What Do You Need to Get Married in Niue?
Ready to take the leap? Ready to get married in a tropical paradise like nowhere else? While most of a Niue wedding is something you’ll remember for the rest of your lives, the legal process certainly won’t be thanks to it being so effortlessly easy! As long as you are both single and have valid passports and entry into Niue, getting married in Niue is as easy as signing a few ultra-short forms. You will, however, be required to have a few essential documents for your marriage registration. See what documents you’ll need to prepare, as well as a brief overview of the marriage licence process, in this guide to the marriage requirements in Niue.
For more marriage talk, take a look at How to Plan a Wedding in Niue and The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue.
The Conditions for Getting Married in Niue: Who Can Get Married?
Couples from overseas can get married in Niue providing they meet the following conditions:
- The female is 16 years and over and the male is 18 years and over
- Witnesses for the marriage solemnisation are over the age of 21
- The marriage solemnisation does not take place on a Sunday or a public holiday
- Both bride and groom are either single, divorced or widowed
- Both bring and groom has valid passports and visa (if applicable) to be in Niue.
If you meet these conditions, then you can start the process of getting married in Niue. For more information on visas, see Do You Need a Visa to Visit Niue?
© NiuePocketGuide.comThe Documents for the Niue Marriage License
The Niue Marriage License is officially called the “Notice of Intended Marriage” form. It must be completed, signed and provided to the Niue Justice Department (registry office) with a minimum of three working days’ notice before your wedding ceremony. But first, you must obtain the required documents in order to apply for the marriage license.
Documents Required for a Niue Marriage License
For the Niue Marriage License, you will both be required to provide:
- Original or certified copies of birth certificates
- Valid passports
- A formal letter from both the bride and groom stating they have never been married before
- Divorce documents (if applicable)
- Death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).
The Notice of Intended Marriage is just one document to complete for both the bride and groom. It calls for additional details, such as the bride and groom’s name, age, occupation, conjugal status, birthplace, usual residence, name and occupation of father, and name and occupation of mother.
Note that there is also a fee to obtain a Niue Marriage License, approximately:
- Residents: NZ$45
- Niuean Non-Residents: NZ$112.50
- Overseas (Visitors): NZ$220.
© NiuePocketGuide.comGetting Your Marriage License in Niue
Once you have the paperwork in place, you will need to complete and sign the Notice of Intended Marriage form in person at the Niue Justice Department. Again, Marriage Licenses must be filed at least three working days before the wedding day.
Where to Apply for a Niue Marriage License
The Niue Justice Department is located opposite the Swanson Complex near the airport on Tapeu-Porritt Road, in an old building two buildings south of the Police Station. Look out for the “Justice Lands & Survey” sign.
Note that the Justice Lands & Survey office is only open Monday to Thursday. They are also closed on public holidays in Niue.
The current email address and phone number for the Justice Department can be found on the Niue Government website.
If you haven’t arranged a marriage celebrant or minister to solemnise the wedding, the Justice Department can arrange one for you at no extra cost.
Arranging a Marriage License Through the Resort
Couples using the marriage services of the Scenic Matavai Resort will get transport to and from the Justice Department, as well as guidance on the marriage licence and can provide a marriage celebrant/minister. Learn more about arranging your marriage with the resort in our guide, How to Plan a Wedding in Niue.
(c) Niue TourismSigning the Marriage Certificate
Finally, at your wedding ceremony, you will need to sign a Marriage Register, commonly known as a Marriage Certificate. This will be provided to you and your Marriage Officer (Celebrant or Minister) when you sign your Notice of Intended Marriage Form.
Marriage Officer and Witnesses
The Marriage Certificate needs to be signed at your wedding ceremony by your Marriage Officer, the bride, the groom and two witnesses aged 21 years and over. The bride and groom will receive their Marriage Certificate instantly.
What Happens Next?
A certified copy of the “Entry in Marriage Register” will be forwarded to the Justice Department to be registered.
Note that you may also want to get your Marriage Register stamped with the Apostille Seal so that it is internationally recognised. Then, you are officially married!
More About the Marriage Requirements in Niue
That’s it for our complete guide to the marriage requirements for Niue. Have more questions about getting married in Niue? Check out the following guides:
- How to Pick the Right Honeymoon Accommodation in Niue
- 10 Romantic Things to Do in Niue
- How to Plan a Wedding in Niue
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Wedding & Honeymoon Guide to Niue.
