Getting married in Bora Bora: your questions answered
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French Polynesia is most people's idea of paradise on earth, and Bora Bora is the jewel in its crown. If you're planning a tropical elopement, there's nowhere better. Rising from the middle of a turquoise lagoon, Bora Bora is a medley of white beaches and palm trees. Home to a number of secluded, exclusive resorts, it makes a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding.
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Contrary to popular belief, getting married in Bora Bora doesn't need to break the bank. In fact, saying 'I do' on this little French Polynesian island can be far cheaper than a full traditional wedding on home turf. What's more, it's easy to arrange, leaving you to sit back and enjoy your engagement while we organise everything behind the scenes.
Here's everything you need to know about getting married in French Polynesia:
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What is the best time of year for a wedding in Bora Bora and French Polynesia?
There are two distinct seasons in French Polynesia - wet and dry. The rains arrive around mid-November and last until April, although there is plenty of bright sunshine between showers. This period is also low tourist season in Bora Bora, so resort prices are most reasonable during the rains.
The best weather runs from May until November, with warm sunshine (and a few cloudbursts) on a near-daily basis. Peak tourist season stretches across June and July, making this the most expensive time to get married on Bora Bora. May, August and September are all great months to visit, with fewer tourists and affordable rates.
Where is the best place to get married in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia is made up of over 100 islands scattered across almost 2,000km of the clear blue sea. It's possible to get married on a handful of these castaway islands, but Bora Bora remains the time-honoured favourite amongst couples. Bora Bora's setting in a turquoise lagoon makes it stand out from the crowd, which is why we featured it in our signature wedding package.
However, while Bora Bora grabs the headlines, there are plenty of other beautiful options for getting married in French Polynesia. Send us an email or call our wedding team on 01273 964 035 to talk it through.
What kind of wedding can I plan in French Polynesia?
Bora Bora is all about barefoot luxury, so you can plan an intimate wedding with tropical trimmings. Most resorts can put together wedding packages that include traditional flower garlands, local bands and candlelit wedding meals on the beach at sunset. You can choose to bring your nearest and dearest or plan a wedding just for two - it's entirely up to you. We can help you tailor any package to make it perfect for you.
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What conditions are there for getting married in Bora Bora and French Polynesia?
To legally marry in French Polynesia you need to:
- Be single, widowed or divorced
- Be 18 years of age or older on your wedding day
- Not be related
- You cannot be French nationals or residents of France
- Witnesses accompanying the spouses can be either of French or other nationality. Witnesses must be at least 18 years old.
- Be physically present during the marriage ceremony to give consent.
- Legal same-sex weddings are authorised in French Polynesia, as long as same-sex marriage is also legalised in the couple’s residence country.
What documents do I need to get married in French Polynesia?
- Copies of both birth certificates issued less than six months before the wedding date
- Passports with valid legal status
- If applicable, divorce certificates
- If the previous spouse is deceased, a death certificate*
- Proof of residence for both of the future spouses
- A letter signed and dated by both future spouses; addressed to the mayor of the commune chosen for the marriage ceremony**
- The completed Marriage of foreign citizens in French Polynesia Form
- Certificate of No Impediment*
- If applicable, marriage contract or notary certificate, if the spouses have drawn up a marriage contract*
* The certificate must be translated into French and authenticated
** This should be provided in French with the English translation attached and both version should be authenticated
All original documents must be provided to the Town Hall no later than 60 days before the date of the ceremony.
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How many days should I arrive before my wedding in Bora Bora?
We recommend that you arrive in French Polynesia at least three days before your wedding day. However, if this is not possible, we can make special arrangements to work around your travel plans.
How do I organise a marriage license in French Polynesia?
All documents will be requested from you and sent to the city hall around 70 days before your arrival. Your legal ceremony will then take place at the city hall with all arrangements included as part of your legal wedding package.
When can the legal ceremony take place?
Weddings cannot be celebrated on Sundays and Public Holidays.
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Our Signature Bora Bora wedding package
We've put together a brilliant wedding package that includes 7 nights in a boutique resort on Bora Bora, as well as a beautiful barefoot wedding ceremony and all transfers to/from the island. Everything can be tweaked until it's perfect for you, so feel free to email us or give us a call on 01273 964 035.
Our recommended hotels in French Polynesia
We've travelled far and wide in French Polynesia, looking for the most romantic spots to stage a wedding. Here's our pick of the bunch:
Wedding holidays to Bora Bora
Bora Bora is breathtakingly beautiful, but it's also a long way from anywhere. If you're planning to get married in Bora Bora, why not combine your wedding and honeymoon into one adventure? This will make the long journey worthwhile and give you a chance to explore more of French Polynesia. We can even help you build a multi-stop wedding holiday stopping in a few destinations on your way to or/and from Bora Bora.
Take a look at these trip itineraries for inspiration and remember, we can tailor everything around you:
Ready to plan your Bora Bora wedding?
We're South Pacific experts with years of planning weddings and honeymoons in French Polynesia. We can help you put together your perfect island wedding, feel from stress and confusing red tape. To get the ball rolling, call our wedding team on 01273 005884 or send us an email and we'll get back to you.
About the author Bryony Dunn
Marketing Manager
Bryony is an explorer in every sense of the meaning. In 2013 she took the plunge, quit her marketing job and decided to face down her lifelong panic disorder to begin life as a freelance digital nomad. Journeying all over Asia, for years she earned her keep writing for travel brands. Almost by accident, she ended up in Cali, Colombia where she discovered a remarkable (as yet latent) talent for Salsa dancing. After spending a year in sequins shimmying from dance show to dance show, she returned to the UK, tanned, toned and ready to settle down. Bryony joined Travel Nation as a round the world specialist in 2016 and is now the Marketing Manager, with a little salsa on the side.
