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.