Jean-Michel Cousteau Weddings 
Call Now: 1.800.588.3454 (1.800.LUV.FIJI)
A wedding is a highlight of your life. Celebrating your marriage in Fiji, with us at Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, will be a joyful experience you will treasure always. Let us help you plan the wedding of your dreams!
On
the Beach at Sunset
Many
weddings at our resort take place on a private expanse
of beachfront at sunset. It is customary for two Fijian
Warriors to carry the bride up the beach to her groom.
The procession is accompanied by the blowing of conch
shells and beating of Lali drums.
The
marriage ceremony can be performed by a minister,
priest or celebrant, as the couple prefers. We offer
three choices for music performed during the ceremony:
our string band, the Fijian Village Choir or the Church
Choir.
Wedding Packages
Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort offers several
types of weddings that capture the essence of the
romantic dreams that couples have for their special
day. We can also work in partnership to design a range
of special wedding ceremonies to suit any style and
budget.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A WEDDING LICENSE
A current passport, birth certificate, and proof of annulment or divorce (if appropriate) are required. The
marriage license can be arranged at the District Office in Savusavu. Appointments must be made during
normal office hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, Saturday 9 am-12 pm. We can also arrange for the license to
be obtained in Nadi (for an additional charge) if the District Office in Savusavu is closed.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CATHOLIC WEDDINGS
Couples are to check exact details (well in advance) directly with their local priest in their home Parish. The
following is an example of mandatory requirements: proof of baptism, letter of permission to marry obtained
from local priest containing a statement of freedom to marry and confirmation of completion of marriage
preparation program. The paperwork must be sent (well in advance) to the priest in Fiji.
WEDDING DAYS
We can perform any wedding on any day.
The Grand Wedding - 'Vaka Mau Levu'
(US $1,785 + 12.5% tax)
A Grand Event
Against the stunning background of Savusavu Bay, the singing of the village choir and the beating of the lali drum signal that the wedding ceremony is about to begin.
Fijian warriors in traditional dress escort the groom to await the bridal procession at the "altar," which is lovingly decorated with palm fronds and tropical flowers. The groom assumes his position and the lali drum begins a wedding beat. The bride is escorted down the jetty by Fijian warriors to the awaiting bili bili, a bamboo raft festooned with tropical flowers.
As the bili bili makes its gentle journey across the bay, the procession is accompanied by the unique sound of the davui (a conch shell) that is blown by a warrior on the raft to announce the bride's arrival. The bili bili is met by awaiting Fijian warriors, who lift the bride ashore and escort her to her awaiting groom and their guests. These activities are accompanied by the joyful a capella singing of the village choir.
Once the traditional Western ceremony is complete, the Fijian warriors lead the newlyweds onto the bili bili for their romantic journey back to the dock. Selected guests may be invited to await the arrival of the couple, who are fêted with Champagne and savouries as the bay reflects the setting sun.
The wedding party is invited then to a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony that creates a "spirit of place" for this day that will become etched as a magical memory of a lifetime.
The festivities continue among friends with Wedding Cake, Champagne and many congratulations. The Wedding Feast that follows may be a private dinner for two on
the pier or, as the couple prefers, a traditional lovo banquet shared with island friends. The Bula Boys serenade throughout the dinner.
A Fijian Meke may also be arranged for an additional fee, featuring traditional dances and songs.
* Please note the timing of The Big Wedding is dependent upon tidal and sunset constraints, and weather conditions.
Special Wedding Ceremony:'Vaka Mau Lai
Lai'
(US
$1,365 + 12.5% tax)
With the waters of Savusavu Bay as a picturesque backdrop,
the start of this special wedding ceremony is announced
by the singing of the village choir and the beating
of the lali drum. Fijian warriors escort the groom
to await the arrival of the bridal procession at the
'altar,' which is beautifully decorated with tropical
flowers, palm fronds and set in the resort grounds
near the beach. As the davui (a conch shell) is blown,
the bridal procession begins. Carried aloft by Fijian
warriors on a throne decorated with tropical palm
and flowers, the bride is presented to her groom and
their guests.
Once
the ceremony is complete, the Fijian warriors escort
the newlyweds to a traditional Fijian Kava ceremony
that creates a "spirit of place" for this
joyful day that will be remembered forever. The celebration
continues with Champagne for the bridal couple, wedding
cake, selected friends and many congratulations. Afterwards,
the newlyweds enjoy their wedding feast, which, as
they prefer, may be a private dinner for two on the
pier or an intimate banquet with their island friends.
The Bula Boys band serenade throughout dinner.
Intimate Wedding:'Vaka Mau Levu Lai Lai'
(US $945 + 12.5% tax)
A Special Event, Plain and Simple.
This wedding offers the features of the previous Little Wedding Ceremony, with these exceptions:
It does not include the village choir singing prior and after the ceremony. Instead, the beginning of the ceremony is announced by the blowing of the conch shell.
The bride is not presented to her groom by Fijian warriors on a flower-festooned throne, rather she walks to the altar.
NOTES:
-
Traditional Tapa dress is available to rent (US $200) or purchase (US $500)
-
Still photography (3 rolls/36) is included for all ceremonies (35mm undeveloped film or digital on CD)
-
A video (shot in Mini DV) is available in Mini DV, VHS, PAL tape or DVD (Extra charge applies).
-
Wedding Crown and bouquet are included in all ceremonies.
-
Transport to the District Office in Savusavu is included in all three wedding options.
Other
Important Notes on Weddings:
Wedding Attire: Marriage celebrants may wear the wedding attire of their choice, including traditional Fijian garments, available at the resort. Fijian wedding garments are made from Tapa Cloth. Tapa is bark from an indigenous, non-endangered tree pounded into a fine cloth and hand decorated with traditional patterns of the Fiji Islands.
Video Recordings: Couples who wish to relive their island nuptials at home may arrange a video recording of the ceremony and celebration for a fee of US$450 + 12.5% VAT.
Special Requirements for Roman Catholics: If a Roman Catholic Priest is desired, couples must bring the following documents from home and present them in Fiji: Baptism Certificate, written confirmation of the right to marry from one's own Parish Priest with written recommendations (for practicing Roman Catholics). In addition, the couple must have at least one meeting with the Priest in Savusavu before the ceremony, which can also be arranged when signing the application.
Marriage License Requirements
Marriage License applicants must possess a valid Passport, Birth Certificate and annulment papers if divorced. The couple must go together to the Savusavu Crown Law Office to sign the application and pay the Marriage License fee of US$11. The wedding must take place within 28 days of the application's signing.
The resort will organize these requirements for the couple and arrange for the marriage celebrant.
** Rates valid April 1, 2006-Mar 31, 2007
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