The Legal Paperwork
First Meeting
with your
Celebrant
Music
Vow Writing
Final Celebrant meeting
Wedding
Rehersal
Timeline
Overview
Welcome! This guide is designed to help you understand the steps to plan your wedding ceremony in Aotearoa New Zealand. From applying for your marriage licence to writing your vows and choosing ceremony music, this page will walk you through everything you need to know...I will guide you personally through each step with gentle reminders and guidance as we go but this is a basic overview so you know what is ahead at this exciting time!
You can apply for your marriage liscence up to 3 months before your planned wedding date.
In New Zealand, you must apply for a Marriage Licence at least 3 working days before your ceremony, and it’s valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
How to apply:
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Apply online through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs.
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Choose your celebrant (that’s me!) and the place and date of your ceremony.
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Pay the fee (currently $150 for a standard licence).
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You’ll receive a Marriage Licence and two copies of the Copy of Particulars of Marriage.
I’ll use these on your wedding day to make it all official.
This is when we meet to:
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Talk about your love story and what kind of ceremony feels right for you
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Explain the legal bits
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Explore ideas for readings, music, and symbolic rituals
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Begin planning the structure and vibe of your ceremony
I’ll also walk you through what your vows might look like and how we’ll personalise your ceremony to suit you both.
What Can We Include in the Ceremony?
You can make your ceremony as unique as you are! Here are some popular options:
Symbolic Rituals -
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Handfasting
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Sand ceremony
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Ring warming
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Whānau involvement or cultural traditions (e.g., karakia, waiata, taonga exchange)
Readings & Poems -
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Traditional love poems
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Whakataukī (Māori proverbs)
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Personal writings from friends or whānau
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Favourite song lyrics or book excerpts
I always love meeting in person for our first chat, as it helps us connect and start planning your ceremony in a more personal way. That said, I'm also happy to meet over Zoom, FaceTime, or another platform if that's more convenient for you
You’ll typically need to select 3 key songs:
Music Ideas
Walking In (Processional)
Something meaningful to you - that you connect with as a couple
Signing the Licence (this can take 5 - 10 minutes so a playlist selection is best)
Soft background music (e.g., “Can’t Help Falling in Love”)
Walking Out (Recessional)
Celebratory! e.g., "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" – Stevie Wonder
In NZ, the legal part of the vows must include a clear statement that you are taking each other to be husband/wife/partner/spouse.
A typical legal vow might be:
"I [your full name] take you [partner's full name] to be my legally married [husband/wife/spouse]."
This must be spoken aloud in front of your celebrant and witnesses.
After that, make it your own!
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Heartfelt: “You are my best friend and the love of my life…”
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Light & Playful: “I vow to make you cups of tea and laugh at your terrible jokes…”
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Cultural: Incorporate te reo Māori, other heritage languages, or family traditions
I can guide you with templates and examples to make writing your vows fun, not stressful!
Typically 4 - 6 weeks out - Either in person or via zoom, Face time etc
We'll meet again to:
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Finalise the ceremony order and content
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Confirm all names and pronunciation
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Check over your vows and music choices
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Make sure the legal paperwork is ready
This is your practice run! It’s optional but recommended. At the rehearsal, we will:
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Walk through entrances, ceremony structure, and exits
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Coordinate with your music person or DJ
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Rehearse any readings, rituals, or cultural elements
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Answer questions and calm nerves!
Task Timeframe
Apply for Marriage Licence Up to 3 months before
Initial Celebrant Meeting 2–6 months before
Draft Vows & Ceremony Content Ongoing, with support
Final Planning Meeting 4-6 weeks before
Ceremony Rehearsal Day before (recommended)
Wedding Day Let’s make it amazing! 🎉
