Marriages performed in the Cook Islands are legally binding worldwide. However, intending applicants should check with their own countries' marriage licensing authorities for their local requirements concerning marriages.

• Cook Islands law requires all people wishing to get married to be 21 years of age or to have written consent from their parents.
• Application for a marriage licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages at Avarua at least three working days before the wedding. The office is open from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
• You cannot apply for a licence outside the Cook Islands.

Applicants for a wedding licence must produce:

• Passports
• Original birth certificates (if you can´t find your original birth certificate a copy is accepted.)
• Officially witnessed consent of your parent/guardian if you are under 21
• Decree Absolute (divorce papers) if relevant
• Death certificate of deceased former spouse if relevant
• All documents must be in English or translated into English.

Licence fees

• Licenses cost NZ$56 for a registrar marriage or
• $23 for church ministers.
• If a license is required in less than 3 days, an additional fee of $45 will be required.
• Marriage certificates cost a further $12.

More information is available from:-
Registrar's Department
Department of Justice and Lands
PO Box 11
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Phone: 682 29410 Fax: 682 29610
E-mail: offices@justice.gov.ck

Churches

Churches of most denominations exist in the Cook Islands. They include Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational, Cook Islands Christian Church, Seventh Day Adventist, Mormon and Ba'hai. The marriage requirements of these will be the same as in other countries.

Catholic Weddings

The couple should have completed a course for engaged couples, such as the FOCCUS program. Catholics will need to have a recently issued Baptism certificate. If one of the parties belongs to a church other than Catholic, a dispensation is required.
If the couple wishes to celebrate their marriage in a place other than a Catholic church, they need the permission of the Bishop of Rarotonga. In order for this permission to be granted, the couple must apply to the Bishop in writing, stating their reasons for wishing to have the celebration in a place other than a church.
For more info regarding Catholic weddings contact:
Reverend Bishop Stuart O'Connell SM
PO Box 147
Rarotonga
COOK ISLANDS.
email: sbish@oyster.net.ck

TOP

Home | Rates | Facilities | Activities | Weddings | FAQs