Mention “Tahiti� and one of the most vivid impressions that comes to mind is that of a young couple strolling hand-in-hand along a turquoise lagoon as palm trees sway gently in the warm South Pacific breezes.

Cut to the couple snorkeling in clear, shallow, 79-degree water losing count of the variety of colourful sea life present and being dazzled by the coral gardens. Finally, cut to the couple relaxing on the deck of their over-water bungalow feasting on a dinner of grilled fish, fresh fruit, and sautèed vegetables delivered by outrigger canoe as the sun stages what may be the most beautiful sunset in history.

Part of Tahiti’s charm is that compared to other surf and sand destinations, Tahiti hosts a relatively small, but steadily increasing number of annual visitors from the U.S. - just over 50,000 people per year. Of these, an unusually high percentage is made up of either newly wedded couples or people celebrating special wedding anniversaries. Both come to Tahiti seeking the kind of romantic experiences that Tahiti and Her Islands are known for — the kind of experiences that led to Tahiti adopting the theme, “Tahiti. Where Love Lives.�

The attraction of Tahiti to couples is based on its South Sea location and climate, the proximity of Tahiti to the West Coast of the U.S. - approximately 7 1/2 hours’ fight from Los Angeles — and “totally Tahitian� experiences such as staying in over-water bungalows, picnicking on a remote motu or islet, taking a 4wheel drive jeep trip into the Tahitian river valleys, or going on shark and ray feeding excursions.

Above all, it may ultimately be the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of the Tahitian people who make Tahiti the world’s most inviting romantic destination. Their ever smiling faces, their traditional songs and melodies that fill the air, and their eagerness to please visitors are reasons why newly married and anniversary couples keep Tahiti among the highest rated romance destinations year after year.

Wedding Vow Renewals

Many visitors to Tahiti including Academy Award winning actor, Dustin Hoffman, are discovering what is becoming another island tradition-wedding vow renewal ceremonies. It’s easy to arrange a romantic and festive traditional Tahitian wedding ceremony or renewal of vows, either through a hotel, tour operator, cruise line or at the Tiki Village in Moorea which specializes in such ceremonies. Not legally binding, the vow renewal ceremonies are popular for people on their honeymoons and others celebrating their anniversaries. Many couples find it one of the most romantic and exotic ways to once again demonstrate their lifelong commitment to each other. Although there are many different types of ceremonies, traditionally it begins with the bride being treated to a soothing massage by her Tahitian bridesmaid� with monoi oil while being sung to and adorned with fragrant flowers like a Tahitian princess. Meanwhile, the groom is taken to a motu (small islet), painted with tattoos and given a crown of tropical leaves. The bride wears a traditional Tahitian wedding pareu and a flowered headpiece. The wedding vow renewal ceremony is conducted in Tahitian by a priest and each couple is given a Tahitian name and a name for their first born child. A Tahitian marriage certificate made of tapa cloth parchment, is presented while village women sing hymns. The ceremony is often followed by a romantic sunset cruise where the bride and groom continue to be serenaded by soft Tahitian music. It’s a lifetime experience that can only be experienced in Tahiti, “The Island of Dreams.�