A Certificate of No Impediment (CONI) is issued by New Zealand Births, Deaths and Marriages. Many wedding countries also want it apostilled or authenticated, and some ask for a different document altogether. BDM has a waiting period that can't be shortened, so timing matters. We confirm exactly what your wedding country needs, check your application before it goes in, then handle the apostille and deliver it, to you or straight to the overseas registry. One all-in quote.
How it works
Start at least 4 weeks before you need the certificate overseas.
- Tell us the countryAnd your wedding date.
- We confirm what's neededCONI or other document, apostille or authentication, translation.
- Application checkedBefore it goes to BDM, so it isn't delayed.
- Apostille or authenticationAdded once BDM issues the CONI.
- Tracked deliveryTo you, or straight to the overseas registry or venue.
What is a Certificate of No Impediment?
A CONI confirms that, after searches by the Registrar-General, no lawful reason has been found to stop you marrying or entering a civil union. It is issued to New Zealanders who intend to marry outside New Zealand, and many countries won't register the marriage without it.
CONI or certificate of search?
Some countries ask for a "single status certificate". BDM doesn't issue a document with that name. Depending on the purpose, the overseas office may want a CONI or a certificate of search.
| Document | Typical purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of No Impediment | Getting married or entering a civil union overseas |
| Certificate of search | Proof of single status for visas, foreign passports or overseas registration |
Getting the wrong one means starting again, and losing weeks you may not have. We check which document the overseas office actually means before anything is applied for.
Mistakes we catch before they cost you the date
- Applying too late: BDM's waiting period can't be shortened
- Getting a certificate of search when the country wanted a CONI, or the reverse
- Forgetting the apostille or authentication the wedding country requires
- Missing supporting documents in the application
- Not checking whether the country also needs a translation
How long does it take?
BDM's waiting period plus delivery comes first, then the apostille or authentication. Allow about 4 weeks in total. Urgent apostille processing is available for eligible documents if time is short. Tell us your wedding date when you ask for a quote and we'll tell you whether it's achievable.
What it costs
It depends on the wedding country and what it needs. We send one all-in quote, including the government fees and delivery, before anything starts. See pricing.
Apostille or authentication? It depends on the country
Many popular wedding destinations accept an apostille, including Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, the United States, Fiji, Indonesia and the Philippines. Others, such as Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia, need authentication instead, which takes longer. We confirm the right route for your country and handle either one. See Apostille vs Authentication.
Already married and need your marriage certificate for overseas use? See Marriage certificate apostille. Need a copy for use here in New Zealand? Order a NZ marriage certificate.
Getting married abroad? See what's needed for marrying in Vietnam and marrying in China.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Certificate of No Impediment cost in NZ?
It depends on the wedding country and whether it needs an apostille or authentication. We send one all-in quote, including the government fees and delivery, before anything starts.
How long does a CONI take?
BDM has a waiting period that cannot be shortened, and the apostille comes after it. Allow about 4 weeks in total. Tell us your wedding date and we plan backwards from it.
Does a CONI need an apostille?
Only if the wedding country requires it. Some countries need an apostille, others need authentication instead. We confirm what your country wants before anything is lodged.
Is a single status certificate the same as a CONI?
No. BDM does not issue a document called a single status certificate. For marriage overseas it is usually a CONI; for visas or registration it may be a certificate of search. We check which one the overseas office means.
Can the CONI be sent straight overseas?
Yes. Once it is apostilled, we can have it couriered directly to you or to the overseas registry or venue, tracked.
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.