New Zealand Weddings   

The Master’s Lodge is a wonderful place for a small, intimate wedding and honeymoon.  We will arrange everything for you, or assist only in the areas you direct.  Getting married in New Zealand is amazingly simple.

Anybody can marry in New Zealand as long as they are legally free to marry.
Under New Zealand law, this means:

• You are not married already (or if you have been married, the marriage has been dissolved by a court of law, and proof is presented).
• You are old enough (16 or over, although parental consent is required if either party is under 20 years old).
• You are not closely related by blood, marriage or adoption.

New Zealand marriages are recognised by most countries, including the US, UK, Australia and most European countries.  However, you should check with the authorities in the place where you normally live to see if there are any special steps you must take or rules that apply when you marry in New Zealand.

Before You Get Married...

Decide When and Where you want to get Married
You will need to advise us of the specific date on which you will be married.  You will also need to decide where you wish to have the ceremony whether it be at The Master’s Lodge, a local church, on the beach, or other beautiful options.  We will be pleased to help you make this choice.

Choose a Marriage Celebrant
In New Zealand you must be married by a registered marriage celebrant. This may be a Registrar of Marriages, a civil marriage celebrant, or a minister of a church.  We will be pleased to help you select the appropriate celebrant for your ceremony. 

Get a Marriage Licence
Blood tests and other complicated procedures are not required in New Zealand.  You only need to get a Marriage Licence.  In order to do this, you will need to:

1. Complete an application form called a “Notice of Intended Marriage”

If you live in New Zealand (or if you will be in New Zealand for at least three business days ahead of your wedding (either the bride or groom, or both)) -you must make this application on Form BDM 60 in the presence of a Registrar of Marriages in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Manukau City.

If you live outside of New Zealand and will not arrive in New Zealand until immediately before the date you want to marry – You may complete the application on Form BDM 58 and send the form to the Registrar of Marriages.  The application form must be received by the Registrar at least three business days before your wedding day.

2. Make a “Statutory Declaration”
As part of completing the application form for a marriage licence, you will need to make a statutory declaration that there is no lawful impediment to the marriage i.e., no legal reason that you cannot marry, the details you give are true, the bride and groom are not within the "prohibited degrees of relationship" and parental consent has been given (if either of you are under 20 years of age).

3. Pick Up the “Marriage Licence”
You will need to collect your Marriage Licence in person from the Registrar of Marriages before your wedding date.  If your trip cannot be arranged to include passing by the Registrar’s office on a week day, visiting a NZ representative in your own country can accomplish what is needed.  Marriage Licences are valid for three months from the date of issue. During that period you are free to marry at the place specified on the marriage licence. The licence fee is NZ$120.  The name of the celebrant must be given on the form in order for your licence to be issued. The celebrant must be registered to conduct marriages in New Zealand.

The Marriage Ceremony
New Zealand law has no requirements regarding the format of your marriage ceremony.  You may tailor the ceremony as you wish in coordination with your celebrant.  We will be pleased to make every arrangement that you wish regarding ceremony site and celebrant selection, flowers, photography, videography, music, wedding reception and cake, wedding dinner and transportation.

The Certificate of Marriage
The Marriage License will be completed by the celebrant or minister and subsequently returned to the Registrar of Marriages.  Immediately after the ceremony, you will receive a copy of the “Particulars of Marriage” which is, in fact, your true marriage certificate.  However, some couples prefer to obtain a “Certificate of Marriage” for general use, as the copy of the Particulars of Marriage has the signatures of the bride and groom on it.  We will assist you in obtaining a Marriage Certificate from the Central Registry as soon as the marriage has been registered.

 
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"The Master's Lodge boutique lodgings offer luxury hotel style accommodation situated in Napier, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (NZ). Our retreat offers elegant bed and breakfast with optional gourmet dinners, spa options, and wedding and honeymoon packages."