Is there a list of the things you need in order to get married in New Zealand? Yes, there is! The essential list has only three things that you legally need to get married:

  • Marriage licence
  • Marriage celebrant
  • Two witnesses

We hear you ask, is that all? Is it that simple to get married? Once again, the answer is yes. The thing to remember with weddings is that they can be as simple or as involved as you’d like them to be. All you legally need are those three things, and that’s what we’ll cover today.

How to Get a Marriage Licence

As mentioned, a marriage licence is one of the two legal must-haves to get married in NZ. In order to get a marriage licence, you need to first decide if you want a registry or personalised ceremony.

Registry Office or Registry Office-Style Wedding
A registry ceremony takes place in the local registrar’s office in Auckland, Manakau, Wellington or Christchurch. Outside of those areas, you can get married at a venue that you and your celebrant agree on. It must occur within working hours during weekdays, has a set cost of $240 and has set vows.

Personalised Wedding Ceremony
A personalised ceremony can occur anywhere and anytime with a celebrant of your choice. The cost can vary depending on what your celebrant charges, and you are able to write your own wedding vows.

Once you’ve made the decision on ceremony type, you can apply for a marriage licence. This must be done at least three working days before the ceremony date, and you can apply online or in-person at your local Registrar of Marriages. To apply, complete a Notice of Intended Marriage in which you make a statutory declaration that you are both free to marry and have been truthful in your application. Once you’ve paid the fee, you will be sent your marriage licence within three working days.

What are the Next Two Things on the List to Get Married?

Depending on your ceremony type, there are a few things you may need to do with your newly acquired marriage licence. If you’ve chosen a registry ceremony, the registry office will keep your marriage licence. They’ll also keep the two copies of the Copy of Particulars of Marriage, which is a form detailing the information about both of you. If you’ve chosen a personalised ceremony, you will be given or sent the marriage licence along with the two copies of the Copy of Particulars of Marriage. It is your responsibility to give these to your celebrant before your wedding day.

To find your marriage celebrant, we recommend looking right here in our wedding directory. As well as celebrants, there are listings for almost everything else you’d love to have for your special day too.

Finally, don’t forget to bring two witnesses with you. They’ll need to understand what is happening and be happy to state that you are both who you say you are and are entering marriage at your own choice. Your celebrant could possibly provide you with two witnesses if required, so have a chat if you are eloping and not inviting guests to your ceremony.

Have fun!