How to Plan a Wedding in Vanuatu

So you know that you are ready to tie the knot, but the big question is when? For planning the best time to have your wedding in Vanuatu, you need to consider your ideal weather, the cost of accommodation, the peak tourist season and more.

Plus, you need to give yourself enough time when you arrive in Vanuatu to visit a registry office to get your Marriage Licence.

The Best Time for a Vanuatu Wedding

Port Vila has two distinct seasons known as the wet season (summer) and the dry season (winter). The dry season is the most popular time for couples to get married in Vanuatu, with less chance of downpours to spoil your feet-in-the-sand wedding ceremony.

However, that doesn't mean that the wet season has constant rain, so some couples might be willing to take the chance in the wet season in exchange for hugely discounted wedding and honeymoon accommodation rates. We consider the best time of year for a wedding in Vanuatu to be from September to November, otherwise known as the shoulder season.

Jump into this subject in more detail in The Best Time to Visit Vanuatu: Best Months to Visit.

When to Arrive in Vanuatu for Your Wedding

Couples should arrive in Vanuatu at least three days before their wedding day. This gives enough time to settle into your accommodation, visit a registry office to apply for a Marriage Licence, and fine-tune any other things before the big day. Note that registry offices are closed on weekends and public holidays, so you will need to take this into account when planning what day to arrive in Vanuatu.

Although you can arrive in Vanuatu closer to your wedding day, note there is a fee for applying for your wedding licence less than three days before your wedding day (but no later than 24 hours)! Find out more by scrolling down to "Making Your Marriage in Vanuatu Legal" to learn more about the Marriage Licence.

Efate LINK#D017 is the main island of Vanuatu. It is the island where you are most likely to arrive, as it is home to the nation's main international airport in Port Vila. With that, Efate is certainly the most cost-effective option for your island wedding, especially if you are coming with friends and family.

Learn more about budgeting for a Vanuatu wedding in the "How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Vanuatu?" section below.

Getting married on Efate means you have a great blend of gorgeous private island resorts for your venue and the conveniences of a variety of shops, services, tours and restaurants. Compare the island with others further using our guide, The Best Islands to Visit in Vanuatu.

Wedding Resorts and Coordinators on Efate

Efate is home to the broadest array of resorts offering wedding services, wedding planners and venues. Note that resorts don't necessarily mean having to have venues in the resorts themselves, as many also offer ceremony venues on beaches and even on nearby islands.

Some of the best wedding resorts and wedding planners on Efate include:

• Warwick Le Lagon Resort & Spa
• Iririki Island Resort & Spa
• Ramada Resort by Wyndham Port Vila
• Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu
• Trees and Fishes Private Retreat
• Nakatumble Resort
• Erakor Island Resort & Spa
• Eratap Beach Resort
• Breakas Beach Resort

The Top 5 Wedding Venues & Packages on Efate

If we had only to choose five resorts for enchanting Efate weddings, these are it.

Erakor Island Resort

Say "I do" with your toes in the sand and the South Pacific as your backdrop at Erakor Island Resort, where tropical wedding dreams become reality.

Choose from five distinct wedding packages, from the intimate "Tropical Two" elopement to the all-inclusive "Tropical Dream" extravaganza that can accommodate up to 30 guests. Each package includes your choice of ceremony location, whether on pristine white sand beaches, in a charming chapel, or on a romantic deck overlooking the lagoon.

The comprehensive packages feature celebration dinners with the chef's romance menu, seven nights' accommodation in beachfront or pool villas, and delightful honeymoon bonuses. Premium packages add bridal beauty treatments, champagne picnics, traditional Vanuatu feast and fire shows, beach movie nights with pizza, and scenic lagoon cruises.

For the ultimate exclusive experience, book the entire island during low season (February, March, early December) for five nights, complete with your own beach café, restaurant, bar, day spa and dedicated Ni-Vanuatu staff.

Iririki Island Resort

Exchange vows in paradise at Iririki Island Resort, where three distinct wedding packages cater to every couple's dream celebration in Vanuatu. The "Ultimate Celebration Wedding Package" accommodates up to 30 guests with a full ceremony and reception, plus five nights in an "Island Fare" bure with daily breakfast for the newlyweds.

The "Romantic Interlude Wedding Package" focuses on intimate celebrations with VIP transfers, French sparkling wine, tropical flowers, professional hair and makeup, and a romantic balcony dinner for two. For those seeking a simpler affair, the "Island Dream Day Wedding Package" offers everything needed for a beautiful ceremony with traditional floral arch, celebrant, and sparkling wine toast.

All packages include personal coordinators, choice of ceremony locations (tropical gardens, beach, or gazebo), marriage licence assistance, celebrant services, and stunning floral arrangements with Melanesian serenades adding authentic island charm.

Nakatumble

Nakatumble offers the most luxurious and blissfully remote wedding destination, where breathtaking natural beauty meets exceptional service for your dream celebration. This stunning venue caters to intimate ceremonies for up to 50 guests as well as grand celebrations accommodating up to 400 people, thanks to expansive grounds and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

The resort provides both symbolic and legally binding ceremony options, with a personal wedding planner arranging everything from celebrants recognised by the local council to witnesses if needed. Couples can choose between on-site hair and makeup services or salon experiences in Port Vila, while wedding cakes are crafted either in-house or by renowned local baker Michelle Fuong, featuring flavours like passionfruit and coconut alongside traditional options.

To round it all off, custom floral arrangements utilise lush blooms from the resort's own gardens.

Breakas Beach Resort

One of the better-value options, Breakas Beach Resort transforms dreams into reality with their beachfront wedding packages, offering couples an unforgettable celebration against the backdrop of Efate's stunning coastline. Picture exchanging vows on pristine white sand as the sun sets over crystal-clear waters, followed by a traditional Ni-Vanuatu warrior welcome ceremony that adds authentic cultural flair to your special day.

Three distinct packages cater to different preferences and budgets, from the intimate "Frangipani Wedding" to the comprehensive "Hibiscus Wedding" featuring three-course reception dinners and accommodation packages. Each ceremony includes professional celebrant services, wedding licence arrangements, tropical floral decorations and personalised coordination to ensure every detail is perfect.

Ramada by Wyndham Port Vila

Transform your dreams into reality with Ramada by Wyndham Port Vila's exquisite wedding packages, where tropical paradise meets luxury celebration. Choose from four enchanting settings: the breathtaking "Over the Water" ceremony held on their traditional fare suspended above crystal-clear lagoons, the romantic "White Sand Beach" experience with waves gently lapping at your feet, the intimate "In the Gardens" surrounded by lush tropical blooms, or the meaningful "Renewal of Vows" package perfect for rekindling your love story.

Each package includes a dedicated on-site wedding coordinator to ensure every detail is perfect, from the elegant setup with chairs and signing table to the essential wedding documentation and fees. You'll receive beautiful floral decorations, tropical mixed trailing bouquet for the bride and groom's buttonhole, and a celebratory bottle of sparkling wine for your toast.

The romantic touches continue with wedding rehearsals, pastor services, and official marriage certificates, creating an unforgettable celebration of your love.

Find out more about these accommodations in Where to Stay in Port Vila & Efate: 50 Best Accommodations LINK#A060, as well as some more couple-centric options in the 10 Best Adults-Only Resorts in Vanuatu LINK#A062.

Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's largest island, featuring gorgeous offshore islands, crystal-clear blue holes and a more relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for destination weddings. While direct flights from Brisbane make it accessible for Australian couples, flight options are generally less flexible compared to Port Vila, so planning ahead is essential for your wedding party.

The island's stunning natural beauty and remote feel make it ideal for intimate weddings or elopements. Picture saying your vows on secluded white sand beaches with turquoise waters as your backdrop.

If you're planning a larger wedding group, you might consider having your ceremony in Port Vila and then enjoying your honeymoon on Espiritu Santo, taking advantage of the better flight connections to the capital before escaping to this island paradise.

The combination of world-class resorts, pristine beaches and the opportunity for truly private ceremonies makes Espiritu Santo an exceptional choice for couples seeking an intimate tropical wedding experience.

Wedding Resorts and Coordinators in Espiritu Santo

Espiritu Santo has a small number of luxury resorts and wedding planners who can help coordinate your dream island wedding across stunning beachfront locations and private venues. Some of the best wedding resorts in Espiritu Santo include:

Ratua Private Island Resort

Ratua Private Island Resort offers the ultimate exclusive wedding destination on a private island surrounded by pristine beaches and luxury accommodations. This intimate resort provides three distinct wedding packages to suit different celebration styles and budgets, from grand affairs for up to 34 guests to romantic ceremonies for just the couple.

The "Premium Elegance" package includes five nights' accommodation plus two bonus nights for the couple, full board for all guests, return transfers from Santo, and extensive wedding elements including tropical floral arrangements, professional entertainment, spa treatments and cultural performances. The "Additional Entertainment" option caters for up to 14 guests with similar luxuries but on a smaller scale, whilst the "Classic Romance" package focuses on intimate celebrations for the couple with up to two guests.

All packages feature on-site wedding organisation, marriage celebrants, certificate registration, and stunning beachfront villa accommodations. Optional extras include professional photography, extended entertainment, and enhanced dining experiences.

Barrier Beach Resort

Barrier Beach Resort offers one of Vanuatu's most romantic beachfront wedding experiences on the pristine shores of Espiritu Santo. This boutique resort specialises in intimate ceremonies with comprehensive wedding packages that include everything from personal coordination services to celebrant fees and marriage certificates.

The resort's signature wedding package features ceremony setup on the stunning Barrier Beach complete with floral arch, tropical bridal bouquet and groom's boutonnière, plus romantic turn-down service and French champagne for your toast. Additional services include professional photography and videography, live music options featuring local bamboo bands, spa treatments, and romantic dining experiences with wedding cake.

What sets this venue apart is their exclusivity, with limited bookings ensuring complete privacy for your special day. Optional add-ons include alternative ceremony locations with full setup and transfers, additional flower arrangements, and extended accommodation packages for wedding parties.

For couples seeking the perfect blend of luxury, privacy and natural beauty, Espiritu Santo's wedding venues offer an unmatched tropical wedding experience. Learn more about these accommodations in Where to Stay on Espiritu Santo: 30 Best Accommodations LINK#A079.

To make your marriage legal in Vanuatu, you must follow specific documentation, residency, and application procedures, which can be handled by a local wedding planner or the Vanuatu Department of Civil Registration and Identity Management (CRIM). The marriage must be between a man and a woman. 

Key Requirements

• Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If either is under 21, parental consent may be necessary.
• Presence: Both parties must be in Vanuatu for at least three working days before the wedding ceremony.
• Notice Period: A "Notice of Intended Marriage" form must be submitted to the relevant authorities (such as the Shefa Council in the Port Vila area) at least 28 days before the wedding date. A local coordinator can often handle this submission on your behalf for a fee.
• Witnesses: The ceremony requires the presence of at least two witnesses, who must be over 21 years of age.
• Same-Sex Marriage: As of current law, Vanuatu defines and recognizes marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman. 

Required Documents

Original or certified copies of valid passports and birth certificates are needed for the bride, groom, and witnesses. Documentation of previous marriages ending, such as a divorce decree absolute or the death certificate of a former spouse, is also required if applicable, along with a possible affidavit of eligibility. 

The Legal Process

The required documents must be submitted to the Civil Registration office. An authorized official performs the ceremony, after which immediate registration with the Vanuatu Civil Registry occurs. A marriage certificate will be issued, and multiple copies are advisable. 

International Recognition

Marriages performed legally in Vanuatu are generally recognized internationally. You may need to register the marriage in your home country or obtain an "apostille" for authentication, so checking with your government for specific post-marriage requirements is recommended. 

For more specific information, contact the Vanuatu Department of Internal Affairs or the Civil Registry Office. 

The great thing about getting married in Vanuatu is that you're already at your honeymoon destination! With that, there's a spectacular range of romantic activities, accommodations and eateries for couples to enjoy.

Discover honeymoon experiences in the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in Vanuatu for Couples LINK#TTD070.

Finally, plan your whole trip to Vanuatu from what to pack to getting around and more using The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Vanuatu LINK#TT063.