Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
Polynesian Perfection
If you dream of a tropical beachfront wedding with glistening white sand beneath your feet, then Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa couldn’t be more idyllic. Perfumed by the soft ocean breeze and wild, exotic flowers, a wedding beside the resort’s aquamarine lagoon is picture-perfect in every direction.
The resort is nestled between two bays on the heart-shaped island of Moorea, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop which melts into a crystal clear lagoon. The island was the inspiration for many works by the French impressionist, Paul Gauguin, and is also known as the “Island of Love,” making this a particularly romantic spot to say “I do.”
In true Hilton style, the service is impeccable and the wedding team will ensure every detail is taken care of so that you can simply unwind in paradise before the big day. They offer four types of traditional weddings, ranging from an understated and intimate service, to a more elaborate celebration with all the bells and whistles.
The basic wedding package is the resort’s Ipoipo Polynesian Wedding Ceremony (priced from 44,100 XPF), ideal for couples that are looking for something a little more modest yet undeniably romantic. Upon your arrival, the wedding hostesses meet with you to review all of the details for the ceremony, before both bride and groom are dressed in the traditional Tahitian attire called “Pareo” (a kind of wraparound sarong coloured in beautifully bright floral shades). You and your soon-to-be are then escorted from your beachfront bungalow to the place of ceremony, where a Tahitian High Priest will be waiting for you.
Surrounded by infinite shades of blue, the bride awaits on the water’s edge as the groom arrives by a flowered outrigger canoe, paddled by Polynesian Warriors. A Tahitian musician and ukulele player greet you with traditional Tahitian love songs, before the Priest performs a 15 minute traditional and highly symbolic Tahitian wedding ceremony. You are then presented with a special certificate inscribed on tapa, honouring you as husband and wife, as well as being given your own Tahitian names to accompany you throughout your life together. Newly wed, you will be adorned with fresh flower leis and colourful crowns, while you toast to a successful and glorious day with a sunset cocktail.
You might prefer a celebration that is a little more lavish, in which case you can upgrade to one of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa’s alternative wedding packages. The most extravagant is the To’a Polynesian Wedding Ceremony (priced from 199,000 XPF), which includes everything in the Ipoipo Polynesian wedding package, just with more celebratory festivities, romantic experiences and couples’ indulgences.
With this package, the bride and groom are accompanied to the place of ceremony by a parade of dancers, musicians and ukelele players, before the High Priest conducts an extended traditional ceremony that takes around 45 minutes. After you receive the tapa certificate and Tahitian names, you are taken on a joyful procession in a Royal Chair, carried side-by-side with your loved one by Polynesian Warriors. Adorned in leis and crowns, you and your new life partner can enjoy your very own Polynesian show, before savouring fine French cuisine under the stars with a romantic dinner on the beach. The package also includes a 60-minute couples’ massage to enjoy in the Spa as a fantastic way to wind down after the festivities.
The wedding packages also offer the option to customise your wedding just the way you like it. You can add beachside cocktails and Champagne, wedding bouquets and boutonnières. You can even make sure the entire day runs that little bit smoother with organised hair and makeup for the bride, or a unique photo album or DVD compilation to make sure every second of the special day is captured and remembered forever.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa also offers everything you might need for a perfect honeymoon. The island brims with exotic and exciting adventures for you and your new spouse to explore. You can discover beautiful waterfalls and scenic nature trails on horseback, or visit stunning private islets and set up camp for a romantic picnic. At sunset, take to the water on a luxurious cruise, where corals flourish in beautiful blue lagoons around the resort. Set sail and watch dolphins and whales traverse through the crystal waters, or try a thrilling encounter with sharks and rays (if you are brave enough!) to create memories that will last a lifetime.
