FAQ’s
What are the legal requirements for getting married in New Zealand?
- You need a Marriage Licence. This confirms it is legal for you to marry.
- You apply through Birth, Deaths & Marriages here.
- You will need to arrange this at least 3 days prior to your wedding date. Once the licence has been issued it is valid for 3 months. Don’t leave it too late to apply.
- Only one of you needs to apply. To complete the application form you will need to know details about yourself and your future spouse (for example, the names of your parents and your future spouse’s parents).
- You must be married by a Registered Marriage Celebrant – this is where I can help you. You must name your celebrant on the application. Contact me to find out more.
- You need two witnesses. They can be anyone as long as they understand what they are witnessing.
- The marriage licence must be signed during your ceremony by the two of you, your two witnesses and myself.
- At some point in your ceremony, usually in your wedding vows, you need to say “I AB take you CD” to be my husband/wife (or words to that effect).
- Following your ceremony, I will be responsible for sending the completed form to Births, Deaths and Marriages for registration.
The rest of the ceremony is completely up to you. I can help customise a perfect ceremony that reflects you both.
How and where do I apply for my Marriage Licence?
- You apply here.
- You will need to arrange this at least 3 days prior to your wedding date. Once the licence has been issued it is valid for 3 months. Don’t leave it too late to apply.
- The cost for a Marriage Licence is $150.00
What is the difference between a Marriage Licence and a Marriage Certificate.
A marriage licence is what you require for your wedding day, and it must be signed during your ceremony. You Marriage Certificate is what receive after your wedding has been registered. I highly recommend that you pre-order this when you apply for your Marriage Licence.
How do I change my name when I get married?
In New Zealand, you don’t usually have to do anything special if you want to change your name after you get married or have a civil union. Visit here for further information.
What happens if it is raining on our wedding day?
Well as we all know there is no guarantee on what the weather will do. It is essential to have a backup alternative venue and put this on the marriage licence application. There is space for two addresses on the application. If you only put the outside venue, then this is where you must have your ceremony. Make sure you make is clear to your guests that in the event of bad weather your outdoor ceremony will be moved indoors to the alternative venue.
What is an unplugged wedding?
An unplugged wedding ceremony is one where the couple requests guests to refrain from using their phones or cameras during the ceremony itself (and the entire wedding if you wish to do so). This means no snapping photos, recording videos, or live streaming the event. This enables your guests to be present in the moment. You have hired a professional photographer for your day and he or she will be able to capture the important moments.