Same-sex marriage in New Zealand

Your Wedding ceremony should reflect your individual and distinct personalities, tastes and wishes.

I welcome same sex couples who wish to formally recognise their relationship through a same sex Marriage and am delighted to be an Independent Marriage Celebrant who can celebrate same sex Marriage on request.

I would be delighted to accommodate your desires, so you feel comfortable and confident in the planning process and ultimately on your special day.

The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act 2013 enables same-sex couples to legally marry, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The new statutory definition of marriage in the Marriage Act defines marriage as “the union of 2 people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.”

Same sex marriage (also called Gay Marriage) is the union of two individuals of the same sex in a marital relationship, with the full legal rights and responsibilities allotted to this contract in a given jurisdiction.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people now have the same legal rights as other people in New Zealand, which enacted legislation that permitted civil unions in 2005, which allowed couples many of the same rights as married couples and same-sex marriage has been legalised and gone into effect since 19 August 2013.

As an Independent Marriage Celebrant I am appointed by the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages as a Marriage Celebrant and can operate independently of churches and organisations.

Only those persons appointed by the Registrar-General as Independent Marriage Celebrants and whose names appear in the List of Marriage Celebrants in the New Zealand Gazette and at www.bdm.govt.nz have the authority to solemnise same sex marriages in New Zealand.

Will we still be able to choose ‘bride’ and ‘groom’ on marriage forms?

Yes, ‘bride’ and ‘bridegroom’ remain as terms on the marriage forms. Alternatively, individuals may choose to refer to themselves as ‘partners’ should they wish. The terms that the couple choose will appear on marriage certificates issued after the marriage is registered.

If you have any questions regarding same-sex marriage or would like to have a chat, contact me today.