Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any required medical tests,
such as a blood test, in order to marry in NZ?
NZ law does not require blood tests or any other complicated acts for couples intending to marry here.

Are there any special requirements for proof of divorce?
If either party has been married previously, a 'Decree Absolute' or equivalent proof of the dissolution of the marriage must be supplied at the time of applying for a New Zealand marriage licence. Documents written in languages other than English must be accompanied by an English translation.

Is there a minimum stay?
Or a waiting period once I arrive in New Zealand?
No. This is because all documentation is pre-arranged so you can arrive in New Zealand and uplift your licence straight away. When planning your itinerary, please note that time on a week day prior to the ceremony must be set aside in either Christchurch or Auckland for this. Local assistance is included in the wedding package and uplifting takes approximately one hour including transfers. You can marry later that same day if you wish.

How many witnesses are needed, if any?
Two witnesses are required by New Zealand law. You can appoint two of your guests to sign your marriage documents, or if you are coming to New Zealand alone, our professional co-ordinator on the day will act as one witness and we will arrange for one other.

Will my New Zealand marriage licence be recognised in my home country?
New Zealand marriage documents are recognized in the USA, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and most other countries, however you should check with the authorities in the place where you normally live to see if there are any special steps you must take or rules that apply when you marry in New Zealand. Some countries require additional authentication of NZ marriage documents and we will advise you if this applies to your home country.

Can I marry on a public holiday?
Yes. However, please note that the marriage licence office closes over Christmas & New Year (23/24 Dec. ~ 02/03 Jan. inclusive) and so couples wishing to marry during this period must arrive in Christchurch or Auckland on, or prior to, the 22nd of December. Alternatively, you can sign the statutory declaration section of the licence application in front of a NZ representative in your home country. Please note that this must be done no earlier than three months prior to the wedding date, as the licence is valid for three months only.

Where can I get married?
Venues range from beautiful churches and private gardens to a hot air balloon or atop a glacier. There are no restrictions on the setting.

Can I get married at any time?
Once you have your New Zealand marriage licence in your possession, you can marry at any time of the day or night - 7am in a hot air balloon or 10pm in a restaurant overlooking the sparkling cityscape!

What type of ceremony can I choose from?
Civil or religious. Secular or spiritual. Casual or more traditional. Your choice of Civil Marriage Celebrant, Minister or Priest. We hold a good selection of popular ceremony formats and readings - both traditional and non-traditional. Some Ministers or Priests will now go out of the church to marry couples. Some churches allow access to Civil Celebrants for marriage ceremonies.

Can we personalise the ceremony?
If you have access to email, your appointed Celebrant will email you direct with ideas and samples of civil ceremonies. This means that you can personalise the ceremony to suit your preferences. Alternatively, if time permits, you can meet with the Celebrant at your hotel the day prior and personalise the service (minimum one-hour appointment). Please note that some Ministers or Priests request to spend more time with the couple prior to the ceremony, and/or that they receive some background information on the couple from the couple's home church.