Only one specific New Zealand marriage certificate can be apostilled for use overseas, and it is not the one you signed on your wedding day. Copies are refused too. We order the right certificate for you as an approved BDM Online organisation, get it apostilled (or authenticated, depending on the country) and courier it anywhere in the world. Sent to the UK from NZ$244 all in.
How it works with us
You fill in one form. We do the rest.
- Tell us the countryWe confirm the route and the format the office accepts.
- We order the certificateThe right one, directly.
- We prepare and lodge itChecked first, so it isn't sent back.
- Translation, if requiredWe arrange it at the right step.
- Tracked deliveryTo you in NZ or straight overseas.
What it costs
| Your situation | All in from |
|---|---|
| You already have the right certificate, returned in NZ | NZ$148 all in |
| We order it, apostille it and send it to the UK | NZ$244 |
| Europe, urgent, translation, other countries | Quoted all in |
Prices include government fees and GST. Your quote shows one total before any work starts. See pricing.
The wedding-day document can't be apostilled
The document you sign on your wedding day looks official, but it can't be apostilled or authenticated. Photocopies and JP-certified copies are refused too. This is the most common reason a marriage certificate comes back weeks later. We order the correct certificate before anything is lodged, so it's right the first time.
We order the certificate for you
NZ Document Assist Limited is an approved BDM Online organisation. We order New Zealand marriage certificates directly (only need one for use in New Zealand? Order your NZ marriage certificate for NZ$79), so you don't need a login, an office visit or to be in New Zealand. You sign our short online letter of authority and we take it from there. Only need it for use in New Zealand, with no apostille? Order your NZ marriage certificate online and we post it to you for NZ$79 all in.
Paper apostille or e-apostille?
Both exist, and many overseas offices still insist on paper. Choose the wrong one and it's refused. We check which one the receiving office accepts before lodging. See Paper vs E-Apostille.
How long does it take?
About 3 weeks for the apostille, or about 1 week with the urgent service where eligible. If the certificate has to be ordered first, allow a little extra. Tell us your deadline and we'll tell you straight away whether it's achievable.
Does it need translating?
Only if the destination asks for it, and it has to be done in an accepted way, at the right stage. We arrange it and fit it in. See Translation.
Mistakes we catch before they cost you weeks
- Sending the wedding-day document instead of the right certificate
- Sending a photocopy or a JP-certified copy
- Getting an apostille when the country needs authentication (UAE, Thailand, Malaysia)
- Choosing an e-apostille when the office wants paper
- Arranging a translation that isn't accepted
Getting married overseas instead? You need a Certificate of No Impediment, not a marriage certificate. We handle that too.
Changed your name formally, not just by marriage? Your NZ birth certificate will show both names once it's reissued. See name change birth certificate NZ.
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
| Route | Common destinations |
|---|---|
| Apostille | United Kingdom, Australia, United States, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Philippines, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, South Africa |
| Authentication | United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, Taiwan, Nigeria |
| Authentication + embassy | Iraq, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and others |
We confirm the route for your exact country before anything is lodged. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Applying for an Indian OCI card through marriage? The Consulate asks for an apostilled NZ marriage certificate for an OCI card. Married in New Zealand to a Filipino citizen? See Report of Marriage documents for the Philippines. Sponsoring a spouse in Dubai? See marriage certificate attestation for the UAE. Italian citizen married in New Zealand? See registering a NZ marriage with Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a New Zealand marriage certificate be apostilled?
Yes, as long as it is the right certificate. Copies and the wedding-day document are refused. We order the right one if needed, then handle the apostille and delivery.
Can I apostille the certificate we signed on our wedding day?
No. The document signed on the day cannot be apostilled. We order the correct marriage certificate for you.
Can you order the marriage certificate for me?
Yes. As an approved BDM Online organisation we order it directly, and you do not need to be in New Zealand.
How long does it take?
About 3 weeks, or about 1 week urgent where eligible. Allow a little extra if the certificate has to be ordered first.
How much does it cost in total?
With the right certificate you already have, from NZ$116 all in by e-apostille, or NZ$148 all in with your original returned in NZ. Ordered, apostilled and sent to the UK, from NZ$244 all in. Urgent and other countries are quoted all in before any work starts.
Can it be sent straight overseas?
Yes. It can go directly to you overseas or to the receiving office, by tracked courier.
NZ Document Assist Limited is an independent company, not a government agency. We are not a law firm, Notary Public or licensed immigration adviser and do not give legal or immigration advice.