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Tropical weddings are different!
Tropical weddings can be different, but we can help make your wedding as simple as possible. We can assist with the necessary documentation and choosing the location to suit you. We know Vanuatu's wedding coordinators and photographers and who does hair, make-up, cakes, flowers etc. And, if you have guests, we can also arrange accommodation to suit their budget and requirements and transfers to the ceremony location.
The first ceremony I went to was my own renewal of vows in 1999. We were holidaying with another couple and the kids (their two and our two). We surprised our friends, Kirstin and Chris, with the invitation to be our witnesses and it was a great day. Our son, James, lost the ring amongst a heap of coral on the beach while local Chief David (my 'best man') briefed me on the traditions of a Vanuatu wedding.
My warriors represented my village and we watched as my lovely Annie arrived in a floral canoe with her own warriors. The ring was found and a palm leaf was stuck in the sand. As the canoe beached my warriors 'attacked' the boat and awaited my instruction. If I took the leaf from the sand, it would be a sign of peace and acceptance of the bride into my village.
If I did not, the warriors would be free to kill the bride. “Pick up the palm, Dad!” shouted six year old James. With due sense of theatre, I did and the warriors swapped spears for musical instruments and we were serenaded down the beach to a floral arch for the ceremony (with the Port Vila Lord Mayor as celebrant).
Champagne cocktails, lots of laughter, the official licence and certificate and the kids to the Kids Club while we dined at romantic Vila Chaumières. And that holiday of two weeks resulted in Vanuatu being our home for three years.
My friends Leigh and Steve (below) also had a unique wedding ceremony. Click here for more about their special day.
Coincidentally, both my business partner, Jenny Cowles, and I were in Vanuatu at the same time on one occasion and we were asked to be witnesses at a wedding. Read Jenny's first-hand account of a wedding in paradise.
Honeymoon Beach
If you have dreamt of a tropical wedding with soft white sand between your toes and azure waters as a backdrop, we can make it a reality. Our private Honeymoon Beach is 15 minutes from Port Vila and is a perfect location.
Pictures are worth more than words - here are a few from Dan and Bren's wedding.
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