The best Step-by-step guide to eloping in New Zealand

Step-by-step guide to eloping in New Zealand

Now, eloping may seem difficult and confusing and especially if you are eloping in a different country. I’m here to take all your worries away and making your process for eloping in New Zealand the easiest decision you’ll ever have to make. In this step by step guide to eloping in New Zealand we are going to cover everything you need to know to take any guess work out of the way and making your New Zealand elopement an easy dreamy process. 

Now first things first..

Can anyone get married in NZ

Absolutely, anyone can elope in New Zealand, and it’s easier than you might think! New Zealand is full of stunning landscapes and breath-taking views, making it one of the best places to elope in the world and such an attractive place to have a destination wedding. Whether you’re a local or coming from abroad, as long as you fill out the correct paperwork and meet the requirements, anyone can have Aotearoa as the place they say I DO.  

How to Legally Elope in New Zealand

To legally elope in New Zealand, you’ll need to follow this straightforward process. 

1. Apply for your marriage license.
2. Choose a registered celebrant to officiate your wedding, as they are legally authorised to conduct marriages in New Zealand. 
3. On your wedding day, both parties must be present.
4. You must have two witnesses to sign the marriage documents. (one can be your photographer or you pilot of you go for a heli elopement) 
5. Photographer, now this isn’t a legal requirement but it sure should be on the list of things to organise. 

Requirements for eloping in New Zealand

As long as you and your partner are both 18 or older (or have parental consent if you’re younger), you’re good to go. Just fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage form and submit it to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs with your passports and birth certificates. 

Then, pick a fun and fabulous registered celebrant to officiate your ceremony, and don’t forget to bring along two witnesses. I have many local celebrant’s to recommend and witnesses if you need. But your celebrant will be your best friend as they have all the knowledge for eloping in nz. They will guide you through any legal questions you have regarding the marriage license and they will be there on the day to seamlessly guide you through the ceremony and any all places to sign to make this legal and binding.  

New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and welcoming vibe make it a perfect and inclusive spot for everyone, including same-sex couples, to tie the knot in a uniquely unforgettable way. These requirements ensure that your elopement is legally binding and recognised both in New Zealand and internationally.

Getting your marriage license – What you need to know:

Before you get married, you need to apply for a marriage licence. This confirms it’s legal for you to marry. A marriage licence costs $150.

• You need to arrange your licence at least 3 working days before you get married.
• It expires after 3 months.
• If you’re using a celebrant, they have separate fees.
• Only one of you needs to complete the application, but you need information about both of you.

You can find the application form here

Should I have a photographer

Short answer YES, long answer YEEEESSSS!

Now I may be slightly biased because I am an elopement and wedding photographer but this is probably one of the most important days of you lives and these are the moments you’ll want to have something tangible to look back on 50 years time. 

A professional photographer will capture all the magic, from the look on your partner’s face when you say “I do” to the stunning backdrop of New Zealand’s incredible landscapes. Plus, we know all the best spots and angles to make your photos absolutely breath-taking. While you are focused on marrying your lie partner, we’ll be there to showcase this love through photos.  Trust me, these are memories worth preserving!

If you aren’t convinced yet, I’m sure these images will change your mind!

Best places to elope in New Zealand

Now this is probably the hardest decision you’ll have to make of the whole experience. I have been lucky enough to photograph a lot of elopements and by far my personal favourites are those who choose to have a heli elopement. What better way than to fly to a remote mountain top and scream to the world I DO. Or just say it in a regular decibel but either way it makes your wedding day that much more exciting. With thrills of being hundreds of meters high, confessing your love with out of this world views. If you need more convincing, I’ve written a blog about some of the best elopement locations.

Best time of year to elope nz

Choosing the best season to get married in NZ is a crucial decision that can shape your entire wedding experience. Let me help take the stress swore out of it. I’ve made a comprehensive guide of the pros and cons of each season will help you plan the perfect elopement. Best Seasons to Get Married in NZ: A Comprehensive Guide

Save this checklist for your elopement:

• Apply for a marriage license through the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. It’s $150 and it takes 3 days. 
• Book your celebrant.
• Lock in a local photographer.
• Find a ceremony location.
• Book a date.
• Fly to NZ.
• SAY I DO!
• Get your dream photos back and tell your family and friends.

With such an easy and streamline process, no wonder couples from all around the world pick Aotearoa to say I do. The jaw-dropping landscapes might also have something to do with it.