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Proud of their customs, The Polynesians were able to preserve their quintessence to offer to their visitors today a whole set of ancestral traditions, revisited and adapted to the tastes of the times. Among these, Polynesian style weddings attract more and more tourists, especially Americans and Japanese. Actor Dustin Hoffman, for example took a real pleasure with this ceremony in 1995. Organized with ostentation by some big hotels in the islands, a Polynesian wedding remains an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the scenery while getting acquainted with the population and initiated to local customs.

And also...

Black pearls, symbols of the secret of love.

Happy couples have a choice between several options encompassing a number of services, in function of their tastes and of their budget, from the very authentic royal ceremony to a more westernized version for the shyest ones. Most of the time, many extras in traditional costumes take part in the celebration. Singing, various dance performances with percussion groups are in the show to make the day for the newlyweds. The celebration ends around a real banquet table where you can enjoy some specialties reserved for this special time of life.

While some hotels feature weddings as part of their activities, the famous Tiki Village of Moorea is well known for its royal Tahitian weddings.

Polynesian weddings have no legal or religious value. Everybody therefore can have one.

But if you feel like it, just like in Las Vegas, the ceremony can be made official. For French citizens, the wedding can be made legal under the French Civil Code, by first residing for one month in Polynesia and planning 10 days for the legal announcements. They also have to supply the following documents:

• the bride and groom's birth certificates (less than 3 months old)
• prenuptial medical certificates,
• a certificate of residence to be issued by city hall of the residence,
• a copy of the notarized marriage contract (if you are already married),
• birth certificates of children to be recognized, if applicable.

• a costum certificate issued by the authorities of your home country,
• a certificate showing that you are not already married,
• a certificate of legal announcement at your place of residence in your home country,

Be aware that these documents must be translated into French.

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