Make it Legal... Registrar of Marriages - 0800 225 252

You can spend a long day taking part in a sacred religious ritual, parading in front of your family and friends...

but you are still not married in the eyes of the law until you have had a civil wedding.
Asian families tend to have the civil marriage prior to religious ceremony so that when the bride and groom spend their first night together, families of the couple can have peace of mind knowing the couple are legally married.

Arranging marriage documents on your own can be very time consuming and frustrating. New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world where you can arrive, sign the appropriate documents and be married the same day. To apply for a marriage licence you can contact you nearest Registrar of marriages contact Births, Deaths and Marriage (Department of Internal Affairs) in your local area or for more information you can contact them on 0800 22 52 52.

Couples must be at least 16 years of age, unless they have written consent from their parents. Couples must not be closely related by blood, marriage or adoption. If parental consent is denied, then an application can be made to the District Court.
A marriage licence will cost you $80.00, unless you want to be married in the registry office in which case the fee will be $120.00, which includes the use of the registry for the ceremony. Your marriage licence is valid for 3 months from the date of issue and takes 3 working days to process.

Things to take with you:

1. Birth Certificate.
2. If you have been previously married - proof that you are now free to marry again.
3. Two witnesses who are old enough to understand what they are doing.