Registry ceremonies
A registry ceremony has a set cost and standard vows. You have to have it on a weekday, and not a public holiday.
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1
Decide where in NZ
You need to arrange a celebrant and a venue.
When you apply for your marriage licence online, you’ll have the opportunity to select a celebrant based on the location you’d like for your ceremony. Registry offices are no longer available for ceremonies.
If you are unsure about a location, many couples get married in their home or garden, or choose another location like a restaurant or public park — sometimes permission is required from the park administrators.
Some celebrants offer a venue at their own home, it is best to discuss with your celebrant before booking. This is limited to 20 guests, and you must check with the celebrant. Otherwise they’ll agree on a venue with you when you contact them.
Virtual weddings
Under the Marriage Act, a marriage can’t occur virtually. That is, you cannot use video conferencing software (for example, Zoom or Skype) and the couple, celebrant and witnesses must be physically present in the same place.
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2
Apply for a marriage licence
You have to get a marriage licence at least 3 working days before the ceremony. A licence confirms it’s legal for you to marry.
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3
Arrange witnesses
You need to bring 2 witnesses to the ceremony.
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4
Get married
Registry marriages follow a script and you must use standard vows:
If you prefer to use your own vows: Personalised ceremonies
After the ceremony, your celebrant will give you a “Copy of particulars of marriage”. This is not the same as a marriage certificate.
They’ll use another “Copy of particulars of marriage” to register your marriage with the NZ government.
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