Couple have traditional wedding service on the beach at Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa on Upolu in Samoa overlay
Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa, Upolu

Getting Married in Samoa

Wherever you choose to say I do in tropical Samoa it's guaranteed to be magical.

Planning a wedding in Samoa 

Getting married on a tropical island sounds like a dream, and Samoa has everything you need to bring your dreams alive from stunning paradise settings to local experts well-versed in what it takes to organise the celebration of a lifetime. 

You can choose to get married in a variety of ways in Samoa while making your celebration as big and spectacular or as small and intimate as you like. While there are romantic natural settings dotted all around the islands such as secluded beaches and gardens, dramatic clifftops, and cascading waterfalls, Samoa’s huge range of luxury resorts can offer incredible facilities, food, and waterfront venues. Here’s what you’ll need to know to make your perfect wedding a reality in Samoa.

 

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Decide whether you’ll DIY or hire a wedding planner to help

Samoa has all the services and facilities you need to organise any style of wedding, and there’s so much information available online that you’ll have no trouble organising a wedding from your home country before you arrive. If planning and organising is your thing, you can research and book anything from resort accommodation and wedding packages to photographers, local florists and other local services and venue hire. 

Alternatively, if planning your own wedding sounds like a lot of work and stress, many resorts offer wedding planner services which gives you all the information you need to make decisions while taking care of every detail according to your instructions. Even if you’re not planning to get married in a resort, Samoa is home to many experienced wedding planners who will be happy to help you bring your ideas to reality using their deep local knowledge.   

Hiring a wedding planner could be especially useful if you’re planning to get married in an outdoor setting away from your resort because they’ll have the contacts and know-how to arrange access permission with the nearest local village. 

 

A checklist of the things to think about when planning your Samoan wedding

      • Venue options: Beach, church, resort, garden, waterfall, private island, cliff top with ocean views
      • Local wedding planner, resort wedding planner, or DIY
      • Flights and land transfers
      • Accommodation for you and your guests
      • Celebrant
      • Photographer
      • Dress (remember the warm, humid climate in Samoa)
      • Wedding party accessories
      • Catering 
      • Transport between resort and venue or outdoor location
      • Seating and decorations
      • Flowers
      • Cake
      • Entertainment 
      • Marriage licence
      • Honeymoon activities for after the wedding

 

 

Don’t forget your marriage licence

Marriages that take place in Samoa are legally recognised all around the world, but you must apply for a marriage licence before you arrive or at least 10 days before you plan to get married (not more than 3 months prior). 

You can arrange your marriage licence through the Justice Department in Apia by email or by phone on +685 22671-74.


Think about your honeymoon

One of the best things about getting married in Samoa is that once the ceremony is over, you’re already in one of the best places on earth to enjoy a romantic honeymoon. As part of your wedding planning, consider where and how you might want to spend the rest of your stay. Imagine retreating to a luxury beachside villa, spending your days alone on a private beach, or even taking part in a romantic tropical dive together.