Weddings in New Caledonia

The Pacific Islands are increasingly being chosen by New Zealanders as destinations to tie the knot, with a surging number of Kiwis heading there as package costs decline and the idea of a wedding and a holiday has become an affordable option. Previously if visitors wanted to be legally married in New Caledonia, they would have had to be a resident there for one continuous month before the ceremony. And so most would end up having a celebration in New Caledonia, but the actual marriage back home in New Zealand. A new law to make a New Caledonia wedding more viable to visitors, a gourmet guide and a range of cooking tours are fresh reasons to choose New Caledonia as your marriage destination.

New Zealanders wanting to get married there can now apply for the licence from home - and must do this at least 41 days in advance. The subsequent marriage in New Caledonia is then legally recognised. A French style wedding in a South Pacific Island is the best of both worlds, and it is all less than three hours from Auckland. New Caledonia is the closest Pacific Island nation to New Zealand and has so much to offer. There are fantastic flight deals to take advantage of, French culture, high standard hotels and picture-perfect island surroundings. Wedding chapel facilities are available across the island at many of the popular resorts including the five-star Le Meridian Noumea, overlooking the waters of Anse Vata Bay, and Luxury resort L'Escapade located on the seven hectare islet of Ilot Maitre. Wedding coordinators are also available in Noumea to plan the occassion, leaving clients with time to take in New Caledonia's sites and enjoy a romantic getaway.

GLP Hotels Events & Conferences, Blue White Group and Maki Weddings offer complete wedding planning services and can tailor the event accordingly, whatever your needs and budget. Le Meridian has a wedding chapel facility, as does the four-star L Escapade Hotel, renowned for its overwater bungalows. This hotel is in the process of producing wedding packages and a wedding brochure.