Officiating Weddings In Nz: Who Can Do It?

If you're planning on officiating a wedding in New Zealand, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, you must be a registered marriage celebrant or a minister of religion to legally officiate a wedding in the country. To become a registered marriage celebrant, you need to be a New Zealand citizen and live there permanently. You also need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $220 and provide supporting documents, including letters of support from your community and a copy of your criminal record. Once approved, you'll be added to the celebrant database, and people will be able to find you online. It's important to note that you must be available to the public and cannot perform one-off ceremonies for friends or family.

Who can officiate a wedding in NZ?

Who can officiate a wedding in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, there are two types of people who can legally officiate a wedding: a registered marriage celebrant or a minister of religion.

A registered marriage celebrant is a professional trained and authorised by the Department of Internal Affairs to conduct weddings. They can be religious or non-religious and are usually more flexible in terms of ceremony style and content. To become an independent celebrant, you must be a New Zealand citizen and live there permanently. You must also pay a non-refundable application fee of $220 and provide supporting documents, including four signed letters of support from people in your community and a copy of your criminal record.

A minister of religion, on the other hand, is someone who is authorised by a recognised religious body to perform weddings according to their faith's traditions. To perform a legal wedding as a minister, you must be a New Zealand resident.

Both types of officiants must ensure that the legal requirements of the ceremony are met, including seeing the marriage licence and ensuring the couple's vows meet the necessary requirements.

How to become an ordained minister in NZ

If you're looking to become an ordained minister in New Zealand, there are a few steps you need to follow. Here's a guide to help you through the process:

Understand the Requirements:

Firstly, it's important to note that in New Zealand, there are two types of people who can legally officiate weddings: registered marriage celebrants and ministers of religion. To become an ordained minister, you typically need to be associated with a recognised religious body and authorised by them to perform wedding ceremonies according to their faith's traditions.

Choose Your Religious Organisation:

Decide on the religious organisation or church you wish to be ordained with. Different organisations may have their own specific requirements and training programmes for ordaining ministers. For example, the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand offers the Amorangi Ministry Training Programme for local ordained ministers.

Complete the Necessary Training:

Undertake the required training provided by your chosen religious organisation. This training will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to perform your duties as an ordained minister, including officiating weddings. The training content and duration may vary depending on the requirements of your religious organisation.

Get Ordained:

After successfully completing your training, you will need to go through the ordination process within your religious organisation. This may involve further assessments, interviews, or other requirements specific to your faith group. Once ordained, you will be recognised as a minister of religion and authorised to perform weddings according to your faith's traditions.

Register with the Local Authorities:

In New Zealand, ministers of religion are typically required to register with the local authorities to be legally recognised as marriage officiants. Contact the Office of Births, Deaths, and Marriages in the Department of Internal Affairs for guidance on the specific registration requirements and necessary documentation.

Understand Your Legal Responsibilities:

Before officiating a wedding, ensure you understand your legal responsibilities as an ordained minister. This includes knowing the marriage laws and requirements in New Zealand, such as the need for a marriage licence and the presence of witnesses during the ceremony.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming an ordained minister in New Zealand, recognised by both your chosen religious organisation and the local authorities. Remember to stay informed about any changes in marriage laws and requirements to ensure you can confidently and legally perform wedding ceremonies for couples.

What are the legal requirements for getting married in NZ?

To get married in New Zealand, there are several legal requirements that must be met. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your wedding is legally recognised:

Choose Your Ceremony Type

First, decide on the kind of ceremony you want. You can choose between a personalised ceremony or a registry ceremony. A personalised ceremony can take place at any time, date, and place you want, and you can write your own vows. A registry ceremony, on the other hand, has standard vows and must be held during business hours on weekdays (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday), excluding public holidays.

Apply for a Marriage Licence

Regardless of the type of ceremony, you must apply for a marriage licence. This confirms that it is legal for you to marry. The marriage licence costs $150 and can be applied for online or in person at any Births, Deaths, and Marriages office in New Zealand. It is important to note that you must arrange your licence at least three working days before your wedding. The licence is valid for three months from the date of issue.

Meet the Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for marriage in New Zealand, you must be 18 years or older and not already married or in a civil union. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you need to obtain consent from a Family Court Judge before you can marry. Additionally, you cannot be closely related to your partner by birth, marriage, or adoption.

Choose a Marriage Celebrant

In New Zealand, your marriage must be officiated by an appointed marriage celebrant. This can be a Registrar of Marriages, an independent marriage celebrant, a minister of a church, or a person connected with an approved organisation. You will need to contact and agree on a time and place with your chosen celebrant before applying for your marriage licence.

Complete the Necessary Forms

You will need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage application form. If either of you has been married or in a civil union before and it has been dissolved, you may need to provide evidence of the dissolution. Additionally, you will need to make a statutory declaration as part of the application form. This declaration must be made in the presence of a Registrar of Marriages, either in person or via an online meeting.

Obtain a Marriage Certificate

On your wedding day, you will need two witnesses to sign your marriage certificate, which your celebrant will provide. This certificate is a legal document that you will need to register your marriage in your home country if you are a tourist getting married in New Zealand.

By following these steps and meeting the legal requirements, you can ensure that your wedding in New Zealand is legally recognised.

What are the responsibilities of a marriage celebrant?

To officiate a wedding in New Zealand, you must be a registered marriage celebrant or a minister of religion. A registered marriage celebrant is a professional trained and authorised by the Department of Internal Affairs to conduct weddings. They can be religious or non-religious and can perform both marriages and civil unions.

Now, what are the responsibilities of a marriage celebrant?

Marriage celebrants are responsible for ensuring that the legal requirements of the wedding ceremony are met. This includes:

• Confirming the identities of the parties named on the marriage licence and ensuring they are the same people about to be joined in marriage.
• Ensuring the marriage is solemnised at the place described on the licence, by a marriage celebrant or registrar, and before at least two witnesses.
• Facilitating the exchange of marriage vows.
• Ensuring the registration papers are signed and witnessed in accordance with the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995, and returned to the issuing registrar within 10 calendar days.
• Taking all reasonable steps to ensure the marriage is registered with Births, Deaths and Marriages.
• Using the full names of the bride and groom, as they appear on the marriage licence, at some point in the ceremony. Abbreviations and nicknames may be used in other parts of the ceremony.
• Ensuring each party says the words, "I AB take you CD, to be my legal wife/husband" or similar.

In addition to these legal responsibilities, a marriage celebrant can also provide guidance and support throughout the wedding planning process, from helping choose the right vows and music to recommending vendors and suppliers. They can create a personalised and memorable ceremony that reflects the couple's love and commitment.

How to find a celebrant in NZ

How to Find a Celebrant in New Zealand

If you're planning a wedding in New Zealand, you'll need to find a registered marriage celebrant or a minister of religion to officiate the ceremony. A registered marriage celebrant is a professional trained and authorised by the Department of Internal Affairs to conduct weddings. They can be religious or non-religious and offer flexibility in terms of ceremony style and content.

• Use online directories: Websites like The Celebrant Directory provide a comprehensive list of celebrants in New Zealand. You can search for celebrants based on location, ceremony style, or language and contact them directly.
• Check with the Registrar of Marriages: Contact the Registrar of Marriages to obtain a list of appointed marriage celebrants. They can provide you with a list of registered celebrants in your area.
• Consider your preferences: Think about the type of ceremony you want. Do you prefer a traditional or contemporary wedding? Are you looking for a celebrant who specialises in same-sex marriages, elopements, or bilingual ceremonies? Knowing your preferences will help you narrow down your choices.
• Research and compare: Once you have a list of potential celebrants, take time to research their backgrounds, experience, and specialisations. Read testimonials, watch videos of their previous ceremonies (if available), and compare their services to find the best fit for your wedding.
• Communicate your requirements: Contact your chosen celebrants and discuss your specific requirements, including the date, time, location, and any unique elements you want to include in your ceremony.
• Book in advance: It is advisable to book your celebrant as early as possible, especially if you have a specific date in mind. Celebrants may be in high demand, especially during peak wedding seasons.
• Understand the fees: Discuss the fees and payment methods with your chosen celebrant. Be sure to clarify what is included in the fee, such as travel expenses and any additional services they may offer.
• Finalise the details: Once you've selected your celebrant, work closely with them to finalise all the details of the ceremony, including the vows, readings, and any cultural or personal touches you want to incorporate.

Remember, finding the right celebrant is crucial to ensuring your wedding ceremony is personalised and memorable. Take your time, ask questions, and choose a celebrant who aligns with your vision for your special day.

Frequently asked questions