Who can marry? Male and female only. Gay marriage is illegal.
Are there residency requirements? Couples need to be in the Cook Islands three full days before the ceremony to obtain their marriage licence. The Registrar may waive the requirement in special circumstances, but your wedding coordinator must apply in advance and a small fee is payable to the government. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands
What documentation do we need? Bride and bridegroom need their passports and birth certificates. If one or both parties is divorced, legal proof of that divorce will be required. If you're a widow or widower, a death certificate for the previous spouse needs to be produced.
Are there any age restrictions? The legal age of consent is 21. Anyone younger will have to produce written approval from their parents or legal guardians.
Are there residency requirements? Couples need to be in the Cook Islands three full days before the ceremony to obtain their marriage licence. The Registrar may waive the requirement in special circumstances, but your wedding coordinator must apply in advance and a small fee is payable to the government. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands
What documentation do we need? Bride and bridegroom need their passports and birth certificates. If one or both parties is divorced, legal proof of that divorce will be required. If you're a widow or widower, a death certificate for the previous spouse needs to be produced.
Are there any age restrictions? The legal age of consent is 21. Anyone younger will have to produce written approval from their parents or legal guardians.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Many hotels will organise everything for you...at a price...and it's probably money well spent if you want someone else to look after the hassle. There are also companies on the net selling "everything you need to know" guides. But all that information is also available directly from the Cook Islands government, free of charge.
Marriage Inquiries, Many hotels will organise everything for you...at a price...and it's probably money well spent if you want someone else to look after the hassle. There are also companies on the net selling "everything you need to know" guides. But all that information is also available directly from the Cook Islands government, free of charge.
Registrars Department
Department of Justice and Lands
PO Box 11,
Rarotonga,
Cook Islands, South Pacific
• Phone +682 29 410
• Fax +682 29 610
• Email: offices@justice.gov.ck
The information on this page is a summary of the government's official advice.
From a beachfront wedding at sunset to an elaborate affair with full Cook Islands Maori costume, wedding canoe and warriors...there are plenty of options for anyone planning to marry in the Islands. And there are plenty of companies who will relieve you of your money to organise it. The purpose of this page is simply to spell out the basics.
Stunningly scented floral head-dresses or eis... in the Islands, they're worn by men and women alike
The deserted motus or islets in the lagoon at Muri Beach, Rarotonga are the most popular venue for weddings
WEDDINGS IN PARADISE
THE LAW
AND WHEN YOU'VE HAD YOUR COOK ISLANDS WEDDING...post some pictures on our Facebook page