Fiji may seem far to go to find an island paradise -- it’s an 11-hour flight from Los Angeles -- but it’s well worth the trip. Fijians are famous for their warm, friendly nature. Plus, there are countless places for seclusion-seeking couples to disappear. Whether you’re on one of the two main islands or any of the more remote outer-island groups, a private beach (if only just for the day) can always be found. And when you’re ready to “socialize,” the fish (and sharks!) are waiting. This South Pacific gem is also known for it’s world-class underwater offerings.
Wedding Requirements
Fiji is a surprisingly easy place to tie the knot. Take your passport, birth certificate and proof of marital status to either the Office of the Registrar General in Suva or the Divisional Registrar in Lautoka. Here, you’ll fill out the forms, pay the fees (there’s an additional one if you want to marry outside one of these two offices) and obtain your license (issued on the spot and valid immediately). For more information, visit fijime.com.
What to Do
Fiji Islands To make the most of your trip, consider hopping around. Spend a few days on the main island of Viti Levu before moving to a less-populated locale. You’ll fly into Nadi, which is home to a few larger resorts and the jumping-off point to many of the outer islands. Or consider heading to Suva, Fiji’s capital city, to enjoy its rich culture, shopping and nightlife. Vitu Levu’s southern shore is an adventure spot on its own, with river rafting, jungle hikes and ferries out to Beqa, an offshore island home to one of Fiji’s prettiest lagoons and most popular dive spots. Savusavu is the biggest village on Vanua Levu, the second largest island in Fiji. Here you’ll find a busy harbor (it’s a popular spot for yachties cruising around the Pacific) and a jumping-off point for Taveuni, the “Garden Island.” Matagi, Qamea and Laucala encircle Taveuni and promise wildlife, powder-soft sand and luxury accommodations. Popular island groups easily accessible from Nadi include the Mamanucas (take over a private-island resort for your wedding, such as Navini) and Yasawa chain, a hot spot for 3-day cruises. Kadavu and Lomaiviti are two more clusters that promise superb diving, rugged beauty and privacy. And for serious seclusion, visit the Lau group, known as the country’s final frontier.
Diving and Snorkeling Top diving choices include Beqa Lagoon, for shark sightings, Kadavu for the Great Astrolabe Reef and Taveuni for the Rainbow Reef. Also, experienced divers might want to try drift diving, where strong currents propel you through the ocean’s channels. Some popular snorkel spots are the Yasawas for manta rays and sharks (Wayasewa in particular), Tavenui for the Vuna Reef and Dreamhouse, near Savusavu for a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.
Culture Make time to visit a local village and observe the Fijian way of life. When you arrive it’s customary to present the chief with a kava root. This is usually followed by a meke (dance performance) and sevusevu (kava) ceremony, which involves sitting on the floor with the tribe, clapping and shouting bula! (welcome! in Fijian), and drinking the somewhat muddy concoction, which acts like a mild intoxicant. Lovo is a much tastier treat. Typically reserved for large celebrations, lovo involves wrapping whole chickens or pigs in banana leaves and slow-roasting them in an underground oven made of hot stones. Another tradition involving hot stones is fire-walking, where barefoot men traverse this seemingly painless path. Wedding tip: Combine a lovo with a fire-walking performance for an unforgettable celebration.
Off the Beaten Path
Castaway Thanks to the Tom Hanks and the film Castaway, Monuriki, a tiny uninhabited island in the Mamanuca Group (accessible via day trip from Mana), has become a popular place to picnic. The pristine beach is ideal for sunning (turtles and iguanas might join you) and the fish-friendly lagoon beckons snorkelers. — Anita K. Henry
