Samoa

Wedding requirements

Civil Ceremony:  Wedding applications must be submitted to the government at least 14 days prior to the
wedding ceremony.  If either party has been previously married, divorce papers must be submitted with the
wedding application. The actual wedding ceremony may be performed either by a celebrant or the local
Methodist Reverend, and must be scheduled at least 21 days in advance of the proposed date for the
ceremony.  Please note that there are restricted days, when weddings are not permitted in Samoa.  All
coordination, application fees and fees for the celebrant or Reverend are included in the wedding packages. 
 
Religious Ceremony:  If you prefer, it is possible to be married in a church in Samoa.  The approximate cost
of a religious ceremony in a Methodist church is US$200. There is a Catholic Church in the nearby village of
Mulivai, however  it is important to note that Catholic Weddings are not permitted if either person has been
previously married.  Arrangements for a Catholic Wedding may require special permission from the
Cardinal’s office in Apia.

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