Cook Islands
At the very centre of the Polynesian triangle, the Cook Islands consist of 15 islands scattered over some 2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered to the west by Tokelau, the Samoas and Nuie and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia. It lies in the Tropic of Capricorn, latitude from 9-22 degrees. The islands north to south, are Penhryn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, Pukapuka, Nassau, Suwarrow, Palmerston, Aitutaki, Manuae, Mitiaro, Takutea, Atiu, Mauke, Rarotonga and Mangaia. With a land area of just 240 square kilometres, the islands range from low coral atolls to the mountainous majesty of Rarotonga, the largest island of the group and home to the capital, Avarua.
The Cook Islands enjoys lovely weather all year round. Some of the best times to visit are around the Christmas-New Year festive season through to April/May. Flowers are in bloom, fragrant frangipanis, gardenias and fresh fruit in abundance, mangoes, guavas. Pawpaw, bananas and coconuts are available year-round. The days are longer, but its summertime so enjoy those hot days lazing on the beach with a cocktail! Our Winter falls between July & September with Summer is from December to April but the difference in temperature is only a couple of degrees.
Romantic Escapes: weddings and honeymoons
A gentle connection with my lover within a private space that only we inhabit. A sanctuary that nourishes us with its beauty and tranquillity. E Purotu Anake.
Romance and connection require surroundings that relax you, whilst stimulating the memory of who and why you love. The Cook Islands is a haven for romantics young and old. Whatever the romantic occasion, these islands can make it more than what you ever dreamed of. Many visitors in pursuit of romantic endeavours come for weddings, honeymoons, renewal of vows, or to just take time out to be with the one they love.
If you could choose one of the most romantic places on earth to escape to for that ‘special’ wedding or secluded honeymoon, then you would surely choose the Cook Islands.
Couples from all over the world are choosing to get married here; they feel that escaping to the magic of a tropical island wedding is the ultimate in romance. Each year many couples exchange vows in these islands, creating their own dreams and a partnership to last a lifetime.
Couples need to be in the Cook Islands three full days prior to the ceremony to
obtain their marriage licence. Documents required are individual passports and birth certificates, plus divorce and death of spouse papers if applicable. The legal age of consent to marry is 21 years, otherwise written approval by parents is required. The Registrar may waiver the three day requirement in special circumstances, but your wedding coordinator must apply in advance and a small fee is applicable. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands.
After years of marriage many couples are choosing to reaffirm their vows and have a ‘second’ honeymoon in the Cook Islands. In re-confirming their commitment to each other in a romantic tropical location, they take home endearing memories and a re-charged energy to their partnership in life.
