How to Get Married in New Zealand: Marriage Licence Guide for Couples (2026)

If you're planning to get married in New Zealand, the paperwork is more straightforward than most couples expect. You'll need to apply for a marriage licence through the Department of Internal Affairs, and it costs $158 no matter what kind of ceremony you're having. Apply at least three working days before your wedding date, and once it's issued, the licence stays valid for three months.

That's the short version. Below is everything else worth knowing: who's eligible to marry here, the difference between a personalised and a registry ceremony, what actually happens after you apply, and a few details couples tend to overlook.

Who Can Get Married in New Zealand

Most couples are eligible, but there are a few rules to know before you apply:

• Both partners need to be at least 18. If either of you is 16 or 17, you'll need consent from a Family Court judge.

• Neither of you can already be married or in a civil union. If you've been married before, you'll need to provide proof it's legally ended, such as a divorce certificate or a death certificate.

• Same-sex marriage is legal in New Zealand, and the process is identical regardless of gender.

• You don't need to be a New Zealand citizen or resident. Visitors can apply for a licence and marry here too, which is part of why New Zealand is such a popular spot for destination weddings and elopements.

Personalised Ceremony vs Registry Ceremony

Every couple getting married in New Zealand chooses between two ceremony types, and the choice affects both cost and flexibility.

Personalised ceremony

• You work with a celebrant to build a ceremony around your own vows, structure and style.

• You can hold it at any time, on any date, and in almost any location (see the note on venues below).

• Cost: the $158 marriage licence, plus whatever fee your celebrant charges. Celebrants set their own rates, so it's worth getting a few quotes.

Registry ceremony

• A shorter ceremony with standard vows, run by a registrar.

• Must take place on a weekday between 9am and 5pm, and can't be held on a public holiday.

• Cost: the $158 marriage licence, plus a set $175 ceremony fee, paid to the celebrant in advance.

• It's worth confirming your celebrant's availability before you apply for the licence, since the ceremony fee is paid upfront.

Step by Step: How the Process Works

• Choose your ceremony type and book a celebrant. This matters most for registry ceremonies, since you're confirming availability and paying in advance.

• Apply for your marriage licence online at marriages.services.govt.nz. It takes about ten minutes, and only one of you needs to fill it in, though you'll need both people's details, your celebrant's name, and the ceremony date and location.

• Allow at least three working days for the licence to be issued. Don't leave this until the last minute.

• Keep an eye on the expiry. Your licence is valid for three months from the date it's issued, so applying too early can catch couples out.

• On the day, you'll need your celebrant and at least two witnesses present.

• Your celebrant registers the marriage after the ceremony. This is separate from ordering an official marriage certificate, which you can do afterward if you need one.

Good to know: your licence application asks for the ceremony location, and you can only legally marry in the place (or places, if you list a backup) you've named on the form. If your outdoor ceremony has a wet-weather backup venue, list both when you apply.

What It Actually Costs

• Marriage licence: $158, the same price whether you choose a personalised or registry ceremony.

• Registry ceremony fee: a fixed $175, paid directly to the celebrant in advance.

• Personalised ceremony fee: set by the individual celebrant, and rates vary, so it's worth comparing a few before you book.

Getting Married in NZ If You're Not a Citizen or Resident

New Zealand doesn't require citizenship or residency to marry here. Anyone can apply for a marriage licence, whether they're already in the country or applying from overseas ahead of time. If you're applying from outside New Zealand, there's a separate paper-based process using a form that needs to be signed in front of an authorised person in your own country and posted to Births, Deaths and Marriages before your licence can be issued. This is one of the reasons New Zealand attracts so many couples for destination weddings and elopements each year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a marriage licence last in New Zealand?

Three months from the date it's issued. If your wedding date falls outside that window, you'll need to reapply closer to the day.

Do we need witnesses?

Yes, at least two witnesses need to be present at the ceremony.

Can we get married on a public holiday?

Only with a personalised ceremony. Registry ceremonies can't be held on public holidays, or outside weekday business hours.

What if one of us has been married before?

You'll need to show proof the previous marriage or civil union has legally ended, such as a divorce certificate or a death certificate.

Do we need to be New Zealand citizens?

No. Anyone can apply for a marriage licence and marry in New Zealand, regardless of citizenship or residency status.

Can we apply for the licence before we've chosen a venue?

You can, but the application asks for your ceremony location, so it helps to lock in your venue (and any wet-weather backup) first.

Once the Paperwork's Sorted

With the legal side out of the way, the more enjoyable planning can begin: choosing a venue, working out your day-of timeline, and deciding who's going to capture it. Popin Wedding is building a straightforward, good-value approach to wedding photography and videography, and we'll be publishing more planning guides like this one as we go. Get in touch once your date is locked in.