Frequently Asked Questions
What does your service provide?
As much consultation as is required, samples of ceremonies, vows and readings. Advice on how to apply for your license, development of your ceremony with as much or as little input from you as you wish, a “dress rehearsal” and of course the ceremony on the day. My charges are available on enquiry.
Where can ceremonies be performed? Are there any time constraints for venue restrictions?
Ceremonies can be performed anywhere at anytime. In some public places/parks, the local authority requires advance bookings and sometimes a fee.The wedding venue must be completed on your “Notice of Intended Marriage”. There are two spaces provided on the form to give you a wet weather alternative if you are marrying outdoors. You must marry at one of the locations noted on your marriage license.
Do I need permission to be married? If so, from whom?
Sixteen years of age is the minimum legal age for marriage. Parental consent or a District Court order is required if either of the couple is under the age of eighteen years. Permission to marry is confirmed via the issue of a marriage licence.
What sort of marriage ceremonies are there?
There are two kinds of ceremony. One is a civil ceremony held by a Registrar of Marriages in a Registry Office. The other is a ceremony held by an appointed Marriage Celebrant (including ministers of religion) at any other place (including places of worship).
What are the legal steps we must take to get married?
To get married in NZ you must hold a valid marriage licence (BDM60) if normally resident in NZ or (BDM58) if normally resident outside NZ. You can obtain this from your local Court or go online www.bdm.govt.nz and click on forms and print a copy of the appropriate licence. Before you apply for the marriage licence you must:
- Complete a "Notice of Intended Marriage" and go to an Office of a Registrar of Marriages, to sign the statutory declaration before a Registrar of Marriages, stating you are legally free to marry.
- Pay the fee of $122.60
How long does it take to get a marriage licence?
If approved, the licence will be issued not sooner than three calendar days after it is submitted to a Registrar of Marriages. The licence is valid for three months from the date of issue.
What about the Marriage Amendment Act?
The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill came into effect at the end of August 2013. Effectively what this means is that in New Zealand, no matter what your sexual orientation is - if you love someone and you both fit all the other criteria - you are now eligible to get married.
Please note: Changes to network of Registry Offices
In March 2013, there are a number of changes to the network of Registry Offices that provide marriage and civil union-related registry services. Further information is provided in this 'Notice of March 2013 changes to marriage and civil union Registry Offices'
For all legal requirements and further information check out the Births Deaths & Marriages website www.bdm.govt.nz
As much consultation as is required, samples of ceremonies, vows and readings. Advice on how to apply for your license, development of your ceremony with as much or as little input from you as you wish, a “dress rehearsal” and of course the ceremony on the day. My charges are available on enquiry.
Where can ceremonies be performed? Are there any time constraints for venue restrictions?
Ceremonies can be performed anywhere at anytime. In some public places/parks, the local authority requires advance bookings and sometimes a fee.The wedding venue must be completed on your “Notice of Intended Marriage”. There are two spaces provided on the form to give you a wet weather alternative if you are marrying outdoors. You must marry at one of the locations noted on your marriage license.
Do I need permission to be married? If so, from whom?
Sixteen years of age is the minimum legal age for marriage. Parental consent or a District Court order is required if either of the couple is under the age of eighteen years. Permission to marry is confirmed via the issue of a marriage licence.
What sort of marriage ceremonies are there?
There are two kinds of ceremony. One is a civil ceremony held by a Registrar of Marriages in a Registry Office. The other is a ceremony held by an appointed Marriage Celebrant (including ministers of religion) at any other place (including places of worship).
What are the legal steps we must take to get married?
To get married in NZ you must hold a valid marriage licence (BDM60) if normally resident in NZ or (BDM58) if normally resident outside NZ. You can obtain this from your local Court or go online www.bdm.govt.nz and click on forms and print a copy of the appropriate licence. Before you apply for the marriage licence you must:
- Complete a "Notice of Intended Marriage" and go to an Office of a Registrar of Marriages, to sign the statutory declaration before a Registrar of Marriages, stating you are legally free to marry.
- Pay the fee of $122.60
How long does it take to get a marriage licence?
If approved, the licence will be issued not sooner than three calendar days after it is submitted to a Registrar of Marriages. The licence is valid for three months from the date of issue.
What about the Marriage Amendment Act?
The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill came into effect at the end of August 2013. Effectively what this means is that in New Zealand, no matter what your sexual orientation is - if you love someone and you both fit all the other criteria - you are now eligible to get married.
Please note: Changes to network of Registry Offices
In March 2013, there are a number of changes to the network of Registry Offices that provide marriage and civil union-related registry services. Further information is provided in this 'Notice of March 2013 changes to marriage and civil union Registry Offices'
For all legal requirements and further information check out the Births Deaths & Marriages website www.bdm.govt.nz