So, you’ve decided to tie the knot in New Zealand? Excellent choice! With its jaw-dropping landscapes, from the dramatic peaks of Queenstown to the dreamy beaches of Wanaka, this country is basically a rom-com setting come to life.
But before you and your love can say “I do” against the backdrop of Middle-earth (or a cute city park in Auckland), you need to tackle one very important detail: getting a marriage license.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than choosing a wedding cake flavor (seriously, why are there so many options?!). Let’s break it down, step by step.
Step 1: Are You Eligible to Get Married in New Zealand?
Before you start planning your Pinterest-worthy wedding, let’s check a few basic requirements:
✔ You and your partner must be at least 16 years old (but if you’re under 18, you’ll need parental consent).
✔ You can’t already be married or in a civil union with someone else (monogamy is key here, folks).
✔ Your wedding must be conducted by a registered celebrant with at least two witnesses present.
✔ If you’re from overseas, you don’t need a special visa—your tourist visa will do!
If you meet all these criteria, you’re good to go! 🎉
Step 2: Applying for a Marriage License in NZ
Here’s the best part: you can do everything online! No need to stand in line at a government office, just visit the official New Zealand Internal Affairs website: govt.nz.
What You Need for the Application
- Your full names and birthdates (if you don’t know your partner’s birthdate, we have bigger problems to discuss).
- The name of your celebrant (you can find one here).
- Your wedding location—it doesn’t have to be an exact address, just the general area (e.g., “Queenstown” or “Auckland”).
- A statutory declaration stating that you are legally free to marry.
How Much Does It Cost?
💰 NZD $150 for a standard ceremony.
💰 NZD $240 if you’re having a registry office wedding with a government celebrant.
How Long Does It Take?
⏳ 3 working days from the time of application.
So, don’t wait until the last minute—because rushing to get legally married isn’t the kind of wedding drama you want!
Step 3: Receiving Your License & Getting Married!
Once approved, your marriage license will be emailed to you. Here’s what you need to do:
📌 Print it out (yep, an actual paper copy—2025, and we still need paper).
📌 Give it to your celebrant before the ceremony so they can make everything official.
Then comes the fun part: getting married! 🎊
You’ll exchange vows, your celebrant will work their magic, and your two witnesses will sign the papers. After that, your celebrant sends everything back to the government, and—BOOM—you’re officially hitched!
Step 4: Getting Your Marriage Certificate
A marriage license allows you to get married, but if you need proof of your marriage for things like name changes or visas, you’ll need a marriage certificate.
📌 Cost: NZD $33
📌 Apply online here: certificates.services.govt.nz
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married in NZ
Can foreigners get married in New Zealand?
Absolutely! No residency required. Your marriage will be legally recognized worldwide, but check with your home country for any extra paperwork.
Can I change my wedding location after applying?
If it’s in the same general area, you’re fine. But if you’re switching from Auckland to Queenstown, you might need to reapply.
Can I get married last-minute?
Technically, yes—but since the license takes 3 days, you’ll need to plan at least that far ahead. If you love adrenaline, bungee jumping is a better option.
Top Wedding Locations in New Zealand
If you’re still deciding where to get married, here are some breathtaking spots:
📍 Queenstown – Snow-capped mountains, epic lakes, and adventure vibes. More info
📍 Wanaka – A serene, romantic lakeside town.
📍 Auckland – Urban elegance with stunning coastal views.
📍 Tongariro National Park – Say “I do” in a volcanic wonderland.
Each of these locations will give you the kind of wedding photos that make your Instagram explode.
Final Thoughts—And Why You Need the Best Wedding Photographer
By now, you know exactly how to get your marriage license in New Zealand. But let’s be honest—the real magic is in capturing the moment.
If you want wedding photos that are timeless, emotional, and full of pure magic, I’d love to be part of your journey. I specialize in destination weddings, and my goal is to create images that make you relive your best day forever.
📸 Explore my wedding photography portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
💍 Check out my wedding photography packages: Investment
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding: Contact Me
New Zealand is stunning, your love story is one of a kind, and your wedding deserves to be captured beautifully. Let’s make magic together. ✨
