fiji wedding legal requirements

The legal requirements of a Fiji wedding

Is getting married in Fiji legal? The short answer is “yes”.

 A Fijian wedding is legally binding and recognised, but to get married in Fiji there are several things that you do need to know.

Marriage documents requirement

Overseas visitors who are intending to get married in Fiji are required by law to obtain and sign a marriage license from the registry office prior to couple getting married. Most resorts will handle all legal documentation prior to arrival therefore the couple must forward both all CERTIFIED photocopies of the required documentation at least six weeks prior to wedding date.

  • Birth certificates  – original copies
  • Passport and valid visas
  • Single Status Declaration Certificate
  • Divorce and death certificates, if applicable
  • If bride is below the age of 21 years – letters of consent from both parents, if one of the parents is deceased a death certificate is required

Your dedicated Fiji Bride wedding planner will discuss these formalities with you.

Notice of intention to marry license

Applications of marriage license is available at all registry offices in Fiji including the Assistant District Registrars located at rural and remote areas. The notice to marry needs to be completed by couple whereby all information is typed in the form. The license is valid for 28 days effective from the date of issue and within this period of marriage must be officiated.

Witnessing and signing of marriage certificate

  • All marriage applications must be witnessed by an authorised authority from the applicant’s country of origin. In many instances, application for marriage forms are witnessed by the hotel employee without the presence of the intended marriage couple who are intending to get married, this must stop immediately.
  • All the marriage application forms together with any necessary documents pertaining to conduct of marriage in Fiji must be signed and witnessed before a Justice of Peace/Commissioner of Oath/Notary Public from their country of residence.
  • Scanned copies of all documentation must be directed to BDM office well in advance, prior to their arrival date, for vetting purposes and authentication to ensure that nothing is missed out.
  • It has been further noted and has been the practice from the past that some local hotel employees and wedding coordinators are making application for the special licence on behalf of the intended marriage parties. This practice will no longer be entertained by BDM office.
  • In ensuring that guidelines for Fiji’s marriage applications are met (effective 1st October 2018) all intended marriage parties must physically present themselves with their original documentation to a BDM office nearest to them for completion of their application of Special License.

Fijian weddings are legal in New Zealand and around the world, all you will need to do is change your name with Births, Deaths and Marriages once you return home.

Talk to us, and we are more than happy to assist you plan further your easy legal wedding to Fiji.


For assistance planning your Fiji wedding

We are specialist Fiji wedding planners and travel agents with over 40 years of experience working in this magnificent archipelago. We work with bride and grooms from New Zealand and around the world taking the stress out of every aspect of coordinating their dream Fiji wedding. Our experience and contacts remove the stress out of planning a destination wedding – no matter how big or small.

Contact our experienced team for assistance with all aspects of your wedding including the ceremony, reception, travel arrangements, transfers and accommodation for you and your guests.

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