”Everything you ever dreamed of and more”

Our tropical paradise offers many possibilities for your never-to-be-forgotten wedding day. Many of our visitors are so moved by our paradise, they renew their vows at special ceremonies.

The Cook Islands is now a popular location for weddings and honeymoons. No surprise there are a number of wedding planners working outside of the resorts to cater to a more tailor-made approach, the choice is yours.

The resort style wedding is available at most of the main resorts on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. You do not have to be a guest of a resort to take advantage of their wedding packages...

For those of you who would like to consider the BIG DAY outside a resort, there are a number of independent businesses specialising in weddings. They have all the local knowledge but most importantly they genuinely care about you, making the special day a success and ensuring everyone has fun.

We have included some links to give you a head start

Jennie at Experience Rarotonga

We are happy to help with smaller weddings, please always ask us first and we will let you know if your wedding plans are within our capabilites

Andrea at Wedded Bliss www.weddedblissrarotonga.com

"Every effort will be made to cater for your dream wedding. All you need to do is pack your bags and everything else will be taken care of with total attention to detail and with the utmost care. Whether you seek a traditional, religious or more modern and stylised wedding, in a church or at the water's edge, Wedded Bliss Rarotonga will be at your service, taking care of everything."

Melinda at Pacific Brides www.pacificbride.com

"My aim at Pacific Bride is to work with you, prior to, and on your wedding day, to establish a look that you are completely happy with. Whether it’s classic simplicity or high fashion you require, I will endeavour to make your dream a reality."

Rebecca at Simply Weddings www.rarotongabackpackers.com

"Rarotonga is a very romantic and beautiful Pacific paradise chosen by many people from all corners of the world as the location of their perfect island wedding. We would like to help you arrange the wedding of your dreams, without it costing the earth. Keep an eye here for our wedding package options or contact us today to find out more.

Some important facts you need to know

Cook Island marriages are internationally recognised and, of course, legally binding worldwide. The following is general information for getting married in the Cook Islands.
It is recommended that you check with the marriage licensing bureau in your state or province for local requirements regarding marriages.
Legal age of consent to marry is 20 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required.

Cost of Marriage Licence is NZ$50.00
Three day Marriage Waiver fee NZ$45.00

Amended Marriage Licence fee NZ$20.00 (If you wish to be married in less than 3 days residency request)

Church Minister or priest

A donation is accepted, as an indication NZ$80.00 - NZ$100.00
Marriage Celebrant fee is upon request

Your application

For your marriage licence the application must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least three days prior to marriage. Please be aware that the office is only open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. This requirement can sometimes be waived and the there will be a fee charged to do so.

Documents Needed

Your passport and birth certificate will be required when filing the 'Notice of Intended Marriage' at the Registrars Office in Avarua, Cook Islands. If divorced you MUST produce Decree Absolute (divorce documents) and TRANSLATED into English.

If you are widow/widower you will be required to produce the death certificate of the deceased spouse.

To avoid any delays, please ensure that all the necessary arrangements have been finalised such as person officiating the marriage, venue and date of the marriage before going into the office to complete the forms.

Churches in the Cook Islands

Most denominations are represented in the Cook Islands. It is a good idea to check with your local Minister regarding the requirements to get married in the Church as they will generally also apply to the Cook Islands.

For further information

Marriage Inquiries
Registrars Department
Department of Justice and Lands
PO Box 11, Rarotonga

Phone...( 682) 29410 Fax...( 682) 29610 or

Email...offices@justice.gov.ck

Sails Restaurant & Bar at www.sailsrestaurant.co.ck

Sails Restaurant & Bar is an idyllic location for a tropical island wedding on the beach of Muri Lagoon. We offer a range of wedding services depending on the clients’ requirements and budget.

At Sails, weddings are given top priority. Many of our clients hand over the organisation of their wedding reception to our ‘Wedding Planner’. Our attention to detail will ensure that our clients’ special day is unforgettable and hassle free.

Base Wedding Package - NZ$900.00

Cost includes:

* wedding licence
* ceremony on beachfront at Sails
* decorated Archway
* marriage celebrant
* return transfers to process licence
* flower eis (garlands) for the bride and groom
* bottle of champagne for Bride and Groom
* liaison with Wedding co-ordinator.

Venues for Wedding Ceremony

Beach-front at Sails Restaurant, Muri Lagoon
Base Wedding package above applies

Motu Koromiri Wedding Package
A tiny palm fringed isle set 200 mtrs off shore from Sails Restaurant. - NZ$1900.00

Package includes:
* license
* celebrant
* transfers to obtain license
* flower ei’s for the bride & groom
* decorated archway
* photographer, (80 shots) album & negatives
* stringband
* two bottles of champagne
* return transfers to Motu Koromiri for the bride & groom & two guests
* dedicated wedding co-ordinator
NB: Additional return boat transfers $7.50pp

Transfers / Transport

* Car and Bus Transfers (including driver). Quote on Request
* Transfer to Motu Koromiri on Traditional Vaka $250

Flowers

Bridal Bouquets: Posie | Round

Trailing Bouquets: small | medium | large

All photography packages come with film, processing, negative release and approx 1.5hr shoot time.

Wedding Photo Package (40 photos) NZ$400.00
With Album NZ$450.00

Wedding Photo Package (80 photos) NZ$500.00
With Album NZ$550.00

Koka Package ~ This is an 80 photo package
PLUS 3 extra locations on the island NZ$700.00

Video/DVD Package

Package covers shoot time and editing. Includes footage of ceremony and reception. DVD package include video also.

VHS-PAL or NTSC format NZ$400.00
DVD NZ$500.00

Wedding Reception Services

Exclusive use of our Facilities

Exclusive use of our facility is available: please enquire.

Maximum seating capacity is approximately 65 pax.

Function Set-up

We offer formal wedding set-up including white tablecloths and linen napkins, complimented by tropical flower arrangements, candles, candelabras cutlery & crockery.

2 people (couple) - NZ$65.00
3 – 9 people - NZ$150.00
10 – 20 people - NZ$250.00

For groups of 20 or more people, function setup is mandatory inclusion...

21 – 30 people - NZ$350.00
31 – 45 people - NZ$400.00
46 – 54 people - NZ$550.00

55 – 65 people - NZ$650.00
66 - 70 people - NZ$700.00

No extra charge for venue hire applies.
Please note we are unable to arrange wedding ceremonies or receptions on Saturdays or Sundays.

Beverages

Sails is fully licenced and offers an extensive beverage list including white, red and sparkling wine, cocktails, spirits, beers, juices, cocktails, espresso coffee and tea. A Tropical Wedding punch is available on arrival at $6 p/hd.

Wedding Menus

Wedding menus are tailored to suit the personal preference of our clients. See our sample wedding menu or other function menu options below.

ENTREES

Sails Greek Salad
Tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta & olive salad with basil dressing & toasted Focaccia

Sails Classic Chowder
Fresh fish, shrimps and mussels, poached in a white wine and coconut cream soup.

Ika Mata
Yellow-fin Tuna marinated in coconut cream & fresh lime with Salad & Kinaki

MAINS

Sails Butter Chicken
an aromatic Indian style dish of tender chicken slow cooked in spices, thickened with cashew nuts and served on pandanus rice with accompaniments

Ocean Strike Catch
Pan fried and served on a bed of baked vegetables
& today’s mash with chef's hollandaise

Braised Lamb Shanks
With creamy roast garlic polenta, vegetables in a red wine jus

DESSERTS

Rich Dark Chocolate Cake
With chocolate sauce, soft whipped cream and ice cream

Sails Cheesecake
Cheesecake of the day with fresh seasonal fruit & whipped cream

Coconut Meringue Sandwich
Coconut and vanilla meringue, with fresh banana and whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate fudge sauce

Entertainment

Entertainment can also be arranged including:

• Local stringband
• Traditional Dance Team
• D.J. (inc sound system & music)
• Quote available on request.

Payment Policy

A 50% deposit is required one month (30 days) prior to the function with balance payable on day of function.

Cancellation Policy

We require notice of cancellation two weeks in advance (14 days).
Cancellations within 14 days of function will result in a 25% cancellation fee.

Prices valid from 1st January 2006 until 31st December 2006 or until further notice.