A couple in New Zealand can register a Hindu, Sikh, Jain or Buddhist marriage solemnised in India under the Hindu Marriage Act and the state's registration rules, using wedding photographs, invitations, identity documents and witness affidavits. Most states require both spouses to appear before the registrar, though some permit video verification. Couples marrying under the Special Marriage Act give notice in India and must meet its residence requirement before the marriage officer solemnises it.
- Document route
- New Zealand notary public, then apostille from the Department of Internal Affairs
- Time difference
- New Zealand is 6h30 (NZ winter) to 7h30 (NZ summer) ahead of IST
- Hindu marriages
- Section 8, Hindu Marriage Act 1955
- Civil marriage
- Special Marriage Act 1954
Marriage Registration from New Zealand: how it works
For a marriage already solemnised in India, we confirm which state's rules apply, usually where the marriage took place or where either spouse lives, and collect the documents: proof of age, passports, photographs of the ceremony, the invitation card and affidavits of the spouses and witnesses. Affidavits can be signed in New Zealand before a notary with a DIA apostille. We check whether the registrar will allow a video appearance or requires both spouses in person, and plan around your next trip to India if necessary.
For a future wedding, the choice is between a religious ceremony followed by registration, a marriage under the Special Marriage Act with notice and a residence period, or a marriage abroad before a marriage officer under the Foreign Marriage Act 1969. Once issued, the Indian certificate can be apostilled in India by the Ministry of External Affairs for use in New Zealand. Registration late after the wedding is possible but may involve a late fee and closer scrutiny by the registrar.
What clients in New Zealand should know
- Immigration New Zealand assesses partnership on a range of evidence, and a registered marriage certificate is strong supporting evidence, though not the only thing considered.
- A New Zealand citizen marrying an Indian national in India under the Special Marriage Act must satisfy the notice and residence rules, which affects travel planning.
- Marriages registered in India can be apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs after state attestation, so New Zealand authorities can rely on them without further legalisation.
Step by step from New Zealand
Video consultation
A call at a time that suits New Zealand, after we have read your documents.
Documents signed in New Zealand
New Zealand notary public, then apostille from the Department of Internal Affairs
Work in India
Our team files, appears and follows up in India, and shares scans of everything filed.
Result and handover
Certified copies and originals are couriered to you in New Zealand where needed.
The full guide
This page covers what changes when you are in New Zealand. For the law, the documents and the step-by-step procedure, read our main page on Marriage Registration, or see all services for clients in New Zealand and the Cross-Border Family Law practice area.
Questions from clients in New Zealand
Can we register our marriage from New Zealand without travelling?
It depends on the state. Some registrars accept video verification; others require both spouses in person. We confirm before filing.
Will New Zealand recognise our Indian marriage certificate?
A valid marriage certificate from India, apostilled where required, is generally accepted as proof of marriage in New Zealand.
Can a New Zealand citizen marry in India?
Yes, usually under the Special Marriage Act or the personal law that applies to both parties, subject to notice and residence requirements.