FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Getting married in New Zealand might look simple: find the person, find the celebrant, agree to
marry your “person”.
But Celebrants Aotearoa says there are a few legal requirements that continue to surprise couples,
guests and even members of wedding parties.
As Kiwis begin planning for the busy spring and summer wedding season, Celebrants Aotearoa is
clearing up some of the most common misunderstandings about what actually makes a marriage
legal in New Zealand.
“Celebrants get to be part of some incredibly personal and creative ceremonies, but underneath all
of that is an important legal role,” Celebrants Aotearoa President Anna Flanagan said.
“A great celebrant makes the legal requirements feel seamless, but there are still some things
couples simply cannot leave out.”
You need a marriage licence, and you cannot leave it until the day before
A marriage licence must be arranged at least three working days before the wedding and is valid for
three months.
The current cost of a marriage licence is $158.
“Applying early takes one unnecessary piece of stress out of wedding week,” Flanagan said.
“Your celebrant can help make sure you understand what is required, but getting the licence is
ultimately something the couple needs to organise.”
Your friend cannot just ‘marry you’
That hilarious best friend, charismatic uncle or confident MC might be perfect for parts of the
ceremony, but a legal New Zealand marriage needs to be solemnised by an authorised marriage
celebrant.
Friends and family can absolutely be involved by delivering readings, telling stories or taking other
roles, but the registered celebrant must perform the legal marriage.
You really do need two witnesses, but they do not have to be adults
Couples need at least two witnesses who understand what is happening, can identify the couple and
understand that the couple is consenting to marriage.
Perhaps surprisingly, there is no set minimum age for witnesses.
Children can act as witnesses provided they understand the nature and importance of the ceremony
and could demonstrate that understanding if required.
“So yes, in the right circumstances, your children could be the people who witness your marriage,”
Flanagan said.
“That can make for an incredibly special family moment.”
You cannot legally get married over Zoom
Technology has changed almost every part of modern life, but a legal New Zealand wedding cannot
take place virtually.
The couple, celebrant and witnesses must be physically present together for the marriage ceremony.
You can personalise almost everything, but there still have to be legal vows
A personalised ceremony can include stories, humour, music, cultural traditions, children, pets,
poems and individually written vows.
However, somewhere within the ceremony, each person must clearly express that they take the other person as their legal spouse, using the words required under the Marriage Act or words to
similar effect.
“You do not need to throw away your personality to meet the legal requirements,” Flanagan said.
“That is part of a celebrant’s skill: creating a ceremony that sounds like the couple while making sure
the legal elements are properly covered.”
The document you receive on the wedding day is not your official marriage certificate
After the ceremony, the couple, witnesses and celebrant sign the marriage documentation.
The couple receives a Copy of Particulars of Marriage, while the celebrant takes the necessary steps
to have the marriage registered.
But that document is not the official New Zealand marriage certificate.
An official marriage certificate can be ordered separately from Births, Deaths and Marriages and
currently costs $35.
And one more misconception: marriage does not automatically change your surname
People getting married can keep their surname, take their partner’s surname or use a combination of
both surnames.
In New Zealand, a person can usually begin using their married surname without completing a formal
legal name change process, although organisations may require a marriage certificate as evidence.
Flanagan said understanding the legal basics allowed couples to concentrate on what their wedding
ceremony was really about.
“Marriage law sets the framework, but there is still enormous freedom for couples to create a
ceremony that reflects who they are.”
“Whether it is five people in a backyard or hundreds of guests at a major venue, the legal
requirements are essentially the same.
“Celebrants are there not only to tell your story and lead the ceremony, but to make sure that when
you walk away married, you really are married.”
About Celebrants Aotearoa
Celebrants Aotearoa is the only national professional association for celebrants in New
Zealand. The organisation provides networking, education, resources, and advocacy to
support its members in delivering high-quality, meaningful ceremonies.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Kineta Knight Booker
Communications Manager – Celebrants Aotearoa
comms@celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz, 0274 546 382, celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz