The Guide to Planning Your Wedding in Niue
Niue evokes an image of a South Pacific wedding like no other. Imagine saying your “I dos” on a coastal cliff of the world’s largest raised coral atoll with views of the vibrant Pacific blue. Or how about starting the rest of your lives together on a secluded coral sand beach or dramatic chasm carved by nature? Now imagine how effortless the process of organising a wedding will be with expert wedding planners on the island, wedding packages and an easy-going wedding certificate process. We go through is all in this guide to how to organise your wedding in Niue.
For more wedding advice, see Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in Niue, as well as The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue.
Can You Get Married in Niue?
Before you do anything – pick your venue, get a marriage license, etc. – you need to know whether you are legally able to get married in Niue.
To get married in Niue, couples need:
- The bride to be 16 years and over and the groom to be 18 years and over
- Witnesses for the marriage solemnisation that are over the age of 21
- A marriage solemnisation that does not take place on a Sunday or a public holiday
- Both bride and groom to be either single, divorced or widowed
- Both bride and groom have valid passports and visa (if applicable).
(c) Niue TourismChoose When to Get Married in Niue
A good place to start organising your wedding in Niue is with the “when”. When are you going to get married in Niue? This not only means picking a season to get married in Niue, but also with enough time to sort out the legalities.
Choose a Season to Get Married in Niue
First, pick a season. Niue has two distinct seasons: summer and winter or the wet season and the dry season. The summer season runs from November to April, where the weather is hot and humid. The winter season runs from May to October when the weather is warm and drier. While both seasons have warm tropical weather with their fair share of sun and rain, there are subtle differences between the two. For instance, if you want to reduce the likelihood of a downpour, the winter season is often a safer option. If you want to visit the island when there are fewer tourists, choose the summer season. If you want your honeymoon to involve some whale swimming, this is only available between July and September in the winter season. Compare the seasons further in What are the Seasons in Niue?
Choose Travel Dates for Niue
When narrowing the time to get married in Niue down to your travel dates, you will need to keep in mind the timeframe of getting your marriage legalities organised. You need to complete and sign a Notice of Intended Marriage Form at least three working days before you intend to marry. You also need to factor in that government services only work Monday to Thursday in Niue. So leave yourself at least three to four days before your wedding day to arrive in Niue. If arriving on a Friday, you will need at least five days to arrive in Niue before your wedding day.
(c) niuepocketguide.comChoose a Wedding Venue
Admittedly, Niue is not brimming with choice when it comes to wedding venues. What it does have is a stunning boutique resort with its very own wedding planner that can organise both on-site and off-site services. Alternatively, members of one of the Christian denominations represented in Niue can opt for a religious ceremony at one of the quaint village churches.
The Scenic Matavai Resort (Matavai Conference Centre)
A popular choice for eloping couples, the Scenic Matavai Resort offers an array of special settings, both on-site and off-site, for your special day. Enjoy an expansive clifftop terrace with ocean views and indoor and outdoor options. Get married at one of Niue’s breathtaking beaches or hidden coves for a unique ceremony venue in nature. The Scenic Matavai also offers generous wedding packages, as well as accommodation and catering packages to make the organisation effortless.
Churches in Niue
If you are part of one of the Christian denominations in Niue, such as Catholic, Apostolic, Latter-Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventist or Ekalesia Niue, then religious ceremonies in one of the Niue churches can be arranged through your church network. Learn more about the churches in Niue here.
(c) PixabaySort Out the Legalities
Sorting out the legal documents for getting married in Niue is an easy process. Couples will need to make sure they have the following documentation with them when in Niue:
- Original or certified copies of birth certificates
- Valid passports
- A formal letter from both the bride and groom stating they have never been married before
- Divorce documents (if applicable)
- Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).
With these documents, couples will need to complete and sign a Notice of Intended Marriage Form at the Niue Justice Department in Alofi. Here, you will receive your Marriage Register (Marriage Certificate) to sign during the marriage ceremony. If planning a wedding through the Scenic Matavai Resort, aid and transport will be provided to complete this process.
For more detailed information on the formalities of getting married in Niue, see What are the Marriage Requirements in Niue?
