Civil unions

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How to have a civil union in NZ

A step-by-step guide to having a civil union in New Zealand.

Get a civil union licence

A licence shows it’s legal for you to have a civil union. You need to arrange it at least 3 working days before your civil union ceremony. It costs $150 if using a celebrant or $240 if you have your ceremony at a registry office.

Get a civil union certificate

Your New Zealand civil union certificate is an official record of your civil union. It costs $33 to get one sent to you.

Change a civil union to a marriage

You can change your civil union to a marriage (or your marriage to a civil union) without dissolving your current relationship. You need to complete a form and hold another marriage or civil union ceremony.