What is the cheapest way to get married? How much is a registry ceremony in total?
A registry ceremony costs the least: the NZ$158 licence plus a set ceremony fee of NZ$175, paid to the celebrant in advance. It must be on a weekday between 9am and 5pm, not on a public holiday, with no more than 10 guests and standard vows.
Official figures
- Marriage licence fee
- NZ$1581
- When to get it
- At least 3 working days before you get married; the licence expires after 3 months1
- How long the licence takes
- After you sign the declaration in front of a Registrar of Marriages and post it to Births, Deaths and Marriages, it takes 3 days to get the licence. If you are using a celebrant, the licence can be sent straight to them by email or courier1
- Registry ceremony cost
- Marriage licence NZ$158, plus a set ceremony fee of NZ$175 (paid to the celebrant in advance)2
- Personalised ceremony cost
- Marriage licence NZ$158, plus whatever the celebrant charges for the ceremony3
Official sources
- Get a marriage licenceDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
- Registry ceremoniesDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
- Personalised ceremoniesDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
- Order a marriage certificateDepartment of Internal Affairs (Govt.nz) · govt.nz
Read the full guide: Getting married in New Zealand →
People also ask
- How do I get married in New Zealand, and how much does it cost?
- How far ahead do I need a marriage licence, and how long is it valid?
- We are not New Zealand citizens — we're visitors or on work visas. Can we get married here?
- How many witnesses do we need, and who can be a witness?
- How do I get a marriage certificate? How much is it and how long does it take?
- Do I have to change my surname after marriage? Is there any paperwork?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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