The Legalities of Marrying in New Zealand
HOW TO GET MARRIED IN
NEW ZEALAND
For New Zealander's getting married in the 'land of the long white cloud' its a relatively easy process to make it all official, and something which your celebrant can easily take care of for you. For those however coming from abroad there are a few more steps involved, don't be put off thought as compared to many European countries making it official in NZ is a breeze! Like always we suggest for those up for the adventure of doing it legit - be well-prepared, do you research and have fun with it. We have created a step-by-step guide for foreigners choosing to marry to New Zealand...
1. FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE
Anyone can marry in New Zealand, as long as you’re not:
- Already married or in a civil union, unless you’re changing your relationship with the same person.
- Under 16 — and if you’re 16 or 17, you’ll need approval from the family court.
- Closely related by birth, marriage or adoption — the full list of people you can’t marry is on the back of the marriage licence form.
Both different sex and same sex marriages are legal in New Zealand.
2. DECIDE HOW YOU’D LIKE TO LEGALISE YOUR MARRIAGE
2. DECIDE HOW YOU’D LIKE TO LEGALISE YOUR MARRIAGE
It is no longer possible to get married at the Queenstown Courthouse. This is only possible in Auckland, Manakau and Christchurch. So for all Queenstown and Lake Wanaka region ceremonies you will need to be registered with a Marriage Celebrant and have a Chosen venue.
You’ll need to choose:
- When and where you'll get married (you can legally marry you at any location)
- To write your own vows.
- Would you like a religious or independent celebrant (different and same sex marriages.
See our suggestion of celebrants in Lake Wanaka and Queenstown
3. NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE
A person intending to get married in New Zealand must fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage, before a New Zealand Registrar of Marriages, and complete a statutory declaration that the personal details provided are true and there is no lawful impediment to the marriage. This can be done at a Births, Deaths and Marriages Office (external link) and a fee is paid at this time.
Marriage usually takes place no sooner than three days after completing the Notice of Intended Marriage.
https://www.govt.nz/assets/Documents/BDM/Notice-of-Intended-Marriage-BDM-60.pdf
4.
ARRANGE, SUBMIT AND RECEIVE YOUR MARRIAGE LICENCE
You have to arrange a marriage licence at least 3 working days before you want to get married. Its valid for three months so we recommend doing this two months out if you live internationally. You can order your Marriage licence online at: https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/get-a-marriage-licence/.
If you're being married by a celebrant, you'll need their name and the location and approximate date of the wedding when you apply. You are legally required to state 2 locations, for wet and fine weather. If you live internationally the process is exactly the same - you submit your application online and you can choose to have the licence emailed directly to your celebrant. During this application process you will also be asked if you require a certificate to be sent to you after the ceremony - this is highly advised, especially if you are not from New Zealand, as this will serve as official proof that your marriage is registered in New Zealand. You can apply for the certificate after the ceremony if you prefer, and either way this will be sent to you a few weeks after the wedding has taken place.
Once your celebrant receives your Particulars of Marriage documents, they will print these and bring them along on the day.
Before you sign the paperwork, always check that your names and all information is spelt correctly.
The fee for a marriage licence is $150 and the fee for a certificate is $33, both of which are paid directly online upon application.
If you have any questions about the process we suggest getting in touch with one of our recommended celebrants. These are guidelines are standard processes and we strongly recommend double checking the process with your countries offices as every country has a slightly different process.