Become an independent celebrant

Celebrants are appointed by the Registrar-General.

The process is different if you want to be a celebrant who is part of an approved church or organisation.

Become an organisational celebrant

Who can apply

You need to be a New Zealand citizen to become a celebrant. If you're not, you need to show on your application form that there are exceptional reasons why you should become a celebrant.

What it costs

Applying to become an independent celebrant costs $220.

You only pay 1 fee if you want to be a marriage celebrant and a civil union celebrant.

How long it takes

You usually find out within 4 to 6 weeks if your application has been approved or not.

You need to apply online to become an independent celebrant.

As part of your application, you need to provide supporting documents and take an online test.

Before you apply

Prepare your supporting documents

Your supporting documents need to show that:

• you’re of good character
• you’ll conscientiously perform the duties of a celebrant, and
• making you a celebrant is in the interest of your community or the general public.

Letters of support

You need at least 4 signed letters of support from people in your community. Each letter needs to include the information in the support letter checklist, including why you would be a good celebrant.

Independent celebrant support letter checklist (PDF 37KB)

Independent celebrant support letter checklist accessible alternative (txt 1.4KB)

Good character referees

You need 2 people to fill in the good character form.

Good character form (PDF 25KB)

Good character form accessible alternative (txt 1KB)

Criminal conviction history

You need a copy of your criminal conviction history from the Ministry of Justice.

Getting a copy of your criminal record

Prepare for the online test

The application includes an online test. Everything you need to know is in the marriage information on this website and in the Department of Internal Affairs training course.

Getting married

Becoming a celebrant — training course

Make sure you have a verified RealMe identity

You need a verified RealMe identity to apply online. RealMe gives you a single login to multiple online services including Celebrants Online. When you upgrade to a verified RealMe identity, it also works as your online ID. You can get your RealMe identity verified at a PostShop.

RealMe — verify your identity

Apply online and pay

You need to apply online using your verified RealMe identity.

1. Make sure you have a scan or photo of each of your supporting documents. Save them to the computer, phone or device you’re using to apply.
2. Do the online test and fill in the application form.
3. Attach your supporting documents to your online application.
4. Pay the fee of $220 using a credit or debit card.

You usually find out within 4 to 6 weeks if your application has been approved or not.

You will probably need to go to an interview with your local Registrar of Marriages and Civil Unions during that time.

There is no urgent service.

If your application is approved

You will be told by email if your application is approved. You will be able to legally marry people or join people in a civil union as soon as you receive the email.

Your name will be added to the list of celebrants so people can find your details online.

Locating a celebrant

You must renew your registration as a celebrant at the end of each year.

Renew your celebrant registration