorce papers (if previously married)
– death certificate of spouse if widowed
– a certificate of single status must be presented
-passport photos
Legal requirements change from time to time so it is always best to check with your resort for the most up to date information. Also take a look at our article on the latest legal info here.
Hot tip: Allow at least 2 days in advance to finalise your preparations. Remember to check on weekends/Public Holidays when planning your travel arrangements and allow an extra day if necessary. Sunday is a religious day in Fiji and Sunday weddings are subject to individual resorts though many now do have weddings all days of the week. Also the Births, Deaths and Marriages offices are closed weekends, so if you marry the weekend or Monday, you’ll need to be in Fiji on the Friday.
And FYI….Your marriage is recognised and legal worldwide. All registered marriage certificates will be forwarded to the Foreign Affairs office to obtain an Apostille seal to authenticate the marriage is legal and to be recognised in foreign countries.
Still not sure of the right way forward? We are here to help!
Reach out of you want to chat further about the best options for eloping in Fiji.
And if you are looking for a cost-effective option for your elopement, don’t forget to check out our article on best value elopements under 2kAUD.
Who Did They Use
-
Fiji Wedding Photographers
Anais Photography
Read More
