Notice of Intended Marriage / Marriage Licence / Marriage Certificate – PAPERWORK!!!!

There is quite a bit of ‘paperwork’ involved when it comes to getting married. Don’t let it do your head in but do make sure you get it all done.

1. No closer than 3 months out from your wedding, and at least 3 days before, you need to apply for your Marriage Licence by completing the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ with Internal Affairs.  https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/get-a-marriage-licence#who-can-get-it
2. You will then receive two copies of “Copy of Particulars of Marriage” – or your Marriage Licence. Give this to your Celebrant as it is their responsibility to ensure these are completed as part of your ceremony. You get one copy to keep with you and they return the other copy, within 10 days of your wedding, to Internal Affairs so that your Marriage is Registered.
3. A Marriage Certificate can be requested by completing the details on the back of the ‘Copy of Particulars of Marriage’ that the Celebrant is filing with Internal Affairs. There is a small fee for this but it is recommended because:

• A Marriage Certificate is confirmation your marriage has been officially registered
• If needed for any legal reason, this is your document (some organisations & countries will accept the ‘Copy of Particulars of Marriage’ but not all).
• Organisations such as teritiary institutions, banks, Immigration NZ, NZ Transport Authority, may require the Marriage Certificate as evidence to enrol with them or update your details. This is especially the case if you change your surname from your given name on your birth certificate.
• When applying for visas, passports or residency with overseas organisations, a Marriage Certificate is proof of marriage.

Marriage certificates can be ordered on the back of the Copy of Particulars of Marriage form, through a verified RealMe account at www.bdmonline.dia.govt.nz or by Freephone 0800 22 52 52.