A paradise for destination weddings and elopements
First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Lukas ( please feel free to call me Luke though ) and I am a destination wedding & elopement photographer that travels around the globe to capture unique weddings & elopements.
I fell in love with Bora Bora during my last elopement and think it is the perfect spot for such an intimate wedding. I will add some of the unique images we took during this elopement to this blog post so you can better understand how a dream elopement can look. But let's get started with the info that I wanted to share!
When it comes to destination weddings and elopements, few places can compare to the natural beauty and romance of Bora Bora. This tropical paradise, located in French Polynesia, offers the perfect setting to exchange your vows and celebrate your love, surrounded by crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and breathtaking sunsets.
So whether you're looking for an intimate ceremony in an overwater bungalow or a grand celebration on a white sandy beach, Bora Bora has something to offer every couple. I'll explore the many options available for a Bora Bora elopement wedding and give you a glimpse of the stunning scenery and endless activities that make this island the ultimate destination for a dreamy wedding.
Answering some of the most asked questions First
How to get to Bora Bora?
Where the hell is Bora Bora?
The first part of your trip will bring you to Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, which is located on the most significant island Tahiti. From there, Bora Bora is an approximately 50-minute flight in either a small plane or helicopter. In addition, ferry services are available between Tahiti and the smaller islands that make up French Polynesia. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination itself!
The paradise-like island of Bora Bora is located in the Pacific Ocean, about 250 miles northwest of Tahiti. It is one of over 120 islands belonging to French Polynesia. It's between New Zealand and Hawaii, the middle of nowhere, if you want to say so. Glimmering blue lagoons, volcano peaks, coral reefs, and much more make it the perfect place for an elopement.
What can you do on Bora Bora?
How to get around the island?
There are a lot of activities that you can do; most will be taking place in the water, however. Snorkeling or swimming with sharks and sting rays are the most popular options. You can also book a helicopter tour or bike around the island. Check out Bloody Mary's if you want the most popular place to eat. While it might not be the best food on the island, it's undoubtedly the most popular restaurant and the place to go. The amount of celebrities that have already had dinner there is insane. You will be able to see all their names at the entrance.
Once you arrive at the airport on Bora Bora, you will take one of the many shuttle boats that belong to your resort or take the free ferry to the main island of Bora Bora. There most travel can either be done by taxis or bikes. You can also rent a boat, of course. If you plan to stay in a resort, shuttle boats will be your primary way to get across the island. Just remember the pick-up time for your shuttle to avoid getting stuck on the main island.
What are the legal requirements for a wedding?
What is the best time to get married in Bora Bora?
Before planning a destination wedding in Bora Bora, one must know the legal requirements for getting married on the island. French Polynesia, where Bora Bora is located, has specific laws and regulations that must be followed to legally marry on the island.
The first step in getting married in Bora Bora is to obtain a "Certificate of No Impediment" from your home country. This document states that you are legally free to marry, and it can be obtained from your local government office. In addition, both parties must have a valid passport and provide a birth certificate translated into French. It's also required to be in Bora Bora for three working days before the wedding ceremony. This is to give time for the paperwork and legal procedures to be completed. I always recommend hiring a wedding planner that takes care of all the paperwork so your wedding will be legally valid.
The best time to elope on Bora Bora would be during the dry season, which typically runs from May to October. This is when the island experiences the least amount of rainfall and the clearest weather. The wet season, which runs from November to April, can bring heavy rain and more clouds. Additionally, the dry season is also considered the peak tourist season, so it may be more crowded and the prices for accommodations and activities may be higher. It's also important to note that temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with an average high of around 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and an average low of around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius).
Finding the best wedding venues means finding the best wedding resorts in Bora Bora.
Which resort you choose depends on your personal preference and your budget. Please make sure to check out each resort and see which one is the best fit for you.
You can choose between luxurious overwater bungalows and villas to picturesque beaches and lush gardens. Another option would be taking a helicopter and flying to a secluded island like Tupai.
This is what my last couple did, and it was spectacular. It took place on a private beach with an intimate setting, giving me a stunning backdrop for this elopement in Bora Bora.
The sunset on our way back to Bora Bora was breathtaking when viewing it from the air.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Venue for Your Bora Bora Wedding: From Resort to nature
What type of ceremony do you want?
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The first step in deciding on a venue is to determine if you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Bora Bora offers a wide range of venues, from luxurious overwater bungalows and villas to picturesque beaches and lush gardens, so deciding on the type of ceremony you want before you start looking at venues is important.
Tour the resorts beforehand!
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Before making your final decision, you should visit the island and take time off the venues you're interested in. This will gie you a better idea of the venue's layout, and you can also get a sense of the atmosphere and ambiance.
Keep the budget in mind!
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Finally, it's important to consider the cost of the resort and ensure that it fits within your budget. Remember that some venues may require a minimum amount of days to stay, so it's important to check with the venue manager for additional requirements. If you area close to breaking the budget, think about choosing one of the other islands. Moorea is another good option that is certainly cheaper!
The best Wedding Resorts
Any questions? Feel free to reach out!
Tips for a chilled Tahitian Wedding: The Perfect Elopement in Bora Bora
One of the best things about Bora Bora is its atmosphere. Embrace this vibe by planning a more casual wedding and encouraging yourself of your guests to relax and enjoy the island's natural beauty.
Embrace the island's laid-back vibe
Take a break from wedding planning and spend some time exploring the island. Go for a swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters, take a sunset cruise, or indulge in a traditional Polynesian massage. This will not only help you relax but also give you some inspiration for your wedding day .
Take a break and enjoy the island:
Plan a pre-wedding activity, such as a snorkeling excursion or a sunset dinner. This will give your guests a chance to bond and have fun together before the big day, which will help reduce stress for you and your guests.
Plan a pre-wedding activity for your guests
Use technology
Utilize technology to help you stay organized and communicate with your vendors and guests. There are many wedding planning apps and websites available that can help you create a schedule, budget, and guest list and communicate with your vendors.
Prioritize self-care
Getting married in a tropical paradise can be stressful, so prioritize self-care. Take time to relax and unwind, whether through yoga, meditation, or a spa day.
ask for help
Be bold and delegate tasks to your wedding party, friends, or family. This will take some pressure off you and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your big day.
Capture the memories
You'll want to capture the memories of your special day, so consider hiring a photographer like myself. Reach out to me, and let me frame your love as art.
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Destination Wedding with a plan - Elope in Bora Bora
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take advantage of the island's natural beauty
Bora Bora is renowned for its crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and breathtaking sunsets. When planning your wedding, take advantage of this natural beauty by choosing a venue with a spectacular view, such as an overwater bungalow or a beachside location. You can also plan activities that showcase the island's natural wonders, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, or a sunset cruise. This will allow your guests to experience the island's natural beauty and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Be mindful of the cultural differences:
French Polynesia has its own culture, customs, and traditions, so be aware of them when planning your wedding. You can incorporate Polynesian tradition elements of the local culture into your wedding, such as traditional music, dance, or dress. This will add a unique touch to your wedding and show respect for the local culture.
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Be prepared for the unexpected
As with any destination wedding, it's essential to be prepared for the unexpected. Weather in Bora Bora can be unpredictable, so have a contingency plan in case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This will ensure that your wedding runs smoothly and that your guests are comfortable.
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Find a planner
A wedding planner can help you navigate the legal requirements, find the perfect venue, and handle all the logistics. Asking for help can take a lot of stress off your shoulders and ensure your wedding is a success.
Bora Bora Wedding Packages & Elopement Packages
If you need a photographer to capture your wedding day in Bora Bora, Moorea or any of the other beautiful islands of Tahiti, feel free to reach out.
No matter if you plan a private beach wedding, a wedding and vow renewal near Mount Otemanu or a luxurious wedding ceremony with a romantic dinner at the four seasons resort, I would love to capture these unforgettable moments and beautiful memories. You can also message me for a honeymoon couple shoot, if you got married somewhere else.
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Two Days
Full Day
Half Day
for the ultimate adventurers. we will shoot from sunrise to sunset across two days. This will give me the best way to capture everything and much much more.
8 hours of full coverage. from getting ready to ceremony and a long couple shoot afterward with different locations. enough time to capture something unique.
This will give us 4 hours to capture the magic of your mini elopement. This packages will include the ceremony and a couple shoot afterward.
