Registry ceremonies
A registry ceremony has standard vows and must take place on a weekday. It costs $150 for the marriage licence and has a set fee of $90 for the ceremony, which is paid to the celebrant on the day.
The Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ) have provided 'A guide for couples to understand the criteria for a registry ceremony'.
-
1
Decide where in NZ
Registry ceremonies are limited to 20 guests. You need to arrange a celebrant and a venue.
When you apply for your marriage licence online, you can 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. You may need permission from the park administrators.
It is best to discuss a venue with your celebrant before booking. Some celebrants offer a venue at their own home. 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.
-
2
Apply for a marriage licence
You have to get a marriage licence at least 3 working days before the ceremony. It costs $150.
-
3
Arrange witnesses
You need to bring 2 witnesses to the ceremony.
-
4
Get married
Registry marriages follow a script and you must use standard vows:
If you prefer to use your own vows, you may want a personalised ceremony.
On the day of the ceremony you must pay the set fee of $90 to the celebrant.
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.
Utility links and page information
Last updated