For an elopement with crystal clear water, a totally remote feel, luxe overwater hotels, and lush foliage around every corner, French Polynesia is a slice of the world that you should look at! This is an especially idyllic place for anyone who wants to spend part of their elopement day (or week) scuba diving or snorkeling. Because in the water here, you can see everything. The peace of a wedding day here cannot be overstated.
If you ask me, the best place to elope in French Polynesia is on the island of Mo’orea. You can spend time on a 4X4 on Magic Mountain, snorkel in coral reefs, stay in overwater bungalows, and lounge on soft sand. This island is a great blend of activity, adventure, and total relaxation for couples looking for a little bit of everything these islands have to offer.
Every visit here has blown me away—keep reading for my favorite spots in the area that are guaranteed to make any elopement day special!
Psst! If this isn’t your speed, you can also head to my searchable elopement location database packed with hundreds of curated spots and filters for you to use! You can head right to it by clicking here!
Tahiti, French Polynesia
As the largest island in French Polynesia, Tahiti sets the standard for all the others. Its rugged mountains are covered in tropical forests filled with cascading waterfalls and fresh-water rivers, while its coastline is dotted with striking black-sand beaches set against vibrant turquoise waters that make the entire island look like a dream. Whether you’re hiking across one of the extinct volcanoes on the island, exploring the ancient lava tubes and caves along the popular Lava Tube Loop, or wandering through colorful local markets, Tahiti is the perfect blend of natural beauty and culture, inviting you to sit back, relax, and just enjoy the island vibes!
Best for: Beaches, Coast, Reefs, Mountains, and Forests
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Sailboat, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Relaxing, Swimming
Water Gardens Vaipahi, Tahiti, French Polynesia
The Vaipahi Water Gardens are among Tahiti’s most beautiful spots, offering tranquility in the form of a lush island oasis. Made up of two levels (an upper and a lower), this botanical garden features gentle waters trickling down multiple tiers into a lily-filled pond, freshwater springs, vibrant island flora and fauna, and cascading waterfalls. The upper level of the gardens, in particular, offers rushing rivers and pine-lined hiking trails—including the popular Vaipahi Loop—that lead up the mountain where you’ll find epic views of the Pacific spreading out in every direction. Stepping into the Vaipahi Water Gardens is like stepping into the very heart of Tahiti: peaceful, inviting, and effortlessly stunning.
Best for: Gardens, Waterfalls, Forest, Mountain
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is the definition of a Polynesian paradise. Its crystal-clear, turquoise waters are almost magically vibrant and its soft, white-sand beaches are pristine, leaving no doubt as to why this island is known as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Beyond the picturesque setting, Bora Bora offers plenty of opportunities to experience island life from a stay in one of its iconic overwater bungalows to rental services that let you explore the lagoons in a traditional va’a (a Polynesian canoe). If you’re looking to slow down in a tropical haven with breathtaking views and experience the simple, yet stunning wonder of nature, then Bora Bora is the place for you!
Best for: Beaches, Coast, Mountains, Reefs and Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Snorkeling, Diving, Swimming, Beach time!
Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
With pristine white sands stretching over a mile and crystal-clear waters that are just begging you to dive in, Matira Beach is one of Bora Bora’s most popular destinations. As a public beach, it’s completely accessible and an ideal spot to bask in the sun, snorkel along vibrant coral reefs, or rent a paddle board and glide over the calm lagoon. There are also plenty of charming local shops and restaurants right on the beach, letting you really immerse yourself in the culture of the island. Whether you spend the day exploring or soaking in the epic views, Matira Beach will give you everything you could have possibly dreamed of for a relaxing Polynesian getaway.
Best for: Beach, Lagoon, Reefs
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Swimming, Snorkeling, Paddleboarding
Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
At a towering 2,385 ft., Mount Otemamanu is not only majestically beautiful but also the highest point on the island of Bora Bora. This dormant volcano rises from the sparkling surface of a turquoise lagoon, creating a striking contrast between the water and its own forest-covered terrain that will remind you why Bora Bora is known as the Pearl of the Pacific. Its views are breathtaking and you can appreciate them even better from the Mont Otemanu trail that takes you up the mountain through tropical forests featuring vibrant hibiscus flowers and stunning wildlife. The hike itself can be challenging and requires a guide for access, but the unforgettable vistas at the summit are totally worth the effort!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Wildlife
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
As one of the most popular islands in French Polynesia, Mo’orea is the definition of a tropical paradise. Two bays separated by a dormant volcano form the trident-like shape of the island, offering crystal-clear turquoise waters right alongside lush forests. You can snorkel along the vibrant coral reef surrounding the island, explore the sacred stone platforms of ancient Polynesians, hike scenic trails, or even zipline over the entire stunning expanse. From the sandy bottom of its deepest lagoon to the summit of its highest peak, Mo’orea is the perfect blend of adventure and serenity—an escape that invites you to leave the outside world behind and embrace the magic of island-life.
Best for: Lagoons, Beaches, Reefs, Coast, Mountains, and Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Ziplining, Snorkeling, Diving, Relaxing
Plage de Ta’ahiamanu, Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Located at the entrance to Opunohu Bay, Plage de Ta’ahiamanu is a French Polynesian paradise. The beach is one of the few that is accessible to the public on the island of Mo’orea, making it easy for anyone to enjoy its pristine white sands and gently swaying palms. The water is shallow enough to wade through and so clear you’ll catch flashes of the marine life below—you can even go snorkeling for a closer look at the vibrant wildlife hiding just beneath the surface. Plage de Ta’ahiamanu is the perfect place to unwind and experience the best of Mo’orea’s natural beauty while the rolling waves of the Pacific wash your worries away.
Best for: Beach, Coast
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Snorkeling
Magic Mountain, Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Perched above Papetoai on Mo’orea’s western side, Magic Mountain offers the most breathtaking views of the island. The main overlook is accessible via a 4×4 trail that you can also hike—and if you aren’t feeling up to the drive, you can hire a local company to take you right up. Once you reach the Magic Mountain overlook, you’ll be met with stunning panoramas of Mo’orea that can’t be found anywhere else on the island. Opunohu Bay practically glows with a turquoise hue below a mountainous terrain that is completely covered in lush green forests, while the Pacific stretches endlessly toward a distant horizon, leaving you humbled and struck by the raw natural beauty of the island before you.
Best for: Mountain, Forests
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, 4×4/Jeep
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
The largest of the Marquesas islands, Nuku Hiva is a stunningly beautiful place with a vibrant ancestral culture. Here, epic waterfalls hide in the depths of lush, forest-covered mountains that stretch to the coastline and give way to majestic cliffs overlooking unique, black-sand beaches. Between the rugged scenery and the ancient history imbued in the land itself, it’s no wonder Nuku Hiva is known for its mystical energy. Whether you’re exploring underwater caves in the turquoise bays, hiking through tropical rainforests to the renowned Vaipo falls (the largest waterfall in French Polynesia), or immersing yourself in the local culture at the archaeological site of Hatiheu, Nuku Hiva will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a sacred paradise.
Best for: Black Sand Beaches, Mountain, Waterfall, Caves, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Relaxing
Vaipo Waterfall, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Nestled in the heart of the Hakaui Valley on Nuku Hiva, Vaipo Waterfall features a single 1,148 ft. drop, making it the tallest waterfall in Polynesia. While the trail to the falls can make for a challenging hike, you’ll be glad you made the effort. Along your trek, you’ll be surrounded by the lush greenery of Nuku Hiva’s forests, and come across archeological sites featuring funeral caves and tiki, making you feel like you’re walking through an ancient, otherworldly forest. The wonder only grows when you reach your destination and see the flowing waters of Vaipo Waterfall spill from a majestic cliff and into the basalt basin far below in a stunning display that will leave you breathless.
Best for: Waterfall, Mountain, Forests
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Lake Vaihiria, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Steeped in history and legend, Lake Vaihiria is the island’s only natural lake and truly a sight to see. It’s nestled in the heart of the Tahitian mountains, surrounded by lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and colorful flowers that are native to the area. One of the best ways to reach this spot is to take a 4×4 excursion. The guide will not only take you by verdant valleys and winding rivers, but also share some of the local legends that make this place so special. The entire experience invites you to immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the island, letting you truly appreciate how spectacular Lake Vaihiria is when you reach its stunning waters.
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Forest, Rivers
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Fakarava, French Polynesia
One step onto Fakarava Atoll’s soft, white sands and you’ll understand why UNESCO classified it as a biosphere reserve. Located in the Tuamotu Islands, this remote paradise offers charming local villages and pink-sand beaches that invite you to slow down and be more present in your life. Under the surface though, Fakarava is also a diver’s dream. From the famous “Wall of Sharks” to coral reefs teeming with sea turtles, barracudas, and more, the biodiversity in these waters is beyond incredible, making this reserve an ideal location for divers world-wide and home to some world-class diving centres. With breathtaking scenery and rich marine life, Fakarava is an epic natural sanctuary that is just begging to be explored.
Best for: Beaches, Lagoons, Reefs
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Diving, Snorkeling
If your ideal wedding day includes relaxing by the water and sinking your feet into unreal looking beaches, you’ll have a great time anywhere in French Polynesia. This whole section of the globe is one magical place. You’ll feel fully removed from it all and focused on each other, no matter where you are.
But if French Polynesia doesn’t seem quite your speed, don’t worry! I have nearly endless options for you. In fact, you can head to my searchable elopement location database with hundreds of curated spots and filters by scenery, month, activity, and region so that you can get exactly what you need.
I’ve been on every continent, photographed over 300+ elopements, and have been a photographer for over a decade. Which means if you ever want help planning and photographing your elopement, I’m your gal! It’d be an honor to bring my skills to your elopement day and help you plan the no-stress wedding of your dreams. I’ll be there at every turn to make your life easier, your process smoother, and your hype levels even higher.
Get in touch with me here and tell me all about the day you and your partner are envisioning! It’s always free to hop on the phone with me. I can’t wait to meet you!
