Wedding traditions of Suva
A harbour city where Fijian weddings open with a whale tooth and a bowl of kava, and Indo-Fijian weddings follow the Hindu rite.
Fiji's indigenous population is Fijian and its large Indo-Fijian community descends from labourers brought in the nineteenth century. Fijian weddings include the presentation of a tabua, a polished whale's tooth, and a kava ceremony. Indo-Fijian Hindu weddings follow a fire ritual and last several days.
A wedding here
The families exchange tabua, mats and tapa cloth. The couple is seated on a mat and receives the blessing of the village chief. Guests share a lovo, an earth-oven feast of root vegetables, pork and fish.
Law and change
Fiji's Marriage Act of 2003 sets the minimum age at 18. Same-sex marriage is not recognised. Hindu, Muslim, Christian and civil marriages are registered with the state.
Wedding customs of Suva
Also part of it, and being written: Kava (The drink.), Lovo (The earth oven.), Indo-Fijians (The community.).
Communities and their weddings in Suva
- Fijian families The tabua and kava.
- Indo-Fijian families A Hindu or Muslim wedding.
A wedding trail idea for Suva
- Suva Municipal Market A market for kava and produce.
- Sacred Heart Cathedral, Suva A cathedral.
- Thurston Gardens A garden used for photographs.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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