Questions you may have
Click the questions to display each answer
Where can I find out information on getting married in New Zealand?
The Births, Deaths and Marriages section of the Department of Internal Affairs manages the registration of marriages and civil unions in New Zealand. You can find them at www.dia.govt.nz. They have a very helpful resource entitled "Getting Married - a guide for couples preparing to get married in NZ”.
How do we get a Marriage License?
You will need to complete the “Notice of Intended Marriage” or “Notice of Intended Civil Union” forms (BDM 60). The relevant form includes a statutory declaration that must be completed stating that both parties are free to marry or enter into a civil union with each other and that all the details that you have completed on the form are correct. The forms are all completed and submitted online.
When do I have to complete this form?
You must give at least three days notice (from receipt) to the Registrar to issue the License. The License will be valid for three months from the date on which it is issued. You will need to include my details, as your Celebrant, on this form. I will supply those to you. Once the online form is processed by BDM at the Dept of Internal Affairs, you will be emailed the Licence together with the "Copy of Particulars”. I will need to have these at least the day prior to the marriage/civil union. You can have them email them to me directly if that it easier. I will also need to sight formal photo identification to satisfy myself, as I am legally required to do, of your identity. Note that I cannot marry you without the License and Copy of Particulars. The “Copy of Particulars” is what you will sign at the ceremony.
How much does it cost?
You will need to pay for the License. The current fee is $150.00 (if you are being married by a Marriage Celebrant) and must be paid when you submit your application for the License. You will, of course, also need to pay for my services as a Registered Marriage Celebrant. My fees vary depending upon the range of services that you require. We can discuss this in person.
We are living overseas / we are not NZ residents. How do we get a License?
You make the application online. Notice of Intended Marriage where Parties Ordinarily Resident outside New Zealand (BDM 58) form. You can complete everything online If you both live outside NZ you can still make the full application online. The license and forms will be emailed to you directly by the Dept of Internal Affaires. You should complete the Notice of Intended Marriage where Parties Ordinarily Resident outside New Zealand (BDM 58) form. You can complete everything on the form online and send it (with payment) to the Dept of Internal Affairs (following the online link that I provide you with). They will email you the form back. One/both of us has been married before. What do we need to do?
You will need the details of the dissolution/divorce or the date of death of your spouse/partner on the Notice of Intended Marriage form. You may be asked to produce the details of your dissolution/divorce so either take/send a copy of the relevant details.
I notice we have to complete the details of the location for the marriage. What if we need to change because of the weather?
The form allows for you to enter two locations (the intended and an alternative). This allows for us to cater for the need to move the ceremony in case of weather or other circumstances.
How do we go about creating the ceremony?
The ceremony only has a small number of elements that are legally required. Part of my service includes creating a ceremony that is right for you. I have a large range of resources to assist you. I am also happy to help you to write personalised elements.
Can we tailor the ceremony?
Absolutely. I will work with you to create the ceremony that you want. My aim is for you to look back on your wedding day and remember it as the perfect day for the both of you.
Do we need witnesses and who can they be?
Yes, you need two witnesses. Anyone can be a witness so long as I am satisfied that they are able to understand what is occurring at the ceremony. Children can we witnesses so long as they are old enough to understand the nature of the ceremony. Note that the court might require them to demonstrate that understanding later.
Can you also supply other services?
Yes, I provide some MC services. I also have a range of people that I can recommend. I can also work with you to coordinate some other services.
Do we get a copy of the documents that are signed?
Yes, I will give you one of the two “Copies of Particulars” that are signed at the ceremony. I will send the other copy to the Registrar so that the marriage/civil union is formally registered. You can obtain a printed copy from Births, Deaths and marriages after the ceremony is registered. I recommend that you "tick the box" for receiving a printed version when you make your application.
