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Get a marriage licence

Before you get married, you need to apply for a marriage licence. This confirms it’s legal for you to marry. A marriage licence costs $150.

What you need to know

  • You need to arrange your licence at least 3 working days before you get married.
  • It expires after 3 months.
  • Celebrants they have separate fees.
  • Only one of you needs to complete the application, but you need information about both of you.

Apply online

Anyone can apply online, whether you’re in New Zealand or not.

Apply online for a marriage licence

If you want to use the paper form instead

If you’re in NZ

If you’re outside of NZ

Cost

Personalised ceremony

The marriage licence costs $150. 

Celebrants set their own fees on top of the cost of the licence. 

Registry ceremony

The marriage licence costs $150. 

The ceremony has a set fee of $90, which you pay to the celebrant in advance

Who can get it

Most people can get a marriage licence. Same-sex marriages are legal in New Zealand.

You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen. Visitors to New Zealand can marry or have a civil union here.

Who cannot legally marry

If you’re 16 or 17

What happens after you apply for a licence

If you’re having a personalised ceremony

If you’re having a registry ceremony

Tip: Put a back-up venue in your application. You can only have the ceremony in the places you’ve put on the application.

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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