Tropical weddings can be different (and special!), and 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 in Vanuatu 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. Little did I know then that within three years I would own a little travel agency called Small Guide Travel that specialised in arranging honeymoons and weddings in Vanuatu! On a recent trip (August 2010), I was a ‘fly on the wall’ at five of our weddings on the one day (Sunset Bungalows, Lagoon Beach Resort, Tamanu on the Beach, The Havannah and Erakor Island Resort)!

Pictures are worth more than words - here are a few from Dan and Bren's wedding and a link to some wedding photos by Vivid Vanuatu photographer, Andrew Read on our Weddings Vanuatu website.

Surely there can't be anything more romantic than a wedding in the tropics. If you've never been to one, we're sure it's everything you imagine and more. If you'd like to combine your wedding with your honeymoon (or renew your wedding vows) we can help.

We can coordinate the whole thing to suit you - the location, the type of ceremony, the legalities/documentation, the celebrant, the flowers, the hairdressing and the photography.

Alternatively, we can book direct with the various resort wedding coordinators (Iririki Island Resort, Le Lagon, Erakor Island Resort, Sunset Bungalows, Mangoes, Tamanu on the Beach, Aore or White Grass Ocean Resort). Whatever you desire, drop us an email, and let us help organise your special day.

Resort Weddings

Resort weddings are usually only performed for couples who stay a minimum number of nights accommodation at the resort, however you can choose to have fewer nights accommodation and we can organise your wedding ceremony at a different location. You may also choose to have a ceremony at your resort and the celebration lunch, dinner or reception at another venue altogether. From arranging Melanesian dancers and warriors to outrigger canoes, nothing is a problem - and it can all be organised as part of your Vanuatu experience.

You will find a lot more info on our Weddings Vanuatu website and our Resort Weddings website and there are a couple of examples below. Incidentally, a recent survey of Australian weddings showed an average price of $49,000 for the wedding and honeymoon… just thought I'd mention that because tropical weddings in Vanuatu start at around $1500.

What you need to provide

• About a month's notification
• Birth certificates
• Divorce papers (if applicable)
• Passport details
• Your wish list!

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Iririki Island Resort Ultimate Wedding Package

AUD$2250 (valid to end March 2012) and includes:

• Airport Transfers incl. Welcome Lei & Water
• Dedicated Wedding Coordinator ( 30 hours ) + Supervision
• Orientation and Express in at Resort.
• Complimentary Upgrade when Available
• Champagne In Room Arrival
• Tropical Flowers
• Detailed Meeting with the Wedding Coordinator
• Groom Room when Available (Cost of Room)
• Choice of Ceremony Location
• Traditional Floral Archway or 4 Post ( Including Flowers and Labour)
• Official Registration License and Celebrant Fees
• Champagne For Toasting
• Floral Leis and Crowns for Ceremony
• Wedding Gift - Special Memento
• Melanesian Serenaders - Marriage Ceremony
• Floral Bouquet and Buttonhole
• Hair & Make Up for Bride
• Bride & Groom VIP SPA Card - 25% for duration of stay

Here’s a link to the wedding photo gallery on our Weddings Vanuatu website.