Getting Married in New Zealand During COVID-19

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NZ Border Restrictions & QUARANTINE requirements

New Zealand has been lucky enough to eliminate community transmission at this time. Our borders remain strictly closed to non-New Zealand citizens.

For expat Kiwi’s hoping to plan a destination wedding in New Zealand this will be possible throughout border restrictions however you would be required to enter a government arranged two-week quarantine. The government is now charging for this with costs set at $3,100 NZD for the first adult, $950 for each additional adult and $475 for each child. The costs will apply only to those who chose to leave the country after the charges are imposed and then return, or those staying in New Zealand for fewer than 90 days. New Zealanders returning home permanently will avoid any costs.

You can see more about New Zealand’s border restrictions here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/border-closures-and-exceptions

It is likely New Zealand’s borders will be closed until the pandemic has stabilised worldwide. There is the possibility of intercountry bubbles being opened ahead of the borders being completely relaxed, there discussions about this happening with Australia although due to a serge in COVID-19 cases across the Tasman that remains on hold.

New Zealand has set up a clear Alert System with four levels we are currently at the Level 1. You can read more about this here: https://covid19.govt.nz/

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Weddings During COVID-19 in New Zealand

Due to elimination in New Zealand weddings are able to go ahead with no guest or social distancing requirements. Although not desirable, at Level 2 it is possible for weddings to take place, but with some limitations including social distancing and numbers a total group number under 100.

For foreigners hoping to get married in our little slice of paradise our personal advice is to still go ahead with initial planning for December 2021 onwards but for now keep everything pencilled and when you do finalised details ensure your planner assists double checks cancellation policies and even possibly insurance options.

We’ll be sure to keep our finger on the pulse and update as necessary. If you’d like us to keep you informed about COVID-19 in relation to New Zealand Weddings please leave your email below and we’ll inform you as needed.

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