Getting Married in French Polynesia – What Type of Ceremony Is Right for You?

Getting Married in French Polynesia : When  you picture your dream wedding in French Polynesia, what do you see?
A turquoise lagoon at your feet? Lush green mountains behind you? Just the two of you on a private beach with no one around?

There’s not just one way to get married in Tahiti and its islands.
In fact, that’s the beauty of it: every couple can create their own version of paradise.
Below, we’ll guide you through the three most popular ways couples celebrate their love across the islands—so you can find the one that feels most you.

1. Resort Wedding in Bora Bora, Moorea or Tahiti

A traditional Polynesian celebration with comfort, ease, and vibrant local culture.

Many couples who choose to get married in French Polynesia opt for a resort wedding. And it’s easy to see why: the experience is designed to be effortless and luxurious. Most of the high-end resorts—especially in Bora Bora and Moorea—offer complete wedding packages, organized from start to finish. You’ll be welcomed with flower crowns and leis, walk barefoot on warm sand, and hear the sounds of ukuleles and drums as you exchange vows. A Tahitian priest, often dressed in traditional pareo, leads the ceremony with blessings and chants. Sometimes, you’re even “married” again in a wooden canoe that takes you gently across the lagoon.

Ceremonies in resorts often follow traditional Tahitian rituals:

• You’ll be welcomed with flower crowns (hei) and fragrant leis

• Polynesian musicians and dancers will accompany your ceremony

• A “priest” or local officiant will lead a symbolic blessing

• You may even be paddled away in a decorated outrigger canoe!

It’s festive, tropical, and full of local charm. Everything takes place on the resort’s beach, often at sunset with the stunning blue lagoon of Bora Bora or Moorea as your backdrop.

💍 Perfect for couples who want a colorful, all-inclusive Polynesian experience—with little to plan on their own.

2. Wild Elopement in Nature – Authentic & Untouched

Just the two of you, surrounded by nature. Quiet. Simple. Powerful.

If you’re dreaming of something more personal and raw—without music, dancers, or big decorations—a nature elopement might be perfect for you.

For couples who dream of something truly personal and deeply intimate, a wedding in nature offers a unique experience. This option is perfect if you want to get married outside the resort—far from crowds, without any ceremony formalities. Just your love and the magic of the islands.

Imagine standing together at sunrise on a secluded beach in Moorea, with the ocean glowing in soft blues. Or holding hands on a rocky cliff in Tahiti, with waves crashing below and the wind in your hair. Maybe you’re on a private motu in Rangiroa, with palm trees swaying and no one around for miles.

These ceremonies are often done without a celebrant or priest—simply an exchange of vows, raw and real.
You decide the place. You decide the time. And nature becomes your only witness.

It’s also the best option for couples who want the most beautiful light for photography. Early morning in Polynesia offers the brightest blues in the lagoon, clear skies, and soft shadows—perfect for capturing memories that feel as timeless as your love.

This kind of elopement can happen:

• On a hidden beach with nobody around

• In the jungle with mountain peaks all around

• On a sandbank surrounded by a turquoise lagoon

• At sunrise, with soft golden light and calm winds

You can exchange vows freely, without a celebrant if you choose—just you, your love, and the sound of the ocean. Every island has its secret corners. Whether it’s the wild coast of Tahiti, the lush interior of Moorea, or the remote islets of Rangiroa, French Polynesia is one of the most beautiful places in the world for an intimate ceremony in nature.

💍 Perfect for couples who want something personal, artistic, and full of emotion—far from the crowds.

3. Intimate Ceremony with a Private Celebrant

A custom moment designed just for you—spiritual, emotional, and deeply meaningful.

If you’re seeking something more symbolic—but still personal and meaningful—a private ceremony with an independent officiant might be the perfect balance. It’s not tied to a hotel or to traditional rituals, but it offers structure and heartfelt storytelling.

These weddings are designed around you. Your celebrant will craft a ceremony with your love story, your promises, your language. You can choose the location: a garden, a black-sand beach in Tahiti, a hidden jungle trail in Moorea, or even a sailing boat at sunset.

The result is a deeply emotional, tailor-made experience. You feel connected. You feel present. And the ceremony feels like it was written just for you—because it was.

These are not religious, but symbolic.
You can choose the words, the tone, the meaning. The celebrant can talk about your story, read your vows, and create a moment that feels deeply yours.

This can take place:

• On a private motu (islet) at sunset

• On a sailboat drifting near Moorea

• On a quiet beach in Rangiroa

• Even in the lush gardens of a traditional Polynesian home

This kind of wedding brings together the best of both worlds: the freedom of an elopement, and the structure of a ceremony with someone who guides the moment.

💍 Perfect for couples who want emotional depth and a tailored ceremony in a breathtaking setting.

Which Polynesian Wedding Experience Is Meant for You?

Every love story is different.
Some couples love the festive vibe of a resort wedding, with traditional music and dancers under the setting sun. Others feel called by the silence and beauty of the wild islands, where nature becomes their only witness.

Whether you’re dreaming of a traditional resort wedding in Bora Bora, an elopement in the wilds of Moorea, or a personalized ceremony with a private celebrant in Tahiti, French Polynesia offers the perfect canvas for your love story.

As professional photographers and videographers based in Tahiti, we’ve spent over a decade exploring the islands with couples from all over the world. We know the most magical places, the best light, the secret spots far from crowds, and how to make your wedding day feel like the adventure of a lifetime.

Let us help you design the perfect celebration—whatever your style.
Get in touch and tell us what you’re dreaming of. We’ll guide you every step of the way.