Skip to main content

How to get married in NZ

Choose the kind of ceremony you want then follow the step-by-step guide.

In this section

Personalised ceremonies

You can have a personalised ceremony at any time, date and place you want. You write your own vows. It costs $150 for the marriage licence, plus the amount the celebrant charges for the ceremony.

Registry ceremonies

A registry ceremony has standard vows and must take place during business hours on a weekday (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). You cannot hold the ceremony on a public holiday. You must pay $150 for the marriage licence and a set fee of $90 for the ceremony, which you pay to the celebrant in advance. You should contact your celebrant before you apply for a marriage licence to make sure they will be available.

Utility links and page information

Was this page helpful?
Thanks, do you want to tell us more?

Do not enter personal information. All fields are optional.