How do you get legally married at a Fiji destination wedding?

Planning a wedding abroad is an exciting adventure that promises unforgettable memories. However, before you say ‘I do’ in a foreign land, you’ll want to understand the legal requirements. In this article, we’ll explore the process of getting legally married before or during an overseas wedding in Fiji.

There’s no doubt about it: getting married overseas is a huge undertaking. But with big effort comes big reward, and when you’re holding hands with the love of your life in your dream destination, you’ll know it was all worth it. But how do you get the point of ‘I do’ from a legal perspective?

When planning a wedding abroad, it’s important to understand the legalities involved. Different countries have varying requirements, documentation, and waiting periods for marriage. We recommend checking out Smartraveller when you’re researching your ideal locations. It provides specific and valuable information on overseas weddings, highlighting the need to research and comply with local laws and regulations.

But to give you a better idea of what you’ll need to do, let’s break down the process for one of the most popular wedding destinations — the glorious island of Fiji.

Getting legally married in Fiji

With its breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality, Fiji is a sought-after destination for couples looking to tie the knot. However, it’s still important to understand the local marriage regulations before you book your destination wedding in Fiji. 

Fiji’s official tourism website provides comprehensive information on the local wedding regulations and requirements. If you’re working with a wedding coordinator in Fiji, they can also guide you through the process. To get you started, we’ve broken down all the essentials – keep reading to get a clearer picture of what to expect. 

Important document checklist for legal marriage in Fiji

• Prepare your legal documents. Bring original copies of your birth certificate, passport, recent passport-size photo, divorce or death certificate (if applicable), and CNI.A Single Status certificate is required for non-resident couples, non-residents marrying a Fijian citizen, or former Fijian citizens with over two years of residency abroad. If the bride is under 21 years of age, letters of consent from both parents are required; if one parent is deceased, a death certificate must also be provided. These documents need to be current, translated into English (if necessary), and notarised.
• Get your Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (CNI). You can apply for CNI via the Australian High Commission in Suva. You’ll need to book your appointment, pay the fee of 177 AUD, and provide the following documents:
  If an Australian citizen: A valid Australian passport
  If a foreign citizen: A valid foreign passport or valid photo identification
  If either party is divorced: Divorce Certificate from the previous marriage
  If either party is widowed: Death Certificate of the deceased partner
• Lodge Your Notice of Intended Marriage. After arriving in Fiji, visit the Registrar General’s Office or a marriage officer to lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage, at least 48 hours before your wedding ceremony. It’s important to check the office hours as they may be limited. Once you’ve submitted the Notice of Intended Marriage and paid an application fee of 57.50 FJD, a wedding license will be issued. The marriage license is valid for 28 days from the date of issue. Your marriage must be officiated within this period, and the marriage officer or celebrant must confirm that the license is still valid on your ceremony day. Please note that the fee for this service may vary.
• Marriage Certificate and Registration. After the ceremony, your marriage celebrant will issue a marriage certificate for you, which typically costs around 17.25 FJD. Make sure the marriage is registered with the Registrar General’s Office in Fiji to obtain an official marriage certificate.

If you’re working with a wedding coordinator in Fiji, they can help you with many of these steps, including finding you a local celebrant and helping you gather the appropriate paperwork.

Sign the certificate at home; swap vows overseas

You’re not alone if you’d prefer to keep the paperwork simple and not bring all your original documents to Fiji. Many couples opt for a legal Australian ceremony at home before departing for their destination wedding.

This approach allows them to fulfil the legal requirements in their home country while still enjoying a symbolic and celebratory experience abroad. And it’s totally up to you whether you want to tell your guests that you’ve already signed off on forever together. Cute story: Harry and Meghan revealed that they did this three days before the big bash at St Pauls in front of their guest list of millions. In their case, it was a small moment of intimacy in an otherwise chaotic week.

For many couples, getting the legal stuff out of the way before heading overseas is one less thing to worry about or feel anxious over once they arrive at their destination.

Considering a destination wedding? Our destination wedding and travel team can help. Access our free wedding planning PDF by sharing your email.

Getting married in Fiji

Planning a destination wedding in Fiji is an incredible journey filled with joy and anticipation. By understanding the Fiji wedding requirements and legal procedures, you can ensure that your overseas wedding is a dream come true and a legally recognised union.

With its enchanting landscapes and warm-hearted people, Fiji offers a captivating backdrop for your wedding day. Remember to research Fiji’s marriage regulations, gather the necessary documentation, and follow the proper procedures to obtain a legally binding marriage. Once the paperwork is sorted, you can start planning exciting details like choosing the right date, picking the perfect venue, creating your moodboard, finalising the vendors, and drafting your itinerary.  With the right preparation and attention to detail, your wedding will go just as smoothly as if you were swapping vows in your backyard.

Disclaimer: Easy Weddings provides no legal advice on Fiji wedding certificates. Information and requirements may vary over time, so it’s essential to consult official sources, such as the Registrar General’s Office and relevant government websites, for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding getting legally married in Fiji.