What better place to be married than in paradise? That question rang true for Rachel and Michael, who were drawn to the island serenity of Rarotonga.

On the shores of Aroa Beach, the South Pacific set the stage for a lush, tropical wedding overflowing with relaxed romance. The blue waters of the Lagoon of Love shimmered at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, where 28 guests gathered to witness the marriage. As a destination wedding, each guest had a special moment with the newlyweds.

“Everyone is relaxed, and there is a calmer vibe,” Rachel says. “Family and friends come over and spend quality time in the build-up to the day. Having a wedding locally is where you are lucky to see your guests for a moment on the one day.

Guests simply took one direct flight to Rarotonga from Australia. “It made sense to keep it easy and accessible,” Rachel says. “An island destination wedding on Rarotonga for us was the whole experience that we would not have had with our guests had we had our wedding locally.”

After the vows were exchanged, the festivity rolled into a feast of island flavours: a naked coconut cake and barbecue banquet kept the guests in high spirits, all included in the Rarotongan’s Seventh Heaven All-Inclusive Wedding Package.

A destination wedding also means a celebration that doesn’t start and end in a single day. Across their stay, guests enjoyed swims in turquoise waters, evenings at the night markets, and day trips to Aitutaki. The couple’s honeymoon at the adults-only sister resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, let them soak in dazzling sunsets and the remote beauty of One Foot Island.

“We went to numerous cafes, bars, restaurants in Rarotonga and at The Rarotongan Resort. We loved and enjoyed the people, went to culture nights, boat tours, swimming with turtles.”

The experiences on offer are far-reaching. One guest enjoyed a degustation dinner tour. Several went to local churches and mass. Some let loose on the party bus, some visited waterfalls, some enjoyed tie-dyeing. Rachel remarks that some guests have already booked to go back next year, or the year after.

“Michael and I want to thank you and everyone who helped make our wedding day amazing and so memorable,” Rachel says. “We will be back and the Sanctuary has a special place in our hearts.”