Marriages
I am registered to officiate at marriages in New Zealand. A marriage is the formalisation of a relationship between two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, in accordance with the Marriage Act 1955 and subsequent amendments. The 1955 Act provides the criteria, rules and processes for two people to have their relationship solemnised as a marriage (by way of a formal ceremony) and officially registered in New Zealand.
Anybody can marry in New Zealand, as long as they are legally free to marry. This means that they are not:
Anybody can marry in New Zealand, as long as they are legally free to marry. This means that they are not:
- Already married or in a civil union with a person other than the person they will be marrying (or if they have been married, the marriage has been dissolved by a court of law).
- Younger than 16, i.e. aged 16 or over, although parental consent and consent from a Family Court judge is required if either party is 16 or 17 years old before they can marry.
- Closely related by blood, marriage, civil union or adoption. Details of these "prohibited" marriages appear on the form 'Notice of Intended Marriage', which is used to apply for a marriage licence.
Civil Unions
Lloyd is also registered to conduct civil union ceremonies. The Civil Union Act 2004 provides the criteria, rules and processes for two people to have their relationship solemnised as a civil union (by way of a formal ceremony) and officially registered in New Zealand. Like marriage a civil union may be entered into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes.
Civil unions registered in New Zealand may be legally recognised in other countries, depending on the laws of that country.
Consent to enter into a civil union must be obtained if you are 16 to 17 years of age. Also, couples may change the form of their relationship between civil unions and marriages and couples who are married to each other, and who wish to continue in a relationship with each other, may change the form of that relationship to a civil union without having to formally dissolve their marriage.
Civil unions registered in New Zealand may be legally recognised in other countries, depending on the laws of that country.
Consent to enter into a civil union must be obtained if you are 16 to 17 years of age. Also, couples may change the form of their relationship between civil unions and marriages and couples who are married to each other, and who wish to continue in a relationship with each other, may change the form of that relationship to a civil union without having to formally dissolve their marriage.
Marriages and Civil Unions in New Zealand
Source: Registrar-General of Marriages and Civil Unions
How to get married or enter into a civil union in New Zealand:
www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/
Apply for a Marriage or Civil Union Licence:
marriages.services.govt.nz/
How to get married or enter into a civil union in New Zealand:
www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/
Apply for a Marriage or Civil Union Licence:
marriages.services.govt.nz/
