Overseas visitors intending to get married in Fiji are required by law to obtain and sign a marriage license from the nearest marriage registry prior to the marriage ceremony with an average of 36 hours in advance. Special arrangements can also be organized. The couple must provide the following personal documents to the Registrar for verification purposes at least two weeks before the wedding:

• Original birth certificates for the bride and groom
• Valid passport
• If applicable, divorce papers
• If previous spouse is deceased, a death certificate
• Certificate of Single Status or Certificate of No Legal Impediment must be produced if:
  • Marriage between a Fiji citizen and a foreign citizen
  • Marriage by former citizens of Fiji
  • Marriage between foreign citizens residing in Fiji
• Marriage applicants with visitors' visas or bona fide tourists to Fiji from Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, and EEC countries are exempted from the above requirement. Different rules apply for some other countries.
• Marriage applicants from Japan must produce the Koseki-Shouhon to certify their personal details.
• Written parental consent is required if either party is under 21 years of age
• Two witnesses who are 21years of age and over must be present

(Information courtesy of Fiji Visitors Bureau)

Fiji in a "Nutshell"

The name Fiji comes from the Tongan name for the islands and was given to the archipelago after the arrival of the Europeans. Fiji has over 300 islands and English is the National language, locals also speak in their native tongue so quite often you will find locals can speak up to 3 languages (Fijian, Hindi and English).  As a nation we are made up of a number of racial group's with the two major groups being indigenous Fijian's (they are the smiling faces you see on all Fiji promotional material), Indo - Fijian's is the other major racial group then their is the rest of 'us others' that make up the minority of the population here in Fiji. We (the minority) are made up of other Pacific Islanders, European's  and everything else that does not fit into either of the two major races, my favorite term is 'fruit salad' we have a bit of everything!

Like all countries we have a 'colorful' and interesting history, if your visit to Fiji takes you to our Capital Suva do try and visit the Fiji Museum to learn more about the history in particular you get to see what club work's best to break a neck or if you prefer check out the ‘brain picker' and yes, Fiji's history does include cannibalism.

Where is the action?

When you arrive...

Firstly you arrive at the Nadi International Airport ( Fiji's only International Airport) if you have pre-booked your stay then you will be met by local ground operators (don't worry they all have sign's up so it's hard to get lost) if you haven't already made your bookings then walk straight ahead and they have an information booth there based on what you are looking for they will recommend a couple of operators that have their offices based at the airport where you can book your accommodation, transportation and any tours & cruises you are interested in.

Where to stay...

Fiji has a full range of accommodation from budget backpacker through to 5 star resorts and beyond that we have some amazing ‘Billionaire's playground properties' so don't feel pressured into booking accommodation beyond your budget you do have options.

The main tourism belt is firstly the ‘Jet Set' town of Nadi there are a number of hotels and motels within walking distance of the Airport, beyond this we have Denerau Island which is the home to international chains  such as The Hilton, Accor's Sofitel Resort, Starwoods Sheraton Fiji, Sheraton Villa's and The Westin. Also on Denerau Island is Port Denerau the main water gate way to outer islands.  The outer Islands off Nadi are grouped into The Mamanuca's and the Yasawa Islands they host a range of accommodation again from budget through to luxury this is were you will find your postcard perfect beaches and swaying palm tree's.  Depending on your flight arrival time most people choose to go straight out to the Islands or the Coral Coast and if time does not permit (late night arrival's etc) the norm is to spend the night in Nadi before traveling on to your main destination. The Nadi area used be the pit stop for the Coral Coast and the Outer Islands, however with the continued development of Denerau Island it has become a destination in it's own right.

An hour's drive from Nadi International airport the first of a number of hotels that makes up the Coral Coast can be found, Fiji's largest resort The Shangri La's Fijian resort a great property, particularly for families like other parts of Fiji the Coral Coast has a range of accommodation options available. Further on from the Coral Coast and a 45 minute drive from the Capital Suva City is Pacific Harbour it is far enough from the city to be ‘away from it all' but still close enough to be an easy drive away from the ‘action' so to speak.  

Outside of Viti Levu there is Vanua Levu the 2^nd largest island that makes up the group of the Fiji Islands, Savusavu town (of which I am proud to say my Grandfather was the first Mayor) is popular amongst yachting enthusiasts and those looking for a step into the slow lane. Fiji can be said to be on ‘Fiji Time' which really mean's nothing is ever done on time (if you are looking at it from a business perspective) or time to switch off and enjoy the flow if you are looking at it from a holiday point of view. Now Savusavu at least for me takes Fiji Time and slows the pace down even more but hey that's my opinion.

What to do...

There truly is more to Fiji then lying on the beach sipping cocktails, obviously the majority of visitors to our shores have that as their plan and that's great. However if you would like to venture out from the traditional surf, sand and sun routine Fiji has a lot more to offer then most realize.

Coming Soon...

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