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Common Ground News

What documents do I need to get married in New Zealand?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 18, 2026

What documents do I need to get married in New Zealand?

Normally the only required document for marriage in New Zealand is the completed statutory declaration. If you have been married before, you should also bring a copy of documents showing how the previous marriage ended. If you have been divorced before, ensure that the divorce certificate shows 'decree absolute'.

Likewise, people ask, can tourists get married in New Zealand?

We have created a step-by-step guide for foreigners choosing to marry to New Zealand Anyone can marry in New Zealand, as long as you're not: - Already married or in a civil union, unless you're changing your relationship with the same person. Both different sex and same sex marriages are legal in New Zealand.

Furthermore, how can a foreigner get married in New Zealand? You can not get married without a marriage licence. You can now apply for your marriage licence online. The requirements remain the same – you can apply between 3 days and 3 months of your wedding. Apply online at nz – you can get the licence emailed to either yourself or your celebrant.

Similarly, it is asked, how do I get a marriage certificate in NZ?

Most people can order their marriage certificate by phone: 0800 225 252 within NZ. +64 9 339 0852 from overseas. You can pay over the phone by credit or debit card.

How much does it cost to get married in NZ?

Before you get married, you need to apply for a licence. A licence confirms it's legal for you to marry. It costs $150 if you use a celebrant, and a registry ceremony costs $240 in total.

Who can you not marry in New Zealand?

The minimum marriage age is 18 years, or 16 years with consent of the Family Court. Polygamous marriages are not permitted in New Zealand.

Under Schedule 2 of the Marriage Act 1955, no person may marry their following relatives:

  • grandparent.
  • parent.
  • child.
  • grandchild.
  • sibling (half or full)
  • parent's sibling.
  • sibling's child.

Can I marry in New Zealand on a visitor visa?

On this visa, you can visit New Zealand to marry a New Zealand citizen or a resident in a culturally arranged marriage. Once you live with your partner you can apply for a partnership-based Work or Visitor visa.

Can you get married without having a wedding?

A civil ceremony is a nonreligious, legal marriage ceremony presided over by a government official. As with wedding planning, it's important to remember that your wedding can be whatever you want it to be, whether it's a trip to city hall, a totally intimate celebration with just your families, or a huge to-do.

How do you elope in NZ?

Have an elopement photographer and guide plan the location and timeline for the day, including 6 hours photography, to get the getting ready process documented, and then the ceremony and couples photos. Elope with a celebrant and two witnesses (makeup artist and photographer) at a nearby lake in Queenstown.

Can you get married on a beach in New Zealand?

Beach weddings are very popular in New Zealand. Some bridal couples are so set on the idea that they will marry on the beach come hail or high water. A small secluded bay when the sea is blue and the air is warm makes a romantic wedding venue and reminds us that we New Zealanders are great lovers of the outdoors.

How long after divorce can you remarry NZ?

The judge will hear from both of you and decide if there are grounds to make the dissolution order. If the judge makes the dissolution order, it will take effect 1 month after the order is made. You can remarry or enter into a new civil union as soon as the dissolution order takes effect.

Can you marry your cousin NZ?

In New Zealand it is not illegal to marry your cousin. Bittles said first-cousin marriage was more widespread than many would think and there were misconceptions about the health risks it presented. "A lot of people marry their cousins.

What is the best place to get married?

For ideas, read this list of the best places to get married in the world.
  • Tuscany, Italy.
  • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
  • Kapalua, Maui, United States.
  • Los Cabos, Mexico.
  • Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada.
  • Montego Bay, Jamaica. Montego Bay wedding.
  • Banff, Canada. Fairmont Banff Springs.
  • Lucerne, Switzerland. Lucerne.

What happens if you lose your wedding certificate?

This may be difficult to find or obtain. However, if you have lost your certificate, then you will need to contact the Registrar or equivalent local authority in the country you were married and request a certified copy. It is vital to have evidence of the marriage and the validity of the ceremony.

How much is it to get married in a registry office?

If you choose to marry at a registry office, you'll have to pay for hiring a room in the registry office, for each person to give notice and for a marriage certificate. The cost of hiring a room in a registry office usually starts from £57+ for a basic ceremony.

Can you get married just by signing papers?

A marriage license is a document that you must obtain from the county clerk before you get married. Most states require both spouses, the officiant, and one or two witnesses, to sign the marriage certificate. This is often done just after the ceremony.

How long does it take to get married at registry office?

approximately 10-15 minutes

What do we need to do to get married?

To get married in NSW you must:
  1. not be married to someone else.
  2. not be marrying a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild or sibling (brother or sister)
  3. be at least 18 years of age, unless a person aged between 16 and 18 years of age has court approval to marry.
  4. understand what marriage means and freely consent to marrying.

Can I get married online in Australia?

In Australia you can NOT get married online. That is, you can not get legally married over Skype or Zoom. The 2 of you, your marriage celebrant and your 2 witnesses all have to be in the same location at the same time. This all set out in the Marriage Act 1961 and administerd by The Attorney General's Department.

Who can be a witness at a wedding?

Witnesses may be relatives, friends or colleagues. They must be able to speak and understand English. Although there is no legal age limit to a witness, many civil ceremony attendances would prefer that the witnesses are 18 years or over.

What is the average age to get married in NZ?

29.2 years

What happens if I marry a New Zealand citizen?

Citizenship Through Marriage

The application process is the same as above, however, you must apply for a visa to live there (even if you're already married to a New Zealand citizen). You'll then have to complete a 'Residence Application” form, and finally you'll need to travel to New Zealand.

Do you have to pay to get married in a church?

– Yes, church weddings cost money. It used to be (many years ago) that you could get married in your local church for free. Nowadays, however, you have to pay.

Do you need rings to get married?

Do I need rings to get married at the courthouse? No. You can choose to exchange nothing, give memorable gifts, or have matching tattoos or simple, inexpensive bands.

Can you get married without a witness?

The ceremony must take place in Alberta. The marriage officiant must be authorized/registered with the Alberta Government to perform marriages in Alberta. The couple and two adult witnesses must be physically in the presence of the marriage officiant. Marriage by proxy is not permitted.

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