All Catholic marriages require pre-nuptial papers to be completed with a priest. Whether you are getting married in New Zealand or overseas it is essential that you contact your parish priest as soon as possible to arrange an appointment to complete the marriage papers.
Marriage papers are required for all weddings, both in and outside the church building. It is especially important if your marriage is taking place overseas or in another diocese in New Zealand. Your marriage papers are prepared in the place where you currently reside.
If your wedding is to be held outside the church, or in another New Zealand diocese or overseas, the papers are forwarded by your priest to the Vicar General, Monsignor Gerard Burns in the Wellington Archdiocese. He will then provide any further documentation required.
The marriage papers are then sent to the bishop’s representative (Vicar General, Chancellor or Vicar for Marriages) in the diocese where you are being married. They are then forwarded to the priest who will officiate at your wedding. Please allow at least 6 months for this process.
There is an administrative cost for preparing and sending papers. This includes the delivery costs of sending via international courier. We will advise you whether your destination is Tier 1 or 2 beforehand. The difference is to cover the differing courier charges depending on destination.
Tier 1 is $100.00 Total
Tier 2 is $150 Total
This can be paid to the Archdiocesan bank account. Please use the following details. Please be advised that this fee needs to be paid and confirmed before papers are to be prepared.
Bank account name: Archdiocese of Wellington;
Bank account number: 02 0536 0003306 00
Reference: one of your surnames
Code: MPIC
If you have questions and would like to talk about any aspect of the courses, please contact your officiating priest or the Marriage Ministries Coordinator at marriage@cadw.nz 04 496 1719