The legal framework
The Marriage (Court Consent to Marriage of Minors) Amendment Act 2018 removed parental consent for 16 and 17 year olds and replaced it with Family Court approval, as a measure against forced marriage. Same-sex marriage was legalised in 2013, making New Zealand the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to do so.
Key points
| Age | 18; Family Court consent required at 16 or 17 |
|---|---|
| Polygamy | Prohibited; bigamy is an offence. |
| Licence | Marriage licence obtained from Births, Deaths and Marriages |
| Same-sex marriage | Since August 2013 |
| Civil unions | Still available, open to all couples since 2005 |
| Celebrants | Registered independent and organisational celebrants, or a registrar |
| Witnesses | Two |
| Overseas marriages | Recognised if valid where celebrated |
| Celebrant list | Published; independent and organisational celebrants both appear |
| Declaration | Specific words taking each other in marriage must be spoken |
In practice
- Apply for the licence online or in person; it is valid for three months.
- Choose a celebrant from the public register.
- The celebrant returns the paperwork; order the certificate afterwards.
- Consider a contracting-out agreement if you want to avoid equal sharing of relationship property.
- If the date changes, check whether the licence is still within its three months.
- Two witnesses are required; arrange them in advance.
Cost and coverage
Licence and certificate fees are modest.
Recent changes
Because the Property (Relationships) Act applies equally to de facto couples after three years, the legal significance of marrying is smaller in New Zealand than almost anywhere else.
Where to go
- Births, Deaths and Marriages, Department of Internal Affairs.
- Public register of marriage celebrants.
- Community Law Centres for property advice.
Worth knowing
Marriage and long cohabitation have nearly identical property consequences here. If you want a different outcome, the contracting-out agreement — not the wedding — is the document that matters. Civil union remains available and is not identical to marriage in every overseas context. If you will live abroad, marriage is usually recognised more widely.
Official sources and links
- govt.nz — official government information
- New Zealand Legislation — acts and regulations