Just the two of you
Elopement
- A short, intimate ceremony
- Help arranging your two witnesses
- Legal paperwork and registration
- Ideal at sunrise or sunset
Marriage celebrant · Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Married by Jane
Personal, unhurried wedding ceremonies on Rarotonga. Barefoot on the sand at Muri or in a quiet tropical garden, every word is written for the two of you.
Meet your celebrant
Kia Orana, I'm Jane!
Born and raised in the beautiful Cook Islands, I'm proud to call Rarotonga home. Fluent in both English and Cook Islands Māori, I love sharing a little of our island's warmth, culture and hospitality with the couples I have the pleasure of marrying.
For me, being a wedding celebrant is about more than the ceremony itself. It's about making you feel comfortable, excited and completely at ease as you prepare for one of the most special days of your lives.
I know planning a wedding away from home can feel a little overwhelming, so I'm here to make things as easy as possible. From guiding you through the legal paperwork and meeting you at the Ministry of Justice, to helping with rehearsals and taking care of your marriage certificate after the big day, I'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony on the beach or a celebration surrounded by your favourite people, my goal is simple: to make your wedding feel personal, meaningful and full of joy.
A little more about me...
When I'm not marrying happy couples, you'll find me sharing another side of our beautiful island at Ariki Adventures, or teaching reformer Pilates!
So, if you fancy swimming with turtles while you're here, or squeezing in a Pilates class before the big day, I can help with that too!
I look forward to meeting you and being part of your Cook Islands wedding.
Jane Archer
Ceremonies
Three ways to say I do
Family and friends
Wedding ceremony
- A planning call and a fully written ceremony
- Vow writing guidance
- Rehearsal on site if needed
- Legal paperwork and registration
Married already
Vow renewal
- Celebrate a milestone anniversary
- Include children and family readings
- A keepsake copy of your new vows
- No licence required
Your ceremony
How the moment unfolds
Every ceremony is written from scratch, but most follow a shape like this. We can add island touches such as an exchange of ei, a reading in Cook Islands Māori, or a ukulele for the walk back down the aisle.
- Arrival
Guests are welcomed and you walk to the water's edge.
- Kia orana
A warm greeting to everyone who travelled to be here.
- Your story
How you met, told in your own words and gathered by Jane beforehand.
- Vows
Promises you write yourselves, or ones we shape together.
- Rings and ei
Rings exchanged, with garlands of tiare if you wish.
- Declaration
The words that make it official, followed by the kiss.
- Signing
You, Jane and two witnesses sign the marriage register.
- Presentation
Your first introduction as a married couple.
Where
Anywhere on Rarotonga
Muri Beach
Aroa Lagoon
Titikaveka
Black Rock
Your resort
A private villa garden
Marrying in the Cook Islands
The legal part, made simple
A Cook Islands marriage is legally recognised, but the licence can only be applied for in person once you arrive. Jane will walk you through it.
Bring with you
- Current passportEach of you
- Birth certificateOriginal or certified
- Divorce decreeIf previously married
- Deed pollIf names differ
Timing
- Apply for your licenceMinistry of Justice, Avarua
- Office hoursMon to Fri, 9am to 3pm
- ProcessingAt least 3 working days
- On the dayTwo witnesses aged 18+
Requirements and fees are set by the Cook Islands Ministry of Justice and can change. Jane will confirm the current details with you when you book.
Kind words
Jane was very calm and classy. She was reassuring and made sure the ceremony suited us. She led a beautiful ceremony.Married on Rarotonga
Jane was absolutely amazing, so lovely and full of the exact energy we wanted for our day. Her communication was great; she replied quickly to all our messages and was reliable, arriving early to our meeting. We couldn't have asked for a better celebrant.Married on Rarotonga
Enquire
Tell Jane about your day
Share a few details and Jane will check her calendar and reply within two working days.
Prefer to message? Find Jane on Facebook.
Meitaki maata
Thank you. Jane has your enquiry and will reply within two working days.