WEDDINGS
AND HONEYMOONS IN TAHITI
Tahiti
weddings in Paradise
Honeymooning in Tahiti...
Mention "Tahiti" and one of the most vivid
impressions that comes to mind is that of a young
couple strolling hand-in-hand along a turquoise
lagoon as palm trees sway gently in the warm South
Pacific breezes.
Cut to the couple snorkeling in clear,
shallow, 79-degree water losing count of the variety
of colourful sea life present and being dazzled
by the coral gardens. Finally, cut to the couple
relaxing on the deck of their over-water bungalow
feasting on a dinner of grilled fish, fresh fruit,
and sautèed vegetables delivered by outrigger canoe
as the sun stages what may be the most beautiful
sunset in history.
Part of Tahiti's charm is that compared
to other surf and sand destinations, Tahiti hosts
a relatively small, but steadily increasing number
of annual visitors from the U.S. - just over 50,000
people per year. Of these, an unusually high percentage
is made up of either newly wedded couples or people
celebrating special wedding anniversaries. Both
come to Tahiti seeking the kind of romantic experiences
that Tahiti and Her Islands are known for -- the
kind of experiences that led to Tahiti adopting
the theme, "Tahiti. Where Love Lives."
The attraction of Tahiti to couples
is based on its South Sea location and climate,
the proximity of Tahiti to the West Coast of the
U.S. - approximately 7 1/2 hours' fight from Los
Angeles -- and "totally Tahitian" experiences
such as staying in over-water bungalows, picnicking
on a remote motu or islet, taking a 4wheel drive
jeep trip into the Tahitian river valleys, or going
on shark and ray feeding excursions.
Above all, it may ultimately be the
warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the Tahitian
people who make Tahiti the world's most inviting
romantic destination. Their ever smiling faces,
their traditional songs and melodies that fill the
air, and their eagerness to please visitors are
reasons why newly married and anniversary couples
keep Tahiti among the highest rated romance destinations
year after year.
Wedding Vow Renewals
Many visitors to Tahiti including Academy Award
winning actor, Dustin Hoffman, are discovering what
is becoming another island tradition--wedding vow
renewal ceremonies. It's easy to arrange a romantic
and festive traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony
or renewal of vows, either through a hotel, tour
operator, cruise line or at the Tiki Village in
Moorea which specializes in such ceremonies. Not
legally binding, the vow renewal ceremonies are
popular for people on their honeymoons and others
celebrating their anniversaries. Many couples find
it one of the most romantic and exotic ways to once
again demonstrate their lifelong commitment to each
other.
Although there are many different
types of ceremonies, traditionally it begins with
the bride being treated to a soothing massage by
her Tahitian bridesmaid" with monoi oil while
being sung to and adorned with fragrant flowers
like a Tahitian princess. Meanwhile, the groom is
taken to a motu (small islet), painted with tattoos
and given a crown of tropical leaves. The bride
wears a traditional Tahitian wedding pareu and a
flowered headpiece.
The wedding vow renewal ceremony is
conducted in Tahitian by a priest and each couple
is given a Tahitian name and a name for their first
born child. A Tahitian marriage certificate made
of tapa cloth parchment, is presented while village
women sing hymns. The ceremony is often followed
by a romantic sunset cruise where the bride and
groom continue to be serenaded by soft Tahitian
music. It's a lifetime experience that can only
be experienced in Tahiti, "The Island of Dreams."
To
inquire, click here or call 604.608.4359 or 1.888.608.4359
