Float Away to Fiji on Your Wedding Day

The enduring appeal of running away to a tropical island to get hitched is obvious; linen suits, frangipani in your hair, skin kissed by the sun. Not to mention a frosty rum-spiked mojito never too far from your fingertips. The stress always seem to melt away on island time doesn’t it? However, you should know that the basic elopements and cookie-cutter packages typical of most island destination weddings are certainly no longer your only option! A wedding in Fiji can be just as just grand as any party you could throw back home.

Consider inviting your guests to Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa on Viti Levu island. For starters, for an overseas destination wedding, travel time to nearby Fiji is relatively minimal and far more convenient than is typical for you and your guests. Nadi International Airport is a mere three and half hours’ flying time – give or take – from Brissie. Fiji Airways currently also flies direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and even Cairns. And the resort itself takes only a 15-minute chauffeured drive from the airport. Which means less time wasted on the road and more time celebrating. Or as we prefer to think about it; starting the honeymoon a.s.a.p.

May we first show you around Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort and Spa’s brand new (epic scale!) events space?

The Blow-Out Wedding Bonanza

The resort has recently unveiled their world-class Crowne Convention Centre. It’s the newest space of its kind in all of Fiji and can host up to 900 wedding guests or a massive 1400 standing. This events precinct includes the Baravi ballroom which can host up to 525 guests. Somewhat cosier configurations are, of course, available.

The lighting, tech, rigging, catering and sound systems can cater to everything you would expect from a world-class event space anywhere else. Which means that you can transplant the large-scale wedding of your wildest imagination onto this friendliest of islands. Acrobatics, digital effects, molecular gastronomy cocktails, unique themes; all can be arranged with a smile.

We do recommend adding a splash of meaningful local flavour to your celebration. Perhaps you could arrange for reception guests to be greeted by energising ‘lali’ drumming? Or a traditional Fijian ‘meke’ song and dance? The Fijians’ story-telling style of song is truly mesmerising and heartfelt. Guaranteed to have Nanna crying happy tears before you know it. You should definitely have your arrival as a newlywed couple heralded by the trumpeting peal of ‘davui’ shell. It’s a haunting and unforgettable way to make an entrance.

Bonus: the Crowne Convention Centre, including expansive foyer waiting area, is 100% indoors. So no need to worry about any admittedly-atmospheric-yet-bothersome-on-your-big-day torrential storms that are often typical of the tropics.

The Chilled Out Ceremony

If you’re in the mood touch for a wedding that’s a touch more lowkey or intimate there are, not one, but two lawns on which you could take your vows. These grassy spaces are right by the sand, dotted with palm trees and just footsteps from your room. One has a high-contrast view of the flaming sunset over bobbing fishing boats on the horizon. Perhaps schedule your “now kiss” moment during the daily torch lighting ceremony. The other boasts a backdrop of the dreamy ancient cliffs across the calm Nadi Bay.

Alternatively, the upper deck of Urban Sugar claims a similar outlook to the lawns; with the bonus of the space being a safe all-weather choice. The venue is styled as a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired beach club; all organic curves, natural materials and sandy hues. The open-air archways let in fresh air and make a striking frame – with essential ocean views – for any couple swapping “I dos” up there.

The “Just Us and Our Favorite People” Dinner

Our pick? The immersive private dining room at the resort’s contemporary and texturally-styled on-site Italian restaurant dubbed La Bottega. Designed with classy timber and rattan, the space feels like a warm hug; as if family memories are begging to be made here. It seats up to 10 on one big table for a truly epic dinner feast or long luncheon. Never fear; the pools nearby are shallow; so you can all flop right in after lunch. We’re thinking plenty of wine, juicy wagyu steaks and risotto anointed with lobster essence would make for an unforgettable celebration meal. Don’t forget to be too cute and feed each other molten lava cake for dessert while your guests snap a million candids.

The Sundown to Late Night Cocktail Hour

Urban Sugar Beach Club is the obvious choice for sundowners, or for your guest to hang out between ceremony and reception, or even for a relaxed reception itself. Papa Salt’s striking blue gin bottles line the back bar, the live DJ soundtrack is all blissed out electro sunshine sounds, the background palm trees turn to moody silhouettes as the day comes to a close. The deck is a great vantage point from which to watch the sun melt over colourful original cocktails, spritzes and rosé. But after dark let’s dial up the sophistication shall we…

The Deluxe After Party

Just because you’re getting married on a tropical island doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a truly luxurious vibe. Latitude tuns the party up a notch. You’ll be ordering rounds of Whisky Sours and Martini twists for toasts before hitting the dancefloor. And of course there’s a private whisky bar just beyond that unobtrusive door. 17.78 offers rare whiskies, romantic dim lighting, and an exclusive den-like atmosphere. Your entourage will be very cosy and catered to here. For the after, after party anybody?

The Morning-After Brunch

The daily buffet breakfast at Harvest is a no-brainer if you have picky eaters or little ones among your guests. Request an al fresco table early. But we do actually suggest sleeping in and inviting everyone to a late brunch at the poolside eatery Azura. Order an upscale spread for the table. We’re thinking fresh Tassie oysters accented with sea grapes, whole kilos of prawns, or skewers hot off the coconut-shell-fueled grill; all washed down with French sparkling or Virgin Marys. What a wonderful way to wake up to your new married life.