The best Fiji wedding packages for 2024 prioritize comprehensive inclusions such as luxury accommodation, legal registration processing, and exclusive venue use. Top-rated options range from the accessible Coral Coast resorts like the InterContinental for large parties to intimate Mamanuca Island retreats like Likuliku for elopements. Expect packages to start around $2,500 USD for basic elopements and exceed $20,000 USD for full-service luxury events.
Planning a destination wedding requires navigating a complex landscape of logistics, especially when coordinating across time zones. For 2024, Fiji remains the premier destination for couples seeking a blend of tropical luxury and genuine hospitality. However, the market is saturated with options ranging from budget-friendly mainland hotels to exclusive private islands. As specialized Fiji travel planners, we have analyzed the current market to bring you the most authoritative guide on securing the best wedding packages this year.
Choosing the Right Region: Coral Coast vs. Mamanucas
Before selecting a specific package, you must select the region that aligns with your guest list and vision. The two most popular regions for 2024 weddings are Viti Levu’s Coral Coast and the offshore Mamanuca Islands. The choice between them fundamentally changes the logistics and cost of your wedding.
The Coral Coast: Accessibility and Grandeur
Located on the main island of Viti Levu, the Coral Coast is ideal for larger weddings (50+ guests). The primary advantage here is accessibility; guests arrive at Nadi International Airport and take a 60-to-90-minute private transfer by road. There are no boats or helicopters required, which significantly lowers the travel barrier for elderly guests or those traveling with children.
Key Package Advantages:
- Capacity: Resorts here, such as the Shangri-La Yanuca Island or the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, have vast ballrooms and multiple outdoor venues capable of hosting hundreds.
- Vendor Access: Being on the mainland means easier access to third-party florists, photographers, and makeup artists without incurring hefty travel fees.
- Price Stability: Mainland packages often offer better value per head due to lower logistical overheads for the resort.
The Mamanuca Islands: Iconic Island Luxury
If your vision involves a speedboat arrival, overwater bungalows, and crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, the Mamanucas are the standard. This chain of islands is visible from the mainland but offers a secluded atmosphere that the Coral Coast cannot replicate. However, packages here come with a “logistics premium.”
Key Package Advantages:
- Visual Impact: The beaches are whiter, and the water is bluer, providing superior photography backdrops.
- Exclusivity: Many resorts, like Tokoriki Island Resort or Lomani Island Resort, are adults-only, ensuring a serene environment for the ceremony.
- Weather: The Mamanucas generally receive more sunshine and less rain than the Coral Coast due to their geographical positioning.
Top Resort Packages for 2024: A Detailed Comparison
Based on contract value, inclusions, and client satisfaction ratings, these are the standout packages for the 2024 wedding season.
1. The “Ultimate Luxury” Package: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Location: Natadola Bay (Coral Coast)
The InterContinental sits on arguably the best beach on the main island. Their 2024 wedding packages are designed for scale and luxury. The “Natadola Dream” package is a favorite for groups.
- Inclusions: Chapel rental (glass-fronted overlooking the ocean), celebrant, venue styling, warrior escort for the bride, and a reception dinner for 30 guests.
- Estimated Cost: $8,000 – $12,000 USD (excluding accommodation).
- Best For: Couples wanting a 5-star mainland experience with a stunning chapel venue.
2. The “Adults-Only” Escape: Tokoriki Island Resort
Location: Mamanuca Islands
Tokoriki is consistently voted one of the most romantic hotels in the world. Their wedding team is meticulous, handling only one wedding per day to ensure exclusivity.
- Inclusions: Beach or chapel ceremony, floral arch, serenaders, champagne toast, private candlelit dinner on the oceanfront deck, and in-villa spa treatments.
- Estimated Cost: $4,500 – $7,000 USD.
- Best For: Intimate weddings or elopements where privacy is paramount.
3. The “Private Island” Experience: Royal Davui Island Resort
Location: Beqa Lagoon (Offshore)
For those seeking the pinnacle of seclusion, Royal Davui offers a barefoot luxury experience. It is an adults-only sanctuary.
- Inclusions: Legal registration, floral bouquet/boutonniere, Fijian choir, traditional kava ceremony, and a private sandbar picnic the following day.
- Estimated Cost: $5,500+ USD.
- Best For: High-end elopements looking for unique venues like the sand quay.
All-Inclusive vs. Custom Package Breakdown
When reviewing contracts, you will encounter two primary pricing structures: All-Inclusive Wedding Packages and A La Carte (Custom) Planning. Understanding the difference is crucial for budget management.
All-Inclusive Packages
These are pre-set bundles created by the resort. They are excellent for cost control as you know the final price upfront.
Pros:
• Simplified decision-making (menus and decor are pre-selected).
• Often includes accommodation discounts for the couple.
• Streamlined communication with the resort coordinator.
Cons:
• rigid structure; swapping out flowers or menu items can incur fees.
• “Cookie-cutter” feel; your wedding may look identical to the one held the day before.
Custom (A La Carte) Planning
This approach involves hiring a venue and then sourcing individual vendors for every element, often with the help of an independent planner.
Pros:
• Complete creative control over styling, photography, and entertainment.
• Ability to bring in specialist vendors (e.g., a specific videographer from Australia or the US).
Cons:
• Significantly higher cost due to vendor travel and accommodation requirements.
• Higher logistical complexity.
Packages Specifically for Elopements
Elopements are a surging trend in 2024, with many couples bypassing the stress of large weddings for a “just us” moment. Fiji is uniquely positioned for this with packages specifically tailored to zero-guest lists.
What to Look for in an Elopement Package
A high-quality elopement package should go beyond the ceremony. Look for “romance inclusions” that extend the celebration.
- Witnesses: The resort must provide witnesses if you are traveling alone.
- Photography: Ensure the package includes at least 2 hours of professional photography. Many base packages only include a resort staff member taking photos, which is rarely sufficient quality.
- Dining: Look for private dining experiences, such as a jetty dinner or a hillside platform meal, rather than a table in the main restaurant.
Top Pick: Likuliku Lagoon Resort offers a “Marau” package that includes a dedicated wedding coordinator who handles the license paperwork before you even arrive, ensuring a stress-free experience.
Legal Requirements for Fiji Weddings
To ensure your marriage is legally binding in your home country (including the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and NZ), you must adhere to strict government regulations. Most top-tier packages include the service of a coordinator to handle this, but you must provide the documentation.
Required Documents
- Original birth certificates.
- Valid passports.
- Decree Absolute (if divorced) or Death Certificate of former spouse (if widowed).
- A “Single Status Certificate” or statutory declaration confirming you are not currently married.
Timeline
You must obtain a marriage license from a registry office in Fiji prior to the ceremony. Most resorts require you to be on the island at least 3 working days before the wedding to process this paperwork. Do not fly in on a Friday for a Saturday wedding; it is legally risky.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even “all-inclusive” packages in Fiji can have hidden expenditures. When budgeting for your 2024 wedding, verify the following line items.
1. Transfer Costs
While the wedding package covers the ceremony, getting to the resort can be expensive. A catamaran transfer to the Mamanucas costs roughly $100 USD pp, while a helicopter transfer can exceed $500 USD pp. Ensure your guests are aware of these costs.
2. Vendor Travel Fees
If you hire a photographer or makeup artist from the mainland (Viti Levu) to come to an island resort, you are responsible for their boat transfer, meals, and often a night of accommodation if the ferry schedule doesn’t allow a same-day return.
3. Taxes (VAT and STT)
Fiji has specific taxes on tourism services. Ensure your quote includes the 15% VAT (Value Added Tax). Some older quotes might exclude this, leading to a surprise 15% jump in your final invoice.
4. Curfew Extensions
Most resort packages cover venue hire until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. If you want to party until 1:00 AM, resorts charge significant hourly rates for staff overtime and venue extension.
People Also Ask
How much does the average wedding in Fiji cost?
The average cost for a destination wedding in Fiji in 2024 ranges from $10,000 to $25,000 USD for a group of 30-50 guests. Elopements can cost between $2,500 and $7,000 USD. This generally includes the ceremony, reception, and venue hire, but excludes flights and accommodation for the couple and guests.
What is the best month to get married in Fiji?
The best time to get married in Fiji is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. Specifically, June, August, and September offer the most stable weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, ensuring outdoor ceremonies are safe from washouts.
Is a Fiji wedding legal in the United States and Australia?
Yes, a marriage performed in Fiji is legally recognized in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada. You will receive a marriage certificate from the Fijian registry, which serves as your legal proof of marriage. No additional ceremony is required back home.
How many days do you need to be in Fiji before getting married?
Most resorts and wedding planners recommend arriving at least 3 working days before the wedding date. This time is required to visit the local registry office to obtain your special license. While expedited processing is sometimes possible, allowing 3 days prevents last-minute administrative stress.
Do guests pay for their own accommodation at a destination wedding?
Yes, it is standard etiquette for destination weddings in Fiji that guests pay for their own flights and accommodation. The couple typically pays for the wedding ceremony, the reception dinner, and drinks. It is common to negotiate a group rate code with the resort to help guests save money.
What are the best adults-only resorts for weddings in Fiji?
For 2024, the top adults-only resorts for weddings include Tokoriki Island Resort, Likuliku Lagoon Resort, and Royal Davui Island Resort. Lomani Island Resort is also a popular, slightly more affordable option that specializes in weddings and honeymoons.