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Wedding Essentials

What are the legal requirements for a wedding ceremony?

Remember:

 

  • Arrange your marriage licence at least 3 working days prior to your wedding day. The licence remains valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
     

  • While only one of you needs to complete the application, make sure you have information about both of you.
     

  • Most people are eligible for a marriage licence.  Same-sex marriages are legally recognised in NZ.

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As your marriage celebrant, I'll ensure that all the legal aspects are taken care of

Before your wedding, you will need to apply for a marriage licence at https://marriages.services.govt.nz.

 

I recommend applying for the marriage certificate at the same time and suggest having the licence emailed to you first. 

 

This way, you can review the details before forwarding it to me.  Additionally, I recommend applying for your marriage certificate at the same time so that it can be automatically sent to you after your ceremony.

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The Registrar will issue the marriage licence, along with two copies of the 'Copy of Particulars of Marriage,' no sooner than three days after receiving the Notice of Intended Marriage.

And lastly

  • I must officially identify the individuals named on the marriage licence as the ones being married.
     

  • I must use your full names at least once during the ceremony.
     

  • The ceremony must be held at the location specified on the licence.
     

  • There must be a minimum of two witnesses present at the ceremony.  Witnesses should not be under the influence of alcohol and should comprehend the proceedings.  If the witnesses speak a different language from you, an interpreter is required. The interpreter must sign a declaration before the ceremony, confirming their commitment to accurate interpretation.

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