Registry-Style Weddings: Simple, Legal and Stress-Free

In Aotearoa New Zealand, you can no longer be married at a courthouse or Registry Office. Instead, registry-style ceremonies are now handled by specially approved independent celebrants like myself, verified through the Celebrants Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (CANZ).

What is a registry-style wedding?   

 A registry-style wedding is a straightforward legal ceremony. It follows a fixed script and standard vows, keeping things simple and budget-friendly while still meeting every legal requirement for getting married.

 When can we have a registry ceremony?

 Registry-style ceremonies:

• Are held Monday to Friday only – excluding public holidays and the Xmas/New Year period.

 • Must take place between 9:00am and 5:00pm

 Where can the ceremony be held?

 Your ceremony can take place:

 • At your home, or

 • At another mutually agreed location within 10km of my home

Guests and legal details 

To make the marriage legal, you’ll need:

• Two witnesses

 • No more than 10 people in total (including the witnesses)

 • Valid photo ID for both of you (passport or driver’s licence)

We don’t need to meet in person beforehand. Instead, I’ll give you a phone call to confirm:

 • Your chosen date and time

 • Where the ceremony will be held

 • The standard wording (script) we’ll use

 • Whether you’d like to include a ring exchange

 • How you’ll pay the fixed registry fee of $90

 Because the wording is set and not personalised, organising your registry ceremony is usually very quick and uncomplicated.

 What’s not part of a registry-style wedding

A registry ceremony is intentionally low-key. That means:

 • No professional photographers or videographers on site

 • No sound systems, speakers, or formal music setups

(These restrictions are the same as the ones that applied to courthouse and Registry Office weddings.)

Language and interpreters

The ceremony is conducted in spoken English.

 If either of you, or any of your witnesses, does not understand English, you’ll need to arrange an interpreter. Your interpreter must sign the official Declaration for translating a marriage or civil union ceremony, confirming they will accurately translate the service.

 How to apply for your marriage licence

 When you apply for your marriage licence online at the official Marriages website, select “Registry Wedding”, then choose me from the drop-down list of approved registry celebrants in your area.

The licence fee is $150, which is the same price as for a fully personalised ceremony.

 Want something more tailored to you?

If you’re imagining:

• More than 10 guests

 • A weekend or evening ceremony

 • Professional photography, videography, or live/recorded music

 • A ceremony script crafted around your relationship and story

 then you’re looking for a personalised wedding ceremony rather than a registry-style one.

 I also create and deliver personalised ceremonies and would be very happy to chat about what you have in mind and how we can shape a day that truly reflects you both.