Getting legally married in New Zealand involves paperwork, specific legal wording, witnesses, a register, and post-ceremony lodgement with Births, Deaths and Marriages. It's not complicated, but it needs to be done correctly. Hayley takes care of every part of this process for every couple she works with. She guides you through what needs to happen and when, handles the documentation, and ensures your marriage is fully and correctly registered with the New Zealand government.
Hayley is a registered New Zealand marriage and civil union celebrant based in New Brighton, Christchurch. She takes one ceremony per day — which means when you work with her, her complete attention is yours.
What's included
- Guidance on the Notice of Intended Marriage process
- All required legal wording correctly included in the ceremony
- Witnessing and signing of the marriage register
- Post-ceremony lodgement with Births, Deaths and Marriages NZ
- Assistance for couples where one or both partners are from overseas
- Clear timeline of what needs to happen and when
Pricing: Included with all Arohanui ceremonies
Talk to Hayley About Your CeremonyThe Process
How It Works
Notice of Intended Marriage
At least three working days before the ceremony, a Notice of Intended Marriage must be filed with Births, Deaths and Marriages NZ. Hayley tells you exactly what's needed, when to file it, and what to expect.
Legal ceremony requirements
New Zealand law requires specific words to be spoken during the ceremony. Hayley knows these requirements precisely and ensures they're woven into your ceremony correctly.
Register signing
After the ceremony, the couple and two witnesses sign the marriage register. Hayley manages this moment so it's smooth and unpressured.
Certificate lodgement
Hayley lodges the completed register with Births, Deaths and Marriages NZ to make your marriage official. You can then apply for your marriage certificate.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about legal guidance & paperwork.
A Notice of Intended Marriage is a legal document that must be filed with Births, Deaths and Marriages New Zealand at least three working days before your ceremony. It notifies the government of your intention to marry and records the basic details. Hayley guides you through the filing process — including the online form, the documents you'll need, and the timing. It's simpler than it sounds, and she makes sure nothing is missed.
It can add a step or two, but Hayley is experienced with international couples marrying in New Zealand. Depending on citizenship and residency status, additional documents may be required. Hayley advises on what's needed for your specific situation well in advance so there are no surprises.
New Zealand law requires that certain words be spoken by the celebrant and each partner during the ceremony — essentially a legal declaration of intent and mutual consent. These words form a small part of the full ceremony and can be incorporated naturally into the flow of a personalised ceremony. Hayley knows the exact requirements and ensures they're correctly included in every ceremony she conducts.
Hayley lodges the register with Births, Deaths and Marriages NZ after the ceremony. Once lodged, you can apply for your official marriage certificate online through the BDM website. Processing times vary but are typically within a few weeks. Hayley will let you know when she's lodged and what to expect.
Yes — both partners need to provide proof of identity and citizenship or residency when filing the Notice of Intended Marriage. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. If either partner has been previously married, documentation of the dissolution of that marriage is also required. Hayley guides you through exactly what's needed for your specific situation, including any additional requirements for international partners.
Minor errors can sometimes be corrected without refiling; significant errors may require a new submission, which restarts the three-working-day minimum period. This is exactly why Hayley reviews everything carefully before you submit. If you notice an error after filing, contact Births, Deaths and Marriages NZ directly as soon as possible — and let Hayley know so she can advise on what it means for your ceremony timeline.
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Hayley takes one ceremony per day and personally responds to every enquiry.
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