The Legal Requirements for Getting Married in New Zealand
How to Apply for a Marriage Licence
Planning your wedding is exciting. But without the right paperwork, you'll have a beautiful celebration… and no legal marriage.
Thankfully, the legal process for getting married in New Zealand is straightforward. The most important step is applying for your marriage licence between 3 days and 3 months before your ceremony.
Here's exactly what you need to know.
Can You Legally Marry in New Zealand?
To get legally married in New Zealand, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Age
• You must be 18 years or older
• If aged 16 or 17, you must obtain Family Court consent
• Under 16 cannot legally marry
2. Relationship Status
• You must not be currently married or in a civil union
• You cannot marry a close relative (such as sibling, parent, grandparent, child)
3. Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage has been legal in New Zealand since 2013. Couples from overseas often choose New Zealand for this reason.
4. Marriage Celebrant
You must have:
• A registered marriage celebrant
OR
• A registry office booking
Registry Office vs Marriage Celebrant
You must decide which option you're choosing before applying for your licence.
Registry Office Wedding
Cost: $240
• Takes place during office hours
• Standard vows only
• Two witnesses required
• Private ceremony
Celebrant Wedding
Cost: $150 + celebrant fee
• Any time, any location in New Zealand
• Personal vows allowed (with required legal wording)
• Two witnesses required
New Zealand is unique in allowing couples to legally marry almost anywhere, provided it is listed on the licence.
For more guidance on planning your ceremony and reception, explore our wedding planning guide.
How to Apply for a Marriage Licence (If You Live in NZ)
You can apply online through the Department of Internal Affairs website.
Key details:
• Apply between 3 days and 3 months before yor wedding
• Licence takes at least 3 working days to issue
• Valid for 3 months
• Only one person needs to complete the application
Costs:
• $150 if marrying via celebrant
• $240 if marrying at a registry office
• $26.50 for an official marriage certificate
If you have previously been married, you will need a dissolution order.
As you're finalising the legal details, use your wedding planner book to keep licence deadlines and celebrant details in one place.
Getting Married in New Zealand from Overseas
If you live outside New Zealand:
• Apply online at least 3 days before your wedding
• You may need to visit a registry office upon arrival to sign your declaration
• Visa requirements may apply depending on your nationality
Many couples choose New Zealand for elopements due to its simple legal process and stunning landscapes.
What Happens After the Ceremony?
After your wedding:
• You and your witnesses sign the Copy of Particulars
• Your celebrant submits the paperwork
• Your marriage is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages
You can then order your official marriage certificate if required.
Once the paperwork is sorted and the ceremony complete, your wedding guest book becomes one of the first tangible keepsakes from the day.
Civil Unions
The process is similar but uses different forms. You cannot apply for a civil union licence online and must complete paper forms.
You can also convert:
• A civil union to a marriage
• A marriage to a civil union
And once everything is official, your wedding photo album is where the day lives on long after the paperwork is filed.
Changing Your Name After Marriage
You are not legally required to change your name.
If you choose to:
• Order an official marriage certificate
• Update passport
• Update driver licence
• Notify banks, employers, government agencies
Important: Always book international travel in the name shown on your passport.
Practical Wedding Planning Tip
Once your legalities are sorted, you can relax and focus on the celebration.
If you're organising your ceremony details, guest list and timelines, a structured planner like the Little White Book keeps your paperwork, contracts and timelines in one place so nothing is missed.
And when the day arrives, your wedding guest book becomes the record of the people who stood beside you as you said "I do."
Legal requirements may change. Always refer to the Department of Internal Affairs for the most current information. Read more Wedding Planning Advice here.