The process
From enquiry to made official
Getting married in New Zealand takes a little paperwork. Here’s how it works with me, from pencilling in your date to registering your marriage.
Pencil in your date
Get in touch with your date and venue. If I’m free, I’ll pencil you in. There’s nothing to pay at this stage, and your date is held for you while you sort your licence.
Apply for your marriage licence
Within 3 months of your wedding, apply online through Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). Choose a ceremony with a marriage celebrant, not a registry ceremony, and name me as your celebrant: search for Lizzi Whaley or my celebrant number 60229.
Your licence arrives
BDM issues your licence and it comes to me (or to you, and you send it on). This is when your booking is confirmed: I’ll invoice a 50% deposit and we lock in your date.
We plan your ceremony
I’ll send you a set of questions about the two of you, your people and how you want the day to feel. Your answers build the picture I write your ceremony from, whether that’s Registry Style or fully Personalised.
Your wedding day
The balance is due the day before your wedding. On the day I conduct the ceremony. You, me and your two witnesses sign the Copy of Particulars of Marriage straight away.
Made official
Within 10 days I send the signed papers to BDM to register your marriage. You can then order your marriage certificate from BDM if you’d like one.
Good to know
The rules from BDM
A plain-English summary. BDM’s website is the final word, so check there if anything’s unclear.
Timing
- Apply at least 3 working days before your wedding.
- A licence is valid for 3 months from the day it’s issued, so don’t apply more than 3 months ahead.
- I’d suggest applying about 6 to 10 weeks before, which leaves room for any delays.
Cost
- A marriage or civil union licence costs $158, paid to BDM.
- My ceremony fee is separate: a 50% deposit once your licence arrives, and the balance the day before your wedding.
- A marriage certificate is $35 from BDM if you want one.
Where you can marry
- Anywhere in New Zealand, indoors or outdoors.
- The ceremony must happen at a place named on your licence, so give the full address.
- For an outdoor wedding, add a wet-weather backup as your alternative address.
On the day
- Your two witnesses can be the people closest to you, or simply whoever is there on the day. A grown-up child, a best friend, a grandparent, even your photographer. The only requirements are that they understand what they’re witnessing and are clear-headed.
- You each make a legal vow that names the other person, and that part can’t be skipped.
- Sign with the name you used before marriage.
Changes
- If your date moves outside the 3-month window, the licence expires and you’ll need to apply again.
- If your venue or celebrant changes, contact BDM before the day so your licence is correct.
- Let me know straight away too, and we’ll sort it together.
Who can marry
- Couples aged 18 or over can apply.
- Anyone aged 16 or 17 needs consent from a Family Court judge.
- You can apply from overseas as well as from within New Zealand.
Based on information from govt.nz and Births, Deaths and Marriages, October 2026. Fees and rules can change.
Enquire
Ready to pencil in your date?
Send me your date and venue and I’ll check my availability. No deposit until your licence arrives.