Couples can marry legally in French Polynesia or hold a symbolic ceremony and do the legal part at home. The two paths need very different amounts of paperwork, so decide which one you want before choosing a date, island or venue.
Legal or symbolic: the key difference
Only a civil marriage performed at a town hall (mairie) by the mayor or an appointed registrar has legal effect in French Polynesia. Tahiti Tourisme is clear that a religious ceremony is purely symbolic, and the same applies to resort and Polynesian-style ceremonies on a beach or motu. Many couples do both: the civil ceremony at the mairie, followed by a celebration at the resort.
A symbolic ceremony needs no legal documents, can be held on almost any date, and is the simplest choice if you are travelling with little lead time.
Who can marry legally
Since Law No. 2009-594 of 27 May 2009, foreign nationals can marry in French Polynesia without a residency requirement. According to the Tahiti Tourisme legal wedding sheet, both partners must be at least 18, not already married, not directly related, and not French citizens or residents of France or its territories. French citizens follow different rules, including a residency period.
The paperwork for a legal wedding
Choose the commune and date first, then send the full file to that town hall at least 45 days before the ceremony. The required documents include:
- The completed form “Marriage of Foreign Citizens in The Islands of Tahiti”.
- A signed letter to the mayor requesting the marriage under Article 58 of the 2009 law on a specified date.
- Copies of both passports, and of any visa where one is required.
- Full long-form birth certificates with an apostille, issued no more than six months before the wedding, plus legalized translations.
- Proof of address for both partners, such as a utility bill.
- Names, dates and places of birth, addresses and occupations of both partners’ parents.
- Passport copies, addresses and occupations for one or two witnesses per partner.
- A translated, legalized certificate of customary law and a certificate of single status or legal capacity to marry.
For Canadians, the apostille is issued by Global Affairs Canada or, for documents from some provinces, by the provincial authority. Canada joined the Apostille Convention, so older red-stamp authentications are not accepted in member countries. Ask the town hall or your planner which translator to use, since translations must meet local legal requirements.
After the file is accepted
The town hall publishes the banns, then confirms the date and time. On the day, the mayor or a representative conducts the ceremony with at least two witnesses; if your witnesses are not present, the mayor can appoint them. A sworn translator, paid by the couple, interprets during the ceremony. You leave with a marriage certificate to use at home; ask your home authorities how to register it.
Choosing the island, season and setting
Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti have the most resorts with wedding services; Taha’a and the atolls suit very small, private ceremonies. The civil ceremony must take place in the commune you applied to, so pick the island first. The drier months, May to October, bring steadier weather, while November to April is warmer with heavier showers. Our French Polynesia weddings guide and beach weddings guide compare venues.
Plan the ceremony a few days into the stay, after you and your guests have arrived, rested and handled any appointments. For guests, Moorea is an easy ferry ride from Tahiti, while Bora Bora adds a domestic flight and a boat transfer to every arrival.
A planning timeline for a legal wedding
Six months or more ahead: choose the island, commune, date and planner, and confirm the town hall can accommodate the date. Order long-form birth certificates only when they will still be within six months of the wedding date.
Three to four months ahead: gather the certificates of customary law and single status from your consulate or home authorities, arrange apostilles and have translations done.
At least 45 days ahead: send the complete file to the town hall. Missing or out-of-date documents are the most common cause of delay.
The final month: confirm the ceremony time, witnesses and translator, and share travel plans with guests.
Guests and logistics
Small weddings are the norm here, and many couples travel with only a few guests. Ask the resort how guests reach the ceremony site, whether boats are needed, and what happens if a flight is delayed on the day before. For the honeymoon that follows, see our honeymoon planning guide.
Make the visit respectful
Polynesian ceremonies may include a blessing by a tahu’a (ceremony leader), pareo, flower crowns and traditional music. Ask the planner how each element is meant to be used and who performs it, rather than treating it as decoration. Marae are sacred sites, so ask before photographing or holding any event near one, and get permission for photography in villages and churches.
Common planning mistakes
Assuming a resort ceremony is legally binding, sending birth certificates that are older than six months on the wedding date, and quoting a one-month residency rule that does not apply to foreign couples.
Accessibility and individual needs
Ask the venue about accessible paths, seating and transport for older guests or those with mobility needs, especially for beach, motu or boat settings, and whether the town hall has step-free access.
After booking
Reconfirm the ceremony time, venue, photographer and translator with the planner a few days before the date.
On the day
Agree on a covered backup location in advance so rain or wind does not force a last-minute change.
Use this guide for trip ideas, not a current quotation or a guarantee of access, safety, inclusions or availability. Confirm the requirements and conditions for your dates, destination and provider before booking.