28th October, 2010

Since you are all going on fun and exotic honeymoons soon, we dont mind admitting this week that we've actually just recently returned from a stunning and exotic location ourselves!  We were lucky enough to score a trip to Rarotonga a few weeks ago, which is the largest of 15 islands in the Cook Islands.  If you are considering a destination wedding I can highly recommend this little Island paradise, 7 hours flight from Sydney. 

It is only 32km right the way around the Island but every wedding service you could need is available despite it's size including a number of excellent wedding planners.  A couple of venues we experienced were the Tamarind House which has a large lawn between the beach front and restaurant so ceremonies and receptions can run seamlessly together.  Also the Rarotongan Beach Resort which offers accommodation, a number of on site ceremony locations including a marquee, several reception options at the onsite restaurants as well as a private dining service in secluded spots within the resort.  Cook Islanders are the friendliest people in the world and love celebrating weddings - they're quite used to it.  The Islands have a permanent population of about 4000 people and boast a tourism industry of about 100,000 people annually.  A huge portion of those visitors are wedding parties and honeymooners and during the nightly entertainment held at all resorts, you can expect to be plucked from the crowd for assistance in the crab races or to have a whirl at Island dancing.  Rarotonga is a particularly popular destination for celebrity weddings and it is easy to see why; the environment is stunning and there is plenty of seclusion and privacy.  For inspiration we suggest you keep an eye out in the NZ Womans Day magazine for celebrity wedding photos which should be out soon.