CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-white

How to get legally married in New Zealand

alisaroberts3

You may have just gotten engaged. Congrats! That’s super exciting, and next on your agenda for wedding prep is understanding how you do this legally. We totally get that and will run through how to get legally married by wedding celebrants in New Zealand, so you have all the juicy details to get you started.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Marriage in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a beautiful country that is a popular destination for weddings, both for locals and international couples. Getting married in New Zealand is a straightforward process, but it is essential to understand the legal requirements to ensure that your wedding is legally recognised.

To get married in New Zealand, both parties must be over 18 years old, and the marriage must be between two people who are not closely related. You will also need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage form, which is available from the Registrar of Marriages. This form must be completed at least three days before the wedding date, but it is recommended to do it as soon as possible to avoid any complications.

How Many Witnesses Do You Need to Get Married in New Zealand?

You will need two witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony in New Zealand. They must be over 16 years old and be able to understand the ceremony. If you are having a small wedding, you can ask friends or family members to be your witnesses. If you are having a larger wedding, you can hire professional witnesses.

Either way, having witnesses there can make it even more special!

What Do You Need to Get Married?

To get married in New Zealand, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Your passport or birth certificate.
  • Evidence of any name changes.
  • A completed Notice of Intended Marriage form.
  • If you have been married before, you must provide evidence of the termination of your previous marriage.
  • If you are an international couple, you must apply for a marriage visitor visa before entering New Zealand.

How to Find Wedding Celebrants

A wedding celebrant is a person who will perform your wedding ceremony in New Zealand. There are many celebrants to choose from, so it is important to find someone who suits your style and preferences.

To find a wedding celebrant in New Zealand, you can search online for celebrant listings or ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have been married in New Zealand. You can also attend bridal expos and wedding fairs, where you can meet with celebrants in person and ask any questions you may have.

When choosing a celebrant, it is important to consider their experience, style, and personality. You will want to find someone who can create a meaningful and personalised ceremony that reflects your love and values.

If you are planning a French wedding in New Zealand, you may want to consider finding a celebrant who speaks French or who has experience with French weddings. Many celebrants in New Zealand are multilingual and can provide ceremonies in different languages.

In addition to finding a celebrant, you will also need to find a suitable venue for your wedding. New Zealand has many stunning wedding locations, from beaches and gardens to vineyards and historic buildings. You can search for venue listings online or ask your celebrant for recommendations.

In conclusion, legally marrying in New Zealand is simple and enjoyable. By understanding the legal requirements and finding the right celebrant and venue, you can have a wedding that is unique and special to you. So, start planning your dream wedding in New Zealand, and get ready to say “I do” in one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

Photo credit: Alisa Roberts

Find your perfect Wedding Celebrant

Search our global directory to find ‘the one’ for you. Find rated celebrants near you.

Tagged with

subscribe

drop us your email and we'll send you beautiful ideas to inspire your perfect celebration

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please check the required field.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

If you enjoyed this, check these out...

One Ring to Bind Them: A Lord of the Rings Inspired Wedding at Historic Slaugham Place
Every love story deserves to be told in its own unique way, and for Cam and Giverny, their tale was brilliantly woven with threads of Tolkien magic at their enchanting...
Read more > about One Ring to Bind Them: A Lord of the Rings Inspired Wedding at Historic Slaugham Place
Ganesh Puja: Inviting Joy, Prosperity and a Smooth Path to Wedded Bliss
Sacred rituals form the heart of traditional Hindu weddings, each ritual is imbued with deep spiritual meaning, and none more so than the Ganesh Puja. Performed before the main wedding...
Read more > about Ganesh Puja: Inviting Joy, Prosperity and a Smooth Path to Wedded Bliss
A Harmonious Union: A Multicultural Hindu Sikh Wedding
When it comes to celebrating love across cultures, few ceremonies embody that union more beautifully than this heartfelt wedding led by multicultural celebrant specialist Sonal Dave. Travelling from the US...
Read more > about A Harmonious Union: A Multicultural Hindu Sikh Wedding