Getting Married in Tahiti…It’s Not That Easy

Photo courtesy of honeymooncruiseshopper.com

Many couples dream of getting married in Tahiti but when you learn what the requirement are you might want to think twice. Weddings in the islands of Tahiti are legally binding for Americans and Canadians. More important is that the 30 day residency requirement has been discarded. However, you should know that it can take up to six months to complete all of the paperwork.

Most resorts offer wedding packages, including a minister and a celebrant, assistance in obtaining a marriage license, flowers, champagne, and a candle lit dinner. However, many couples do not want to deal with all of the paperwork, so they  decide to get married in a legal ceremony at home and then  have a wedding or symbolic ceremony in Tahiti which makes for a romantic experience but requires no paperwork. Remember these marriage can be a true Tahitian experience but they are not recognized as legal or binding marriages.

Tahiti Weddings

However, below are the steps and documentation required for a legal ceremony in French Polynesia. It usually takes three to five months to complete the paper work.

To Be Eligible to Get Married in Tahiti

• Both spouses must be at least 18 years old


• Neither spouse can be currently married.


• Spouses must be of the opposite sex


• The couple cannot be related by direct lineage


• The couple cannot be French nationals for residents of France or its territories


• The bride and the groom must each choose a witness who must be 18 years of age or older (if the chosen witness is not present, the mayor’s office will provide the witness)

Required documentation

• The “Marriage of Foreign Citizens in French Polynesia” application must be completed


•  A letter signed and dated by both future spouses, addressed to the mayor of the commune  chosen for the marriage ceremony


• Certificate of residency (one month of residency minimum)


• Birth certificate for bride and groom (issued within the last six months) including translation into French


• An Apostle authenticating the certified copy of the birth certificate


• A prenuptial agreement ( optional)

Cost for Processing the Legal Work

The cost is from $700 to $1300 approximately when  including in such things as a translator, lawyer fees, ordering and sending documents

What Happens Next?

The entire process should take between  3 – 5 months from the time  you order to documents to the day you get marries. Please remember that certifies copies of the birth certificate are valid in Tahiti for 6 months from the date of issue only. Be sure not to order certified copies of your birth certificate more than six months from you wedding date.

What Happens on Your Wedding Day?

On the day of you ceremony, the bridal couple, their guests, and their witnesses will go to city hall which is called Mairie.

The mayor or an appointed representative from the mayor’s office  will perform the ceremony, in the presence of the two witnesses in the language chosen by the wedding couple.

After the ceremony, the mayor will give the couple a Marriage Certificate. The certificate is dates and signed by the mayor’s office of the commune in which the marriage takes place. This will prove that the marriage is legal when returning to your country of origin.

The ceremony at city hall take about 15 minutes and is mandatory. After it is completed , you can have your traditional ceremony at the resort of your choice.

If you live in Canada contact the French Consulates in Canada – contact for translation of documents, certifying documents, further advice: Vancouver office: 604-637-5300, www.consulfrance-vancouver.org . This office serves AB, BC, NT. Toronto office: 416-847-1900, http://www.consulfrance-toronto.org/. This office serves ON, MB, SK.

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations for discerning travellers, honeymooners and families. As the owner of Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her attravelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.