The 2026 renewal period for independent marriage and civil union celebrants opens on Friday 28 August and closes at midnight on Monday 28 September 2026.
The renewal is beginning two weeks earlier than usual, allowing decisions to be confirmed sooner ahead of the busy summer wedding season.
A link to the online renewal application will be emailed to celebrants when applications open. Late applications will not be accepted, so it is important to prepare now and complete the process before the deadline.
Who needs to renew?
Current independent marriage and civil union celebrants will need to complete the renewal process.
Celebrants approved after 1 April 2026 do not need to apply for renewal this year. They will be required to renew from next year onwards.
Celebrants can continue accepting bookings and performing marriages and civil unions while renewal applications are being considered. Applicants will be notified whether their renewal has been approved before 13 November 2026.
Celebrants with low activity levels
Celebrants who have performed either no marriages or civil unions, or only one, during the past 12 months will be asked to explain why they should be renewed for another year.
Activity levels dating back to April 2023 will also be considered.
Historically low demand from the public or a particular community may indicate that a celebrant’s services are no longer required. Low activity can also present a risk to a celebrant’s ability to maintain the relevant skills, competence and performance required for the role.
If this applies to you, allow time to provide a clear and considered response as part of your renewal application.
Do not miss the deadline
Applications must be submitted between 28 August and 28 September 2026.
Celebrants who do not apply during this period will be removed from the list of celebrants when the new list is published in the New Zealand Gazette on 13 November 2026. From that date, they will no longer be authorised to marry couples.
Anyone who later wishes to become a celebrant again will need to submit a fresh application, pay the full application fee and provide new supporting documents.
Check your RealMe access now
The renewal must be completed online using a RealMe verified identity.
Celebrants are encouraged to visit www.realme.govt.nz before applications open to make sure their login details are correct and their verified identity remains accessible.
If you still need to obtain a RealMe verified identity, begin the process now. After taking your application number and any required documents to a participating photo store, allow about 10 working days for the Department of Internal Affairs to confirm whether your identity has been verified.
Instructions are available on the RealMe website.
Renewal fee
A fee of $63.00 must be paid when the online renewal application is submitted.
Payment can be made online using a credit card, debit card or Prezzy Card. The fee covers the application process and will not be refunded if the renewal is declined.
Make sure your contact details are correct
Log in to the celebrant self-service portal and check that your contact details are current. This will help ensure you receive the email containing the renewal link when applications open.
If you have not used the self-service portal before, email your name and celebrant number to celebrants@dia.govt.nz to get set up.
Your renewal checklist
Before Friday 28 August:
- Check that your RealMe login and verified identity are working.
- Update your contact details through the self-service portal.
- Allow enough time to obtain a verified identity if you do not already have one.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if you have performed no more than one marriage or civil union during the past year.
- Have a suitable card available to pay the $63 application fee.
- Mark Monday 28 September firmly in your calendar.
Questions about the 2026 renewal process should be sent to celebrants@dia.govt.nz.
