{"id":380,"date":"2016-07-15T09:08:51","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T21:08:51","guid":{"rendered":"\/?p=380"},"modified":"2019-03-15T09:47:03","modified_gmt":"2019-03-14T21:47:03","slug":"how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Married in New Zealand &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section bb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;50px|0|50px|0&#8243; transparent_background=&#8221;off&#8221; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; prev_background_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243; next_background_color=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; padding_mobile=&#8221;off&#8221; column_padding_mobile=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243;][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;1. IS A NEW ZEALAND MARRIAGE LEGAL IN MY HOME COUNTRY?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] Mostly, yes. Weddings\u00a0performed in New Zealand are recognised by Australian and UK governments without need for further authentication.\u00a0For some countries (including the U.S.) you may need to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dia.govt.nz\/Document-authentication\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">further verify your marriage documents<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for your marriage\u00a0to be recognised by your home country.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;2. WHO CAN GET MARRIED IN NEW ZEALAND?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] Anyone who is not already married or in a civil union and any couples who are not closely related by birth, marriage or adoption can be married in New Zealand. Both <strong>different sex and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/same-sex-wedding-celebrant-queenstown\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">same sex couples<\/a><\/span> can be\u00a0legally married in New Zealand.\u00a0<\/strong><br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;3. WHERE CAN I GET MARRIED IN NEW ZEALAND?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] Anywhere! You can get married up mountains or along riverbeds, amongst the vines at a winery or anywhere else you fancy.\u00a0It\u2019s completely up to you! See \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/personalising-your-queenstown-wedding-ceremony-choosing-the-perfect-ceremony-location\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Venue<\/strong><\/span><\/a>\u201d and \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/queenstown-adventure-wedding-marriage-celebrant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Queenstown Adventure Wedding Inspiration<\/strong><\/span><\/a>\u201d for inspiration.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;4. CAN I HAVE A NON-RELIGIOUS WEDDING IN NEW ZEALAND?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] <strong>Absolutely!!<\/strong>\u00a0The legal elements\u00a0of a New Zealand wedding ceremony have no religious language or connection.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;5. WHAT DO I NEED TO GET MARRIED IN NEW ZEALAND?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Zealand Marriage Licence<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<li>a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/about-charlotte\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">celebrant<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (unless you choose a Registry Office wedding)<\/li>\n<li>2 witnesses (often your celebrant can arrange this for you)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;6. HOW DO I GET A NEW ZEALAND MARRIAGE LICENCE?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#2b87da&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#29c4a9&#8243; background_color_gradient_type=&#8221;linear&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;180deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction_radial=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;normal&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; background_video_pause_outside_viewport=&#8221;on&#8221; text_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>See, \u201c<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to get your New Zealand Marriage Licence in 3 Simple Steps<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u201d\u00a0for full details.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Also see, \u201c<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/notice-of-intended-marriage-new-zealand-frequently-asked-questions-answered-by-a-marriage-celebrant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Applying for Your New Zealand Marriage Licence \u2013 Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u201d for extra help.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;7. WHAT IF I\u2019VE BEEN MARRIED BEFORE?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] On your <strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/notice-of-intended-marriage-new-zealand-frequently-asked-questions-answered-by-a-marriage-celebrant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Notice of Intended Marriage<\/a><\/span><\/strong> form there is a space for you to state <strong>how<\/strong> your previous marriage ended and <strong>the date<\/strong> it ended. You are not required to provide any evidence as when you sign the &#8220;statutory declaration&#8221; you are signing to say that all the information you have provided is true.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;8. WHO CAN BE A WITNESS AT OUR NEW ZEALAND WEDDING?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] <strong>Anyone<\/strong> can be a witness to your wedding as long as they are\u00a0<strong>able to understand the legal document that they are signing<\/strong>. Family, friends and strangers can all be witnesses! Witnesses must be present during the ceremony and they will sign your wedding documents afterwards. The names of your wedding witnesses are not printed on your official Marriage Certificate.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;9. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY NEW ZEALAND MARRIAGE LICENCE?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#2b87da&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#29c4a9&#8243; background_color_gradient_type=&#8221;linear&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;180deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction_radial=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;normal&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; background_video_pause_outside_viewport=&#8221;on&#8221; text_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Internal Affairs require\u00a0<strong>at least 3 working days<\/strong> between receiving your application and granting you your licence. Consider any public holidays which may delay\u00a0this process. I recommend applying for your marriage licence at least a month before your wedding date when possible.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;10. HOW LONG IS MY NEW ZEALAND MARRIAGE LICENCE VALID FOR?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;] <strong>Three months<\/strong> from the date issued.<br \/>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;11. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET MARRIED IN NEW ZEALAND?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#2b87da&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#29c4a9&#8243; background_color_gradient_type=&#8221;linear&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;180deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction_radial=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;normal&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; background_video_pause_outside_viewport=&#8221;on&#8221; text_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Your New Zealand marriage licence costs\u00a0<strong>$150 to be married by an NZ registered celebrant in a ceremony location of your choice<\/strong>. Payment can be made when applying for your marriage licence online. See \u201c<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Get Your NZ Marriage Licence in 3 Simple Steps<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\u201d for more details. Celebrants also charge a fee for their services.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;12. HOW DO I GET A COPY OF OUR MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE?&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#2b87da&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#29c4a9&#8243; background_color_gradient_type=&#8221;linear&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;180deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction_radial=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;normal&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; background_video_pause_outside_viewport=&#8221;on&#8221; text_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>You can\u00a0pre-order a copy (or multiple copies) of your marriage\u00a0certificate as part of the online application for your marriage licence. Or you can call NZ Internal Affairs and order over the phone two weeks after your wedding.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;13. HOW LONG WILL MY WEDDING CEREMONY BE?&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; title_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; title_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_horizontal_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_vertical_length=&#8221;0em&#8221; body_text_shadow_blur_strength=&#8221;0em&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221; use_background_color_gradient=&#8221;off&#8221; background_color_gradient_start=&#8221;#2b87da&#8221; background_color_gradient_end=&#8221;#29c4a9&#8243; background_color_gradient_type=&#8221;linear&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction=&#8221;180deg&#8221; background_color_gradient_direction_radial=&#8221;center&#8221; background_color_gradient_start_position=&#8221;0%&#8221; background_color_gradient_end_position=&#8221;100%&#8221; background_color_gradient_overlays_image=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax=&#8221;off&#8221; parallax_method=&#8221;on&#8221; background_size=&#8221;cover&#8221; background_position=&#8221;center&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;normal&#8221; allow_player_pause=&#8221;off&#8221; background_video_pause_outside_viewport=&#8221;on&#8221; text_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;none&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Anywhere between <strong>10 and 30 minutes<\/strong>, depending on what you choose to include in your wedding ceremony (e.g. vows, readings, bridal party, music, etc). For an elopement style wedding or heli-wedding your ceremony will usually be 10-15 minutes. For a larger wedding with a bridal party your ceremony will usually be 15 &#8211; 25 minutes &#8211; but allow 30 minutes in your timeline so that you don&#8217;t feel rushed on the day.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.101&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1><strong>Got another Question?<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_contact_form module_id=&#8221;et_pb_contact_form_0&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; border_width_all=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#4a0063&#8243; border_style_all=&#8221;solid&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;on&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#4a0063&#8243; border_width=&#8221;1px&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; input_border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243;][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Name&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Name&#8221; required_mark=&#8221;off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; form_field_font=&#8221;||||&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; input_border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243;] [\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Email&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Email Address&#8221; field_type=&#8221;email&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; border_radii=&#8221;on|0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; input_border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243;] [\/et_pb_contact_field][et_pb_contact_field field_id=&#8221;Your Question&#8221; field_title=&#8221;Your Question&#8221; fullwidth_field=&#8221;on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;3.0.47&#8243; form_field_font=&#8221;||||&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|0px|0px|0px|0px&#8221; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; input_border_radius=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_contact_field][\/et_pb_contact_form][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to get married in New Zealand&#8230; and submit your own direct to me to answer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":360,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"<h1><strong>Your questions - how to get married in New Zealand <\/strong><\/h1><h1><strong>My answers - advice from a Queenstown wedding celebrant<\/strong><\/h1><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>1. Is a New Zealand marriage\u00a0legal in my home country?<\/strong><\/h2><p>Mostly, yes. Weddings\u00a0performed in New Zealand are recognised by Australia, UK and USA governments without need for further authentication, except for any states which unfortunately do not yet recognise <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/same-sex-weddings-queenstown\/\" target=\"_blank\">same sex marriages<\/a><\/strong><\/span>. For a small number of countries you may need to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dia.govt.nz\/Document-authentication\" target=\"_blank\">further verify your marriage documents<\/a><\/strong><\/span> for your marriage\u00a0to be recognised by your home country.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>2. Who can get married in New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2><p>Anyone who is not already married or in a civil union and any couples who are not closely related by birth, marriage or adoption can be married in New Zealand. Both <strong>different sex and <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"\/same-sex-weddings-queenstown\/\" target=\"_blank\">same sex couples<\/a><\/span> can be\u00a0legally married in New Zealand.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>3. Where can I get married in New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2><p>Anywhere! You can get married up mountains or along riverbeds, amongst the vines at a winery or anywhere else you fancy.\u00a0It's completely up to you! See \"<strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"\/personalising-your-queenstown-wedding-ceremony-choosing-the-perfect-ceremony-location\/\" target=\"_blank\">Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ceremony Venue<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\" and \"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/queenstown-adventure-wedding-marriage-celebrant\/\" target=\"_blank\">8 Adventure Wedding Ideas<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\" for inspiration.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>4. Can I have a non-religious wedding in New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2><p><strong>Yes<\/strong> - the legal elements\u00a0of a New Zealand wedding ceremony have no religious language or connection.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>5. What do I need to get married in New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2><ul><li>a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\">New Zealand Marriage Licence<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li>a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/about-charlotte\" target=\"_blank\">celebrant<\/a><\/strong><\/span> (unless you choose a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.govt.nz\/browse\/family-and-whanau\/getting-married\/registry-office-weddings\/\">Registry Office wedding<\/a><\/span>)<\/li><li>2 witnesses (often your celebrant can arrange this for you)<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>6. How do I get\u00a0a New Zealand Marriage Licence?<\/strong><\/h2><p>See, \"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to get my New Zealand Marriage Licence in 5 Simple Steps<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\"\u00a0for full details.<\/p><p>Also see, \"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/notice-of-intended-marriage-new-zealand-frequently-asked-questions-answered-by-a-marriage-celebrant\/\" target=\"_blank\">Notice of Intended Marriage New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\" for extra help.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>7. What if I've been married before?<\/strong><\/h2><p>When applying for your marriage licence you will need to provide <strong>evidence of how your previous marriage ended<\/strong> - divorce or death certificate.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>8. Who can be a witness at our New Zealand wedding?<\/strong><\/h2><p><strong>Anyone<\/strong> can be a witness to your wedding as long as they are\u00a0<strong>able to understand\u00a0their role<\/strong>. Witnesses must be present during the ceremony and they will sign your wedding documents afterwards. The names of your wedding witnesses are not printed on your official Marriage Certificate.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>9. How long does it take to get my New Zealand Marriage Licence?<\/strong><\/h2><p>The Registry Office must hold your application for <strong>at least 3 working days<\/strong> before granting your licence. Consider any public holidays which may effect Registry Office opening hours and delay\u00a0this process.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>10. How long is my New Zealand Marriage Licence valid for?<\/strong><\/h2><p><strong>Three months<\/strong> from the date issued.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>11. How much does it cost to get married in New Zealand?<\/strong><\/h2><p>Your New Zealand Marriage licence costs $173.70 for a registry office wedding, or <strong>$122.60 to be married by a celebrant in a ceremony location of your choice<\/strong>. Payment can be made when making your Statutory Declaration at the local NZ Registry Office. See \"<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"\/get-your-new-zealand-marriage-licence-in-5-simple-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\">How to Get Your NZ Marriage Licence in 5 Simple Steps<\/a><\/strong><\/span>\" for more details. Celebrants also charge a fee for their services.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2><strong>12. How do I get a copy of our Marriage Certificate?<\/strong><\/h2><p>On the day of your wedding you will sign two copies of a form called <strong>Copy of Particulars of Marriage<\/strong> which makes your marriage legal. You will keep one copy and your celebrant will use the other copy to register your wedding with NZ Births, Deaths and Marriages. <strong>On the reverse<\/strong>\u00a0of the Copy of Particulars is another form for you to apply for your marriage certificate-\u00a0<strong>complete with your payment and posting details<\/strong>\u00a0and your <strong>marriage certificate should be through your door within 4 weeks.<\/strong><\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h3><strong>Got another question? Ask me direct:<\/strong><\/h3><p>[contact-form to='charlotte@yourbigday.co.nz' subject='NZ Weddings FAQ response'][contact-field label='Your name' type='name' required='1'\/][contact-field label='Your email' type='email' required='1'\/][contact-field label='Your question' type='textarea' required='1'\/][\/contact-form]<\/p><h3><strong>\u2193\u00a0Or ask about my availability for your big day by completing the contact form below\u00a0\u2193<\/strong><\/h3>","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[81,2],"tags":[43,57,49,5,4],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to get married in New Zealand... and submit your own direct to me to answer.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2016-07-14T21:08:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2019-03-14T21:47:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"903\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Charlotte Winkel\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/\",\"name\":\"How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2016-07-14T21:08:51+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2019-03-14T21:47:03+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/91be63b24b0e59224154079f3070299b\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg\",\"width\":900,\"height\":903,\"caption\":\"Queenstown wedding celebrant - moody Glenorchy elopement\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"How to Get Married in New Zealand &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/\",\"name\":\"Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants\",\"description\":\"Young and fun celebrants for your Queenstown or Wanaka wedding!\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-NZ\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/91be63b24b0e59224154079f3070299b\",\"name\":\"Charlotte Winkel\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\/\/www.yourbigday.co.nz\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/author\/charlotte\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants","og_description":"Find answers to frequently asked questions about how to get married in New Zealand... and submit your own direct to me to answer.","og_url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/","og_site_name":"Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants","article_published_time":"2016-07-14T21:08:51+00:00","article_modified_time":"2019-03-14T21:47:03+00:00","og_image":[{"width":900,"height":903,"url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Charlotte Winkel","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/","url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/","name":"How to Get Married in New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant - Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg","datePublished":"2016-07-14T21:08:51+00:00","dateModified":"2019-03-14T21:47:03+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/91be63b24b0e59224154079f3070299b"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-NZ","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-NZ","@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/queenstown-marriage-celebrant-elopement.jpg","width":900,"height":903,"caption":"Queenstown wedding celebrant - moody Glenorchy elopement"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/how-to-get-married-in-new-zealand-faqs\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How to Get Married in New Zealand &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions, Answered by a Marriage Celebrant"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#website","url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/","name":"Your Big Day - Queenstown &amp; Wanaka Wedding Celebrants","description":"Young and fun celebrants for your Queenstown or Wanaka wedding!","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-NZ"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/#\/schema\/person\/91be63b24b0e59224154079f3070299b","name":"Charlotte Winkel","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.yourbigday.co.nz"],"url":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/author\/charlotte\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=380"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/yourbigday.co.nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}