Becoming a Celebrant in New Zealand

Those interested in becoming a Celebrant in New Zealand express their interest by sending in a written application to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Details to include in the application:  

• Your name

• Phone number

• Postal address

• Email address

• If you belong to a church or organisation, it's name; or

• If you wish to be an independent celebrant (a person appointed solely on the basis of community service and independent from a church or religious organisation); and

• Any other relevant details that you wish to include

Appoints tend to be on the basis of need, so include in your application your reason for believing that an additional celebrant is required in your locality.

Celebrancy applications are responded to with a letter from the Registrar. As part of the appointment process the Registrar may set up an interview with  you.

There is no charge for the application to become a Civil Marriage Celebrant. The Registrar also points out that being a Justice of the Peace, or complete a Certificate of Celebrancy Studies does not automatically entitle the application to be appointed as a Marriage Celebrant.

Further information on the celebrant appointment process can be found on their New Zealand Government website.