What is a New Zealand Marriage Certificate?
A New Zealand marriage certificate is the official legal record of a marriage registered in New Zealand. It is issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), part of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), and serves as the primary proof of a marriage having taken place.
The certificate is a formal government document that can be used as evidence of your marriage for a wide range of purposes: changing your name, immigration applications, property transactions, insurance claims, and various administrative processes in New Zealand and abroad.
New Zealand also issues civil union certificates under the Civil Unions Act 2004 — these are separate documents but follow an almost identical application process.
Certificate vs. Printout — which do you need?
A certificate ($33) is the official stamped legal document — required for immigration, legal or official administrative use. A printout ($25) is a copy of the register entry with more detail, useful for research, and can be emailed to you. For visas, name changes or court proceedings, always order a certificate.
What Information Appears on a NZ Marriage Certificate?
A New Zealand marriage certificate is one of the most information-rich certificates BDM issues. It contains the following details:
This makes the NZ marriage certificate particularly valuable for genealogical research, as it records information about both parties' families of origin, not just the marriage itself.
Who Can Order a Marriage Certificate?
New Zealand marriage certificates are public records. Anyone can order one — you do not need to be one of the parties to the marriage, nor do you need to prove a relationship or provide a reason. This applies to both online and postal applications.
If you are researching a historical marriage and do not need an official legal document, consider ordering a printout instead, which costs $25 and contains more information than the certificate.
Step-by-Step: How to Order Online
Other Ways to Apply
Apply by post (Form BDM93M)
Download and complete Form BDM93M — "Request for New Zealand Marriage Certificate or Printout" — available from the NZ Government website in PDF and accessible text format. Post the completed form to:
BDM Postal Address
Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 10526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand
Apply by phone
Most people can order a marriage certificate by phone. Payment is by credit or debit card:
- Within New Zealand: 0800 22 52 52
- From overseas: +64 4 463 9362
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm NZST
Apply in person at a BDM office
You must book an appointment online before visiting. Bring photo ID. Offices are located in Auckland, Manukau, Wellington and Christchurch.
Fees and Delivery Costs (2025)
Marriage Certificate — Complete Fee Schedule
| Item | Fee (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Official marriage certificate | $33.00 |
| Marriage printout (for research — can be emailed) | $25.00 |
| Civil union certificate | $33.00 |
| Standard post — NZ address | Free |
| Courier — NZ address | +$5.00 |
| International standard post | Included in certificate price |
| Courier — Australia, Asia, Pacific | +$15.00 |
| Courier — USA | +$20.00 |
| Courier — Europe / UK | +$25.00 |
| Courier — rest of world | +$30.00 |
Civil Union Certificates
New Zealand introduced civil unions under the Civil Unions Act 2004. Civil unions are available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples and carry the same legal status as a civil marriage for most purposes.
A civil union certificate is a separate document from a marriage certificate, but the application process is identical: $33, same form, same delivery options, same processing time. Order a civil union certificate online at certificates.services.govt.nz, by phone, post, or in person at a BDM office.
Lost Your Certificate? How to Replace It
If you have lost your original marriage certificate, simply order a new one — there is no separate replacement process. The cost is the same $33 as any other order. BDM keeps all marriage records indefinitely, so you can order a replacement at any time, regardless of when the marriage took place.
"Copy of Particulars" received at the wedding
When you got married, you may have received a "Copy of Particulars of Marriage" from the celebrant or registrar. Some organisations will accept this as evidence of your marriage — however, it is not an official BDM certificate and may not be accepted by all authorities, particularly overseas. If in doubt, order an official certificate.
Using Your Marriage Certificate for a Name Change
In New Zealand, marriage does not automatically change your name. If you wish to use your spouse's surname after marriage, your marriage certificate itself acts as evidence of the name change for many organisations. However, for official government documents (passport, driver's licence, IRD), you will generally need to present the certificate in person or submit a certified copy.
There is no separate name change registration required to start using your spouse's name after marriage — the certificate is sufficient in most cases. Requirements vary by organisation; contact the relevant authority directly to confirm what they require.
Divorce Shown on a Marriage Certificate
If a marriage registered in New Zealand was subsequently dissolved (divorced) in New Zealand, the date of the dissolution is added to the marriage certificate as an endorsement. This means that any marriage certificate issued after the divorce has been registered will show both the marriage date and the date of dissolution.
If you were divorced outside New Zealand, you can deposit the overseas divorce certificate with BDM so that the endorsement can be added to the NZ marriage record. Contact BDM directly for this process.
Using Your Marriage Certificate Overseas
If you need to present your New Zealand marriage certificate in another country — for immigration purposes, a foreign name change, property transactions, or legal proceedings — you may need to have it apostilled or authenticated.
An apostille is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs and verifies the official seal and signature on the certificate. New Zealand is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostilled NZ marriage certificate is accepted in most countries without further authentication.
Request the apostille when ordering your certificate from BDM — this is the most efficient approach. For non-Hague Convention countries, a more involved legalisation process may be required. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for specific country requirements.
You may also need a translation of your marriage certificate into the language of the destination country. BDM does not provide translations — use an accredited translation service.
Certificate of No Impediment (BDM 189) — Getting Married Abroad
If you are a New Zealand citizen intending to marry in another country, many foreign authorities will require proof that you are legally free to marry — i.e. that you are not already married, and that there is no legal impediment to your proposed marriage.
This document is called the Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, also known as a Certificate of Single Status or, in French, a "certificat de célibat". In New Zealand, the relevant form is BDM 189.
Important: minimum 2-week processing time
The Certificate of No Impediment requires a minimum two-week stand-down period from the date BDM receives your application. This is a legal requirement under the Marriage Act. Apply well in advance of your planned marriage. It is also recommended to request an apostille and, if required, an official translation at the same time.
To apply for a Certificate of No Impediment, contact BDM directly by phone or email. The certificate is issued after BDM has searched the New Zealand registers and confirmed no lawful impediment exists. For country-specific requirements, contact the relevant New Zealand embassy or consulate.
Historical Marriage Records (75+ years ago)
For marriages that occurred more than 75 years ago, the standard online portal is not used. Instead, use the BDM Historical Records service, where you can search records for free and order a printout (which can be emailed to you as a PDF).
Historical records are particularly detailed and include information that may not appear on a modern certificate. They are invaluable for genealogical research and tracing family histories in New Zealand back to the 1840s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about your New Zealand Marriage Certificate?
DocuServices NZ is an independent data validation and error correction service. We do not issue or process official certificates. For any enquiries about certificate data validation, contact us below.
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