10 Reasons a Wedding in Samoa is a Must!

1. Two Stunning Islands to Choose From

Elopement weddings in Samoa take place either on Upolu or Savai’i; two of the most stunning islands in the South Pacific yet each has its own unique charms. Upolu is the most developed island, home to an array of stunning beach resorts and hotels with lush tropical gardens in Apia, offering a variety of vibes for your wedding day. On the other hand, Savai’i is a traditional island offering a more boutique and intimate wedding experience.

Compare the two islands further in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Upolu and The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Savai’i. Otherwise, there’s also the country’s cosmopolitan capital, Apia, which we give more details about in The Wedding, Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Apia.

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2. The Legal Formalities are Effortless

The paperwork is just about the only drag of getting married, especially when organising a destination wedding. However, Samoa’s wedding formalities to obtain the marriage license, for instance, are pretty straightforward. As long as you are of age, can legally be in the country (have a valid passport, for instance) and apply for a marriage license at least 10 days prior to your wedding (you can do this from overseas), have original or certified copies of your birth certificates and any applicable divorce or death certificates, then you shouldn’t have a problem getting married in Samoa.

Find out more about the legalities of getting married in Samoa in our guide, What are the Marriage Requirements in Samoa?

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3. A Marriage in Samoa is Internationally Recognised

Samoa is part of the Hague Convention Apostille where you can get the Apostille Seal to make your marriage certificate from Samoa internationally recognisable. How handy!

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4. Wedding Packages Make it Easy (But There’s Not Too Much Choice)

When you look at destinations like Fiji and French Polynesia, every resort and its dog are offering a wedding package, which can be extremely overwhelming. Don’t worry, it’s not that crazy in Samoa thanks to only a few resorts and even the odd beach fale offering comprehensive wedding packages. There are wedding packages to suit intimate elopements up to full celebrations with friends and family. Check them out in the 10 Best Wedding Packages in Samoa.

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5. The Samoan Culture Makes a Memorable Addition to the Wedding

The Samoa culture can be incorporated into your wedding as much or as little as you desire. Adding a Samoan touch certainly makes for a memorable and exotic experience. Samoan-inspired inclusions with many wedding packages often feature a string band playing at your ceremony, a wedding arch decorated with the national teuila flower, floral seis (flower behind the ear) and leis (neck garlands) for the bride and groom or, if you want to go all out, a paopao (canoe) transfer to your ceremony venue paddled by a Samoan warrior!

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6. The Weather is Glorious

Did we mention that Samoa is a tropical paradise? Samoa experiences warm and soothing temperatures year-round. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season, with the dry season being the most popular time for couples to tie the knot. However, the wet season often comes with irresistibly cheap airfares and even the odd resort offering free wedding packages. Learn more about the climate in our guide, Samoa Weather, Seasons & Climate + Samoa Weather by Month.

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7. Share Your Special Day with Only Your Nearest and Dearest (or Just the Two of You)

The beautiful thing about a destination wedding is that you don’t feel obligated to share your special day with people you hardly know. Being a destination wedding, your wedding in Samoa will most likely only be attended by your nearest and dearest who will make the extra effort to celebrate this special day with you. Otherwise, Samoa is ideal for a secret elopement.

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8. It’s Often Cheaper Than Getting Married at Home

Weddings are expensive, there’s no way around it. However, a destination wedding, as mentioned above, often means a limited guest list or simply no guest list at all! With that, the overall cost of the wedding is cut down considerably when you don’t have to worry about hiring a large venue, food for everyone and entertainment. Plus, your wedding and honeymoon are all rolled into one.

See typical wedding costs in How to Plan a Wedding in Samoa.

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9. Privacy is Easy to Find

There’s no other feeling like being alone together away from the world. With boutique resorts and even the odd adults-only resort, not to mention, Samoa is far less crowded than other South Pacific hotspots like Fiji, Tahiti and Rarotonga, finding unparalleled intimacy and seclusion is effortless.

See some of the most intimate and romantic stays in the 20 Most Romantic Honeymoon Accommodations in Samoa, as well as things to do in the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in Samoa for Couples.

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10. Be Different

How many of your friends have had an island wedding? We thought so. Have a barefoot wedding with your toes in the sand, walk down the aisle to the island tunes of the ukulele or say “I do” among a lush tropical oasis. Choose a wedding that is as unique as the couple that you are.

© SamoaPocketGuide.com