Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings

How do I get a marriage licence and what is the cost?

• You will need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage form, which is available at any Registrar of Marriage office or can be downloaded at www.bdm.govt.nz. Residents of New Zealand require the BDM60 form, and overseas residents should ask for BDM58.
• If required, I can lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage form for you (as it must be lodged in New Zealand), but the form must be collected and signed-for by one of the marriage parties prior to the ceremony.
• Those under 17 years of age require parents’ permission.
• Those who have previously been married must provide their divorce papers.
• The marriage licence is valid for three months from the date of issue.
• A marriage licence costs NZ$120 payable on application to the Registrar.

Find out more about the process and legal requirements of obtaining a marriage license here.

How long does the process of obtaining a marriage licence take?
It normally takes three working days to obtain your marriage licence.

Do we have to apply for the marriage licence in person?
One of the marriage parties must sign the application in person before the Registrar of Marriages.

What does a marriage celebrant do?
As a marriage celebrant, I can help guide you through the process of getting married, providing advice on obtaining a marriage licence and support in planning your ceremony and writing your vows. I will also be the person who conducts the wedding ceremony and officially performs the marriage. I am a registered Independant Celebrant and Civil Union Celebrant, so you can be sure that I will conduct your wedding with the utmost professionalism.

How long does a normal wedding service take?
When I meet with you, we can discuss your precise requirements. There is no right or wrong answer for how long a wedding service usually takes, but for most people it is between 15 and 20 minutes.

Will our marriage licence be valid internationally?
All Commonwealth countries are required to accept a New Zealand Marriage Certificate as a valid legal document. Other nations require an additional ‘authentication certificate’ which may be obtained on application to the Authentication Department in Wellington (after the marriage).

Should we write our own vows and do we have to memorise them?
This is your choice entirely. I will provide a selection of vows which you may choose to use, or you may prefer to write your own. You do not have to memorise the vows.

Who else must be present at the ceremony along with the celebrant?
The wedding ceremony must be witnessed by two people. I can provide these witnesses on request.

Can we get married wherever we choose?
On your marriage licence application you must specify no more than two venues (usually a first choice plus a back-up option in case of bad weather) and the wedding ceremony must be conducted at one of these places.

Can you recommend locations in Central Otago for our wedding ceremony?
Central Otago offers many excellent locations for the perfect wedding ceremony. I am very happy to discuss your requirements and help you find the right venue. Of course, if you are planning a small and intimate wedding ceremony, Log House Retreat is an ideal setting, offering luxurious amenities in a private setting with stunning views.

Do you provide wedding night accommodation?
Yes. Luxurious and private, Log House Retreat is the perfect place to spend a romantic wedding night after a ceremony at Log House Retreat or elsewhere in the surrounding region of Central Otago, New Zealand. Contact me for further information and bookings.

What sort of accommodation do you offer?
Log House Retreat offers luxurious accommodation in three queen bedrooms. Each bedroom has bathrobes, cosy electric blankets, a stereo/CD player and tea- and coffee-making facilities, while the wonderful honeymoon suite has its own en suite bathroom and private lounge, as well as amazing views of the beautiful Central Otago region. Book your accommodation now.

Are there other things to do in the area?
Yes, the Central Otago region offers lots of great activities for you and your wedding guests to enjoy. From cycling on the Otago Central Rail Trail or a riverside walk to a Clutha River boat cruise or wine tasting at local vineyards, there are many things to do. And at the end of the day, you can relax with a soak in your private outdoor spa at Log House Retreat.

Can we have a rehearsal of the ceremony?
A rehearsal is not essential, but I do recommend it. The rehearsal is usually arranged for the day prior to the service.

Will you (the celebrant) attend our wedding reception?
This is not usually part of the arrangement, but I would be delighted to join you and your guests for a celebratory drink after the wedding ceremony.

What does the fee cover?
The fee covers a consultation with me during which we will discuss your ceremony and I will provide examples of wedding vows and readings, as well as advice on applying for your marriage licence. The cost also covers the development of your wedding ceremony, a rehearsal and the wedding day ceremony itself. Contact me for a quote.

When is booking confirmation required?
Confirmation of your booking is required within two weeks of scheduling a tentative booking.

How can I contact you?
You can phone me on +64 3 448 6949 or email me at marg@loghouseretreat.co.nz.

Still haven’t found the answer you need?
Email me to talk about your wedding plans.