-
Signing the Register – making it all official Formal indentification – As a celebrant I need to ensure that you are who you claim to be.
-
You need a marriage licence – you will need to have arranged a Marriage Celebrant or Registrar of Marriages and have a venue (and alternative if weather dependant). Just one of the you need to physically complete a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ at a Registary Office, which declares you are legally free to marry, and the required fee needs to be paid.
-
Two witnesses need to be present – these are often members of the bridal party, but not necessarily. These witnesses, the couple and the celebrant (or registrar) need to sign the license to legitimate the marriage.
-
The full legal names of the couple need to be used during the ceremony and they must each agree to be the legal wife/husband of the other.
-
Two copies of the Licence are completed – the couple retain one and the celebrant is responsible to file the other copy within ten calendar days of the ceremony.
The Department of Internal Affairs gives you the info you need. This link may be useful:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Births-Deaths-and-Marriages-Marriages-Frequently-Asked-Questions?OpenDocument#four
