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Cook Islands

Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are a collection of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area the size of India with a population of 14,000 inhabitants. The unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 70,000 visitors a year to the capital island "Rarotonga" the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism.

Highlights
The Cook Islands culture lives on in the vibrant performance of song and dance. Cook Islanders are considered among the finest Polynesian singers and dancers and awards come often in international contests. Unlike most Western dancers, Polynesians tell a story with their bodies that matches the words of the song. Cook Islands dancing is fast, frenzied and erotic, with hip swinging and suggestive gestures.
Geography/Environment
The Cook Islands comprises 15 islands spread over 850,000 square miles (2.2 million square kilometer) of ocean smack in the middle of the South Pacific between Tonga to the west and the Society Islands to the east. The Cook Islands consists of two main groups, one in the north and one in the south. The southern group is nine "high" islands mainly of volcanic origin although some are virtually atolls. The majority of the population lives in the southern group. The northern group comprises six true atolls.
Activities
Shopping - Dining Out - Sightseeing - Diving - Snorkeling - Fishing - Windsurfing - Cruises - Walks - Hiking - Horseback Riding - Tennis - Squash - Bowls - Golf
Climate and Weather
Other Important Information
More Cook Islands resources at Amazon.com.
Destination Wedding Information
  • Legal age of consent to marry is 20 years,otherwise written approval by parents required.
  • Application for License must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 working days prior to the marriage.
  • Documents Needed. Your passport and birth certificate will be required when filling out the " Notice of Intended Marriage" at the Registrars Office. If divorced a copy of the Decree Absolute in English will be required.
  • Fees
    • Marriage License $50.00.
    • Marriage Certificate $15.00
    • Marriage Waiver Fee ( If you wish to be married less than the 3 days residency requirement) $45
    • Marriage Ammendment Fee $20.00
    • Church Minister or Priest a donation ( we suggest minimum of $50.00) Marriage Celebrant $100.00
    • Registrar of the Court. Free if conducted between 8am and 4pm week days and in courtroom only.
    • Registrars will conduct the wedding between 4pm & 6pm away from courtroom for $45.00.
  • Churches on the Island: Cook Islands Christian Church, (Protestant) Latter Day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists, Roman Catholic. It will be necessary to check with your local minister regarding the requirements to marry in the Church as they will also apply to the Cook Islands.