How do I apply for a marriage licence?

You can apply for a marriage licence (both for a personalised or a registry ceremony) here: 

https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/get-a-marriage-licence/

It costs $150.  I would also suggest paying the extra $33 to get your certificate sent out to you automatically after the ceremony is registered, to save you another job to do afterwards!

What are the legal must-haves in a ceremony?

• The full names of the couple, as written on the marriage licence, must be used at some point during the ceremony proceedings. 

  • Abbreviations and nicknames can be used in other parts of the ceremony.

• Couples can write their own vows as long as they say to each other “I take you [partner’s name], to be my legal [wife/husband/partner]” or something similar during the ceremony. 

  • The couple should say the words to each other rather than answering a question.

• The couple must say their vows in front of an approved celebrant, and before at least two other witnesses.

What is the script for a Registry ceremony?

A fixed ceremony script with standard legal marriage vows is used (no variation is permitted).  

You will find the script here: https://www.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Family-and-whanau/Registry-office-ceremony-marriage-vows.pdf

This document also explains very clearly the conditions under which a registry ceremony can occur.

How do I change my name after I'm married?

You can use your marriage certificate as proof of your right to use your spouse's surname. You do not have to change your name, and you also do not need to officially change your name via deed poll unless you want to. 

A full breakdown of the rules is listed on this website: https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/changing-your-name-when-you-get-married/ 

Please note that the bride/bridegroom/partner must sign the copy of particulars (BDM45) using their pre-marriage signatures.

Who can be a witness during the ceremony?

Witnesses must be able to understand what happens at the ceremony (they should be of sound mind, and should not be intoxicated).

Children can be witnesses, but they must be old enough to understand the nature of the ceremony, and must be able to demonstrate that understanding in court if later required to do so.

Witnesses need to be able to fill out the paperwork (sign, and write their full name and address) unassisted. 

• Print their full name (John Edward Doe) or first and surname (John Doe) or first name, initial and surname (John E Doe).

• Print their full residential address, including the country if it was not New Zealand (this is not a PO Box).

Is it OK if one of the bridal party or witnesses does not understand English?

I will deliver the ceremony in spoken English. If either of you, and/or your two witnesses have difficulty understanding English, you are required to arrange for an interpreter to attend your ceremony and translate my spoken words. Before the ceremony begins, your interpreter will sign a statutory declaration before me, affirming that an accurate translation will be provided. 

Would you be willing to travel to a remote location for our wedding?

Yes, I am happy to consider locations throughout New Zealand, and we can discuss what additional costs may be associated with this, and whether I need to make multiple journeys for rehearsals etc. Usually we can facilitate planning via video calls, to reduce travel costs.  

I am not registered to perform marriage ceremonies outside of New Zealand territory.

We need help with logistics and coordinating on the day, are you able to help with that?

I have extensive event planning experience, and so absolutely happy to discuss what extra assistance you might need, to ensure you, your family and friends can be as relaxed as possible and can focus on the important elements of the day!

We're looking for an MC, can you do that too?

Absolutely. From helping the photographer to gather all those relatives to get in the group photos, to announcing the cutting the cake (and everything in between). I can help liaise with your wedding vendors and make sure the sequence of events for the day flows smoothly.

Can we get married over Zoom/Skype? And can our witnesses observe over video?

Under the Marriage Act, a marriage can not occur virtually i.e. you cannot use video conferencing software like Zoom, Skype etc. The couple, celebrant and two witnesses must be physically present in the same place - these five people must be physically present, in-person, at the geographical place when the couple say their vows to each other.

We would like a friend (who is not registered) to be our celebrant, can you just do the legal bits?

New Zealand law requires that a registered marriage celebrant is responsible for overseeing the exchange of your legal marriage vows and signing legal marriage documents. I conduct both Registry marriage ceremonies (with a generic fixed script and legal vows) and personal ceremonies (with a detailed bespoke script, legal vows, and your personal promises). 

The Registrar-General and Celebrants Aotearoa understand that many couples do want friends or family members to have a role in their marriage ceremony. This is certainly possible under New Zealand law. However, a wedding ceremony must be officiated by a registered marriage celebrant who is legally responsible for overseeing the introduction to the ceremony, the legal vows and the affixing of signatures on the marriage paperwork.  It is the celebrant's responsibility to confirm to all those attending the ceremony that they are present for that purpose. 

The Registrar-General of Births Deaths and Marriages is also clear that it is unlawful for anyone to "pretend" to be a marriage celebrant or conduct a ceremony that pretends to be a marriage ceremony.  In other words, if you were to have a registry ceremony in advance, with me or any other Registry celebrant, a non-celebrant friend or family member in leading a ceremony for you,  must explicitly state to everyone present that you are already legally married, and that they are only taking your vow renewal or commitment ceremony. 

I appreciate that you want to include a friend or family member - who is not a New Zealand registered celebrant - in a personal celebration. However, I am not willing to conduct a Registry ceremony for you, knowing that at your larger celebration, your guests will not be told that you are already married, or that the person taking the ceremony is not in fact a celebrant.  

However, in using my services as a celebrant to officiate your ceremony, you will be assured of a  professional service. Friends or family members can welcome your guests, tell your love story, or deliver a reading or blessing; and I can solemnise your marriage. I would be happy to discuss how we could make this work for you. Please understand that this service would incur my normal fee for a personalised ceremony.