This is an extremely user friendly and informative site giving you all the information you require to obtain what is commonly referred to as a ‘Marriage Licence or Marriage Certificate’. The correct reference is ‘Copy of Particulars of Marriage’ (BDM 45). However for the sake of easy explanation, I will continue to refer to this document as the ‘Marriage Licence’.
The following is an answer summary of frequently asked questions……
To apply for your ‘Marriage Licence’ you firstly need to obtain a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (BDM 60) form. If you are residing outside of New Zealand the form you need is the BDM 58. You can download these forms from the above site or, in New Zealand, collect a copy from your nearest Registry Office. If you are unsure where your nearest office is, call NZ 0800 22 77 77. With the completed (BDM 60/BDM 58) form, you can then apply for your ‘Marriage Licence’ (BDM 45).
It is noteworthy to remind you that once issued, your ‘Marriage Licence’ (BDM 45) is valid for 3 months only from the date of issue. So make sure when lodging the completed ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (BDM 60), it is well within the 3 month time frame of your intended wedding date. When collecting your ‘Marriage Licence’ from your local office, please check all details are correct.
When applying it is not necessary to produce your birth certificate, however if you have a copy in your possession, it does help the staff when cross referencing details.
If you have previously been married you will be asked to produce evidence of the dissolution (e.g. Divorce/Dissolution Order) of your former marriage when lodging the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (BDM 60). On the BDM 60 you have the option of using your ‘maiden name’ (surname given at birth) or your former married name.
If your previous spouse has died you do not have to produce a Death Certificate, but will have to note the date of death on the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form.
Legally your ceremony can only be solemnised at the venue/s you gave when applying. If marrying on a boat you need to be within NZ Territorial waters; give the name of the boat and the closest land mark to where the boat will be anchored during the ceremony. The ‘longitude and latitude’ needs to be recorded on the ‘Marriage Licence’ by your Celebrant at the time of signing.
When applying you are given 2 options of venue; this is in the case of wet weather so if you are intending to have your ceremony outside, make sure you add the name of the ‘back-up’ venue in case of inclement weather. If you are intending the reception venue to be your ‘back up’ wet weather ceremony venue, check with them first to make sure you can access and use the premises at the earlier time, before giving the venue as your 2nd choice.
If there is any change to your appointed venue/s after your ‘Marriage Licence has been issued, you must advise the Registry Office from which your licence was obtained so you can have it reissued with the new venue before the wedding.
A word of advice – when applying to the Council for a permit to marry in a public area such as the beach or a park, make sure the address/description of the location, matches that on your ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form. Make sure also, that you view a map of the area and identify exactly where it is you want your wedding. This saves any awkwardness, if on your wedding day; someone else is setting up for their wedding in your spot.
At the conclusion of the ceremony you will be handed a signed copy of one of the 'Copy of Particulars of Marriage' (BDM 45A) (your copy of the ‘Marriage Licence’). The other copy is returned to the issuing Registrar by your Marriage Celebrant.
With this signed document your marriage is legally registered in New Zealand and it enables either the ‘Bride or the Groom’, to take the others name.
If you are residing outside of New Zealand and wish to change your name after being married in New Zealand, you will need to obtain a ‘New Zealand Marriage Certificate’. The name of the form is; ‘Request for New Zealand Marriage Certificate and/or Marriage Printout’ (BDM 93M). This can be applied for after your marriage has been registered with Births, Deaths & Marriages, by your Marriage Affiant. If you are intending to live overseas and wish to change your name, I would suggest you ask for the above form when applying for your Marriage Licence.
