MEDIA RELEASE

19 July 2013

Countdown begins for Marriage Act changes

The first same sex couples will be able to get married in exactly one month, when changes to the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Act 2013 take effect.

Registrar-General of Marriages Jeff Montgomery is encouraging same sex couples intending to get married from 19 August to find out about the marriage process so everything goes smoothly on the day.

“We anticipate a strong level of demand from same sex couples in New Zealand and also from overseas, to get married. Same sex couples in a civil union may also decide to change their civil union to a marriage. It’s really important that same sex couples read up on the process so they know what they have to do.”

Mr Montgomery says that the process is straightforward.

”New forms have now been finalised through changes made to regulations and include the terms ‘bride’, ‘bridegroom’ and ‘partner’. The new forms will be available on the Department’s website in the week of 12 August for use by all couples, including same sex couples, who want to get married from 19 August. All couples must use the new form.

“A same-sex couple can apply for a marriage licence using the new form no earlier than 16 August. Three days after notice is given to a Registrar of Marriages, a marriage licence will be ready for collection and a marriage can take place on 19 August.

Information on how to get married is currently available on the Department’s website and will be updated to include the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act changes.

“The Department is on track to deliver all the changes required by the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act. We are confident everything will be ready.”

The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act enables couples to marry regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The new statutory definition of marriage in the Marriage Act defines marriage as "the union of two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity".

All couples getting married in New Zealand must follow the correct process, including being married by an approved marriage celebrant or a Registrar of Marriages. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages within the Department appoints marriage celebrants, registers marriages and produces marriage certificates.

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