Getting Married – Bora Bora Civil / Legal Wedding for Foreigners

Wishing to Get Legally Married in Bora Bora, French Polynesia? – Civil / Legal Wedding for Foreigners

Bora Bora, with its stunning turquoise waters, luxurious resorts, and romantic sunsets, is one of the top destinations for foreigners seeking to get married legally (civil marriage). Couples from around the world choose this paradise for their wedding for a variety of reasons, including:

• Unmatched Natural Beauty: Bora Bora’s breathtaking landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a dream wedding. From overwater bungalows to beach ceremonies, it’s a photographer’s paradise.
• Luxury Experience: Many couples combine their wedding with a honeymoon in Bora Bora, enjoying the exclusivity of private resorts and world-class hospitality.
• Intimate Ceremonies: With its secluded location, Bora Bora allows for intimate, private weddings, often with just close family and friends.
• Cultural Significance: Couples also appreciate the opportunity to incorporate Polynesian traditions and rituals into their ceremonies, adding a unique cultural element to their special day.

Public Statistics for Bora Bora Civil Weddings

While exact statistics on civil marriages in Bora Bora are not always readily available, wedding tourism in French Polynesia continues to grow, especially with U.S., Australian, and European couples. According to reports from the French Polynesia Tourism Board, Bora Bora consistently ranks as a top wedding destination for international couples. The rise in destination weddings worldwide has significantly contributed to the growing trend of civil ceremonies in Bora Bora, with couples often seeking a balance between legality and the symbolic nature of their union.

Legal Requirements for a Civil Wedding in Bora Bora

To have a legally recognized civil marriage in Bora Bora, foreign couples must comply with local French Polynesian laws.

Documents Needed:

Passports: Copies of both parties’ valid passports.

Birth Certificates: Issued less than 6 months before the wedding date, with a certified translation into French.

Proof of Single Status: A certificate of celibacy from each party, proving they are free to marry.

Divorce or Death Certificate (if applicable): If either party was previously married, they must provide proof of divorce or the death of a previous spouse.

Marriage Banns: A public notice of the marriage must be published 10 days before the wedding date.

Ceremony Location: The civil ceremony must take place at the town hall (Mairie) in Bora Bora, officiated by the local mayor or a representative.

Interpreter Requirement: If the couple does not speak French, a certified interpreter must be present during the ceremony to ensure full understanding of the legal proceedings.

Recognition of Bora Bora Marriages in Other Countries

A civil marriage performed in Bora Bora is legally valid under French law and can be recognized in most countries with the appropriate documentation:

United States: U.S. citizens typically need to submit a certified copy of their marriage certificate to their state’s Department of Vital Records. The process is generally straightforward, though requirements may vary by state.

Australia: Australian couples must have their marriage certificate authenticated and may need to register the marriage with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

European Union: Marriages in Bora Bora are recognized across the EU, but couples should check with their local authorities for any additional documentation requirements.

We have had the honor of attending numerous civil weddings in Bora Bora, acting as both photographers and interpreters at times. Our extensive experience in wedding photography captures the beauty and emotion of each couple’s special day, while our role as interpreters ensures that non-French-speaking couples fully understand the legal proceedings of their ceremony.

Conclusion

Bora Bora is a dream destination for couples looking to have a romantic and legally recognized civil marriage. While the legal process can seem complex, the reward is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the world’s most beautiful locations. During our 10+ years of being photographers in Bora Bora, we’ve helped many couples successfully navigate the process to ensure their special day is both legally binding and making their wedding day as stress-free as possible.

Feel free to contact us if you need some assistance to organize your civil wedding in Bora Bora.