TAHITI LEGAL WEDDING 101: WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
Photo Credit: AngelM
In a previous post I explained the approximate costs of having a legal wedding in Tahiti, as you will want to know how much ordering documents, getting them stamped for international use, having them translated and shipping them to French Polynesia will cost you before you decide to get legally married in Tahiti.
Does that work with your budget?
Okay, so let’s move on to a hot topic : all the Tahiti legal wedding requirements! Did I scare you? No fear, they’re actually very few.
Tahiti Legal Wedding Requirements:
What Are They?
First and foremost, this series of posts explains the requirements for foreigners marrying in the Islands of Tahiti.
People of French citizenship and/or residing in France permanently (or in any of its overseas territories) are liable to specific requirements.
So, if you are of foreign citizenship and NOT residing anywhere in France, you’ll be eligible to get legally married in Tahiti from the day on which you get there.
There Is No Residency Requirement for Foreigners Marrying in Tahiti
Now, you must:
– Be at least 18 years old
– Not be already married (makes sense, right?) *
– Not be related by direct lineage
* if either one of you has been previously married and is currently divorced, you’ll be asked to provide a divorce certificate / decree so I recommend that the divorce papers are being finalized before you start planning your legal wedding in Tahiti. If you are a widow(er) you’ll be asked to provide a death certificate.
That’s it!
A note here to say that the Marriage Equality Act was passed in France in 2013 so same-sex couples may of course be legally married in Tahiti.
Each of you will need to have a witness at the civil ceremony (you can actually have two each), who must also be at least 18 years old, so if you’ll be traveling with family members or friends they can be the witnesses of your marriage.
If you’ll be eloping and not traveling with anyone, then I’ll be one of your witnesses and will bring along another staff to be the 2nd witness. I’ll also be your translator (to English) on the wedding day.
Another important requirement is that all the paperwork, which I’ll detail in upcoming posts, must be received in French Polynesia no later than 45 days prior to the planned wedding date. That means you cannot plan a legal marriage in French Polynesia last minute, but you must plan ahead, ideally 3 to 5 months in advance.
Still There?
In a next post I’ll go through the required documents for a Tahiti legal wedding!
Or, here is the best article that sums up everything I shared about getting legally married in Tahiti!
I am experienced in assisting my clients from around the world in this process and will guide you through step-by-step, to make it as easy as possible on your end. I will also be there on the day to act as the translator during the ceremony (into English) and will be accompanied by another staff to act as your witnesses as well when needed.
