Registry Weddings
Everything you need to know
A registry wedding is a legal ceremony using the standard BDM script and vows. It is ideal if you just want to be legally married without the extras.
Is a registry wedding the right option for you?
A registry wedding may suit you if you want something short, simple and legal. The ceremony takes less than 20 minutes and includes the legal vows and signing the paperwork. If you are looking for something more, a personalised wedding ceremony will be a better fit.
Key Things to Know
Registry Weddings strictly adhere to the current guidelines set by Births, Deaths and Marriages.
- Registry weddings are held Monday to Friday, 9am and 5pm.
- They cannot be held on public holidays or during the Christmas/New Year holiday period.
- The ceremony must be within 10km radius of my home in Takanini. I can also marry you at home.
- You can have up to 10 people present, including your two witnesses.
- You need to provide your own two witnesses and bring photo ID.
- A registry wedding cannot be held at a wedding venue or function centre, such as a hotel or restaurant.
- Registry weddings do not include personal vows, readings, music, a bridal party, professional photography or videography.
- I am happy to marry you at my home in Takanini.
Costs
There are two separate costs:
- Marriage licence: $158 paid when you apply through BDM.
- Registry ceremony fee: $175 paid directly to me in advance.
How to book
- Please contact me before applying, so I can check whether I am available for your preferred date, time and location.
- Your marriage licence needs at least three working days to be processed, and you cannot book more than three months in advance.
- You can apply for your marriage licence here.
If you are late or need to cancel
Please arrive on time. If you are more than 15 minutes late, or if you cancel after the date and time have been held for you, the celebrant may retain the ceremony fee. If you need to change your booking, please let me know as soon as possible.
Need something more personal?
If the registry requirements do not suit what you have in mind, I can talk with you
about a personalised wedding ceremony instead. I have several options available that will give you more choice around the location, timing, guest numbers, vows, music, readings and overall feel of the ceremony.
Registry Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registry-style wedding?
A registry-style wedding is a short, simple ceremony where we complete the legal requirements of marriage. Births, Deaths and Marriages now uses registered marriage celebrants to conduct registry weddings on their behalf, and I am authorised to do this.
What are the legal requirements?
In New Zealand, the things you need to do to legally marry are pretty simple…
1. You need a Marriage licence at a cost of $158. You do this through the Births, Deaths and Marriages here.
2. You need to be married by a Registered Marriage Celebrant.
3. During the ceremony, you need to say “I AB take you CD” to be my husband/wife.
4. You need two witnesses (they can be anyone, as long as they fully understand what they are witnessing)
5. The two of you, your two witnesses and I must all sign the marriage licence
6. After the ceremony, I am responsible for ensuring your marriage is registered.
And that’s it!
How do I apply for my marriage licence?
You can apply here.
You need to arrange your licence at least 3 working days before you get married (but best not to leave it too late!.
It expires after 3 months.
Only one of you needs to complete the application, but you need information about both of you.
It costs $158
What's the difference between a 'registry wedding' and a 'wedding'?
A registry wedding keeps things simple: the legal wording, the required witnesses, and a short ceremony. A personalised wedding ceremony gives you more room for your story, vows, readings, music, and the people you want involved.
You can find out about the different options I offer here.
What's the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?
Good question! The first you order before your wedding, the certificate you receive afterwards. I highly recommend that you preorder this when you apply for your licence. (It costs an extra $35)
How do I change my name once I am married?
In New Zealand, you don’t usually have to do anything special if you want to change your name after you get married or have a civil union. When you get married, you can keep your last name, take your husband, wife or partner’s last name, hyphenate or use a combination of both your last names.
When changing your name on official documents such as your drivers licence or passport, you will need to use your marriage certificate.
What happens if the celebrant can't do the wedding on the day?
If, for unforseen circumstances, I am unable to be there on the day (and this has never happened yet – touch wood), I have a network of wonderful colleagues that I would turn to, to step in for me. Don’t worry, I would never leave you in the lurch!
What is Celebrants Aotearoa and why does it matter?
Celebrants Aotearoa is the professional association for celebrants in New Zealand, and I am proud to be a VCANZ validated member. VCANZ recognises experienced celebrants who have demonstrated ongoing professional development, reflective practice and a commitment to professional standards. For couples and families, it offers added reassurance that I take my role, my responsibilities and your ceremony seriously.
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