THE BORING-BUT-IMPORTANT BITS
Getting Married
in New Zealand
The legal side of getting married can sound a little confusing—but it’s actually pretty simple. Here’s what you need to make it official, and what I’ll take care of along the way.
Planning a wedding comes with plenty of exciting decisions: the venue, the outfits, the flowers, the food and, of course, what happens once the formalities are finished and the party begins.
Then there are the legal bits.
The good news? Getting legally married in New Zealand only involves a handful of simple steps—and your celebrant is there to guide you through all of them.
THE QUICK VERSION
What do you legally need?
A valid New Zealand marriage licence
A registered marriage celebrant
Two witnesses
The required legal wording
Your marriage documents signed after the ceremony
01
Choose your marriage celebrant
Only a registered marriage celebrant can legally marry you in New Zealand.
Your celebrant will create and deliver your ceremony, explain the legal requirements, check your documents and return the official paperwork after the wedding.
The right celebrant should also be someone you genuinely click with. After all, they will be standing beside you during one of the biggest moments of the day.
02
Apply for your marriage licence
Every couple getting married in New Zealand needs a marriage licence. It is simply the document confirming that you are legally able to marry.
You can apply online, and only one of you needs to complete the application. You’ll need some details about both of you, your celebrant and where your ceremony will take place.
As at August 2026, the marriage licence costs $158. This is paid directly to Births, Deaths and Marriages and is separate from your celebrant’s fee.
Your licence needs to be arranged at least three working days before the wedding, but I recommend applying around one month beforehand. It stays valid for three months.
03
Choose two witnesses
Your two witnesses will be present for the ceremony and sign the marriage documents.
They do not need to be New Zealand citizens, part of your wedding party or people who have known you for a certain length of time.
They simply need to understand what is happening, be able to identify you both and be satisfied that you both consent to the marriage.
04
Say the legal words
This is the one small part of the ceremony that cannot be skipped. Each of you must say words to the effect of:
“I, [your name], take you, [your partner’s name], to be my legal wife, husband or partner.”
You can still write personal vows, use repeat-after-me vows or keep the whole thing short and sweet.
I’ll work the required words naturally into your ceremony so it doesn’t suddenly feel stiff or overly formal.
You don’t legally need to exchange rings. Lovely? Absolutely. Legally required? Nope.
05
Sign the marriage documents
After the legal words, you, your two witnesses and your celebrant sign the Copies of Particulars of Marriage.
You use your usual pre-marriage signature and the names shown on your marriage licence—even if you plan to use a different surname afterward.
I’ll give you your couple’s copy and return the official copy so your marriage can be registered.
That part is my job, so you can get back to the hugs, photos and champagne.
AFTER THE WEDDING
Do you receive your marriage certificate on the day?
Not quite. You receive a Copy of Particulars of Marriage, but this is not the official New Zealand marriage certificate.
Once your marriage has been registered, you can order the official certificate online . As at August 2026, it costs $35.
Do you have to change your name?
Nope. Changing your surname is completely optional.
You can keep your current surname, take your partner’s surname or use a hyphenated or combined version of both.
One useful reminder: the name on your airline ticket must match the passport you’re travelling on. If your honeymoon is straight after the wedding, book it using the name currently shown on your passport.
LET’S MAKE THIS OFFICIAL
That’s what I’m here for.
I’ll remind you when to apply for your licence, check the paperwork, explain the legal wording and make sure everything is signed and returned correctly.
You don’t need to memorise the process or worry about missing something. You focus on marrying your person and celebrating with your favourite people.
I’ve got the boring-but-important bits covered.
Check My Availability