Marriages held in New Zealand must be entered in the Registry at the Department of Internal Affairs, says Tikka Rajinder Prakash Bedi, who was recently appointed as a Marriage Celebrant (Indian Newslink, March 15, 2014).
“New Zealand law does not recognise marriages solemnised as per traditions and customs; they must be recorded as per the prescribed procedures,” he said.
Marriage is a significant event in everyone’s life and for Indians it represents the union of two souls and families, commencing a long journey of relationship. Indians represent all the major religions and beliefs and a marriage, conducted at a Temple, Mosque, Church, Gurdwara, a Hotel or even a Club, gains sanctity but not legal status, he added.
“Anyone who is legally free to marry in New Zealand may do so, either through a ceremony solemnised by the Registrar of Marriages in a Registry Office or by a Marriage Celebrant at a place other than a Registry Office. There is no legal requirement that a ceremony before a marriage celebrant be open to the public,” Mr Bedi said.
Registry Ceremonies
While Registry Office ceremonies take place during normal office hours, Marriage Celebrants can solemnise marriages on any day of the week at a time suitable to the bridal couples, their families or those connected with them.
Mr Bedi said that the New Zealand law considers marriage as formalisation of a relationship between two people in accordance with the Marriage Act 1955. The Statute provides the criteria, rules and processes for two people to have their relationship solemnised as a marriage (by way of a formal ceremony) and officially registered.
Marriage Licence
Every person intending to get married must obtain a Marriage License by completing a Notice of Intended Marriage Form. The form must be submitted in person (not online) since at least one of the parties must make a statutory declaration in the presence of Registrar of Marriages.
The fees
“Marriage licences are available only for collection during normal opening hours. A marriage licence is only valid for three months from the date of issue. Marriages conducted by a Registrar of Marriages at the Registry Office would cost $173.70, including the Marriage Licence and the Ceremony,” Mr Bedi said.
Those intending to conduct their marriage through a Marriage Celebrate must remit $122.60 (including Marriage Licence fee) along with the Notice of Intended Marriage Form duly filled and the name of the Marriage Celebrant.
Marriage Celebrants do not receive any payment from the Government.
Mr Bedi said that a Marriage License is valid for three months from the date of its issue.
“During that period the person/s licensed can marry at the place or places specified. The Registry Office must be notified of any change in venue. Persons getting married will receive a copy of the ‘Particulars of Marriage’ after the Ceremony,” he said.
Rajinder Bedi can be contacted on (09) 2652591 or 021-2411424. Email: raj.1442@yahoo.co.nz
