Kris Perry and Sandy Stier, two of the plaintiffs in Perry vs. Hollingsworth who fought California’s Proposition 8 to the Supreme Court, renewed their vows on board an Air Tahiti Nui Dreamliner as part of their 10th anniversary getaway to The Islands of Tahiti. Over the weekend, the flagship carrier of French Polynesia hosted the couple for their milestone anniversary aboard a flight from LAX to PPT on Saturday, June 3 - nearly ten years from their original wedding date in June 2013. Chief purser Rodrigue Chan, who identifies as gay, led the couple’s vow renewal ceremony in the plane’s Poerava Business cabin. The ceremony commemorated not only their anniversary, but that of every other same-sex couple afforded the opportunity to marry as a result of the couple’s victorious fight for equality in the state.
“Air Tahiti Nui is honored to host Kris and Sandy’s vow renewal ceremony in-flight as part of their dream anniversary getaway in one of the most inclusive destinations in the world,” said Caroline Borawski, Air Tahiti Nui’s Vice President of the Americas. “The Islands of Tahiti are known for their incredible hospitality for all people, and Air Tahiti Nui is proud to be a part of that culture that not only accepts but celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals and their contributions to a more equitable future.”
To honor the trailblazing couple’s fight for their civil rights and to rejoice in ten years of marriage, Air Tahiti Nui partnered with Tahiti Tourisme, Conrad Bora Bora Nui, and Hilton Hotel Tahiti to facilitate an incredible romantic escape. The couple will enjoy a 5-night stay at the award-winning Conrad Bora Bora Nui, in a luxurious overwater villa nestled between the soaring backdrop of the iconic Mount Otemanu and the clear blue lagoon. The beautiful new Hilton Hotel Tahiti will also host the couple for a night in an ocean-view suite. “We’re delighted to celebrate ten years of marriage and equality, as well as tens of thousands of LGBTQ couples, in a place that has a legacy of embracing all of us,” said Kris Perry.
To further commemorate this milestone, Air Tahiti Nui partnered with the award-winning Conrad Bora Bora Nui to launch a new Vow Renewal Package, offering all couples the opportunity to renew their vows in paradise. The package includes two separate options for accommodation, including an Overwater Villa or Beach View Villa. The following rates are per person, based on double occupancy, for departure from October 2, 2023 to October 31, 2023; or November 12, 2023 to December 4, 2023, or January 20, 2024 to March 3, 2024. The package launched today, and can be booked here, including:
Round trip coach class air from LAX to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui
Round trip air from Tahiti to Bora Bora on Air Tahiti
All transfers
1 night at Hilton Hotel Tahiti, King Ocean View room
4 nights at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Tropical Villa with Beach View (Starting at $4249) OR 4 nights at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, Overwater Villa (Starting at $5309)
Daily breakfast for two in Bora Bora
Opuhi Renewal of Vows Ceremony at Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Includes wedding planner, Polynesian priest, wedding Certificate inscribed on local tapa, a bottle of Champagne, Billecart Salmon Brut, and a two-tier wedding cake
The Islands of Tahiti have a long history of diverse understandings of gender and sexuality, often recognizing a third gender and atypical gender roles. In addition, transgender individuals and same-sex relationships have historically been accepted within their communities. It is this legacy of acceptance that Air Tahiti Nui strives to bring to all of its passengers.
For more information on the airline or to book a flight, visit www.airtahitinui.com.