How to Plan a Wedding in New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a wedding is a lot of decisions, but they come in a natural order. Get the first few right (budget, guest numbers, date and venue) and the rest falls into place. This guide walks through each step for a wedding in Aotearoa, with a timeline you can work from.

1. Agree the budget

Before looking at venues or dresses, agree what you can spend, and who is contributing. Then decide together what matters most: the food, the photos, the music, the setting. Put more of the budget there and keep other things simple. Set aside about 10% for surprises.

Prices vary widely with the date, the place and the guest list, so the most reliable way to know what your wedding will cost is to get quotes for it. Our guide to budgeting for an event shows how to split a budget.

2. Draft the guest list

Guest numbers shape the venue, the catering and much of the cost. Make a first list early, even a rough one, and decide on plus-ones and children before you book a venue.

3. Choose the date and season

• Summer (December to March) has the most settled weather and is the most popular, so venues and vendors book out first.
• Spring and autumn can offer good weather with more choice of dates.
• Winter suits indoor venues and cosy celebrations, and dates are easier to get.
• Fridays and Sundays are often easier to book than Saturdays.

4. Book the venue

New Zealand has every kind of setting: vineyards, beaches, gardens, farms, lodges, city venues and marae. Before you book, ask about capacity for a seated meal, what's included, the catering and alcohol rules, the finish time, and the plan for bad weather. Our venue checklist has the full list of questions.

5. Book your key vendors

Book these early, because the good ones are booked a year or more ahead for summer Saturdays:

• Celebrant: the person who conducts the ceremony and makes it legal. They must be a registered marriage celebrant.
• Photographer and videographer: look at full galleries from real weddings, not just highlights. See photographers and videographers.
• Caterer: if the venue doesn't provide food. See caterers and food trucks.
• Music: a band, a DJ, or both. See bands, DJs and entertainers.
• Styling and flowers: see stage setup and styling.

Ask for references or recent work, and get every booking confirmed in writing. Our guide to briefing vendors explains what to tell them.

6. Sort out the marriage licence

To marry legally in New Zealand you need a marriage licence, and your ceremony must be conducted by a registered celebrant. According to govt.nz:

• Apply at least 3 working days before the wedding.
• The licence expires after 3 months, so don't apply too early.
• You can apply online through Births, Deaths and Marriages, or with a paper form.
• Only one of you needs to apply, but you'll need information about both of you.

Check the current fee and the eligibility rules on govt.nz when you apply, as they can change.

7. Plan the ceremony and celebration

• Write the ceremony with your celebrant: the order, readings, vows and any traditions.
• Plan the running order for the day, from getting ready to the last dance, and share it with your vendors.
• Think about the guests: transport, accessibility, food for dietary needs, and somewhere for children if they're coming.

Including te reo and tikanga Māori

Many couples include elements such as a karakia (blessing), waiata (song) or a mihi (welcome). Talk with your celebrant, and with whānau or a cultural advisor, so they're included with care and meaning. See cultural services.

A wedding planning timeline

12 months or more before

• Agree the budget and draft the guest list.
• Choose the date and book the venue.
• Book the celebrant and photographer.

9 to 12 months before

• Book the caterer, music, and any videographer.
• Send save-the-dates, especially for guests travelling from overseas.
• Start looking at what you'll wear.

6 to 9 months before

• Book styling and flowers, hair and makeup, and transport.
• Plan the ceremony with your celebrant.

3 to 6 months before

• Send invitations, with an RSVP date and a question about dietary needs.
• Order the cake, and arrange suits and dress fittings.

1 to 3 months before

• Apply for the marriage licence (at least 3 working days before, and no more than 3 months before).
• Finalise the running order, and share it with vendors.
• Chase RSVPs and plan the seating.

The last two weeks

• Confirm final numbers with the venue and caterer.
• Reconfirm times with every vendor, and prepare final payments.
• Hand over day-of jobs to someone you trust, so you can enjoy it.

Have a weather plan

New Zealand weather can change quickly, even in summer. For an outdoor ceremony, make sure there's an indoor or covered option, or room for a marquee, and agree a time on the day for deciding which to use.

Get quotes for your wedding

Post your wedding on Event Nest once, and local vendors send you quotes to compare. It's free, and you choose who to talk to.