You met them on a working holiday, at a London flat party or on the other side of a video call. Now you’re bringing them home to marry, and their family is about to fly a very long way to see it.

A wedding that joins two countries carries a little extra paperwork and a lot of extra heart. Here’s how to look after both.

The legal side is simpler than you’d think

Your partner doesn’t need to be a New Zealand citizen to marry here. Govt.nz says visitors to New Zealand can marry or have a civil union here, and they apply for the same marriage licence as everyone else.

The licence costs $158, and you can apply online whether you’re in New Zealand or not. You need it at least three working days before the wedding, and it lasts three months.

You’ll need two witnesses, and you, your celebrant and your witnesses must all be physically present in the same place. If any of your witnesses don’t share a language with you, govt.nz says you’ll need an interpreter, who signs a declaration before the ceremony to say they’ll interpret accurately.

Marriage on its own doesn’t give your partner the right to live here. Immigration New Zealand says marriage alone isn’t enough evidence for a partnership visa, and applicants need documents showing the relationship meets its requirements.

If you’re planning to settle in New Zealand, Immigration NZ has partner visas for both work and residence. As at October 2026, it lists the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa from NZD $1630, and the resident visa asks that you’ve lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.

Visa rules and fees change, so read the partner visa pages on immigration.govt.nz early. Treat it as a separate project from the wedding, with its own timeline.

Bring both families into the day

Your partner’s family may be meeting yours for the first time in the week of the wedding. A relaxed get-together a day or two before, such as a barbecue, a picnic or a long lunch, gives everyone a chance to meet before the formalities.

Ask your partner which traditions from home matter most to them and their family. It might be a reading in their language, a particular song, a toast, a dish on the menu or a ritual during the ceremony. Your celebrant can help weave it in, and a bilingual ceremony is another lovely option.

Think about the people who’ll speak at the reception, too. A speech from each side of the family, or a few words from your partner’s parent in their first language, helps both families feel equally part of it.

New Zealand customs can need a little explaining. A short note on your wedding website about what to expect, whether that’s a haka at the reception or a casual dress code, helps overseas guests feel included rather than caught off guard.

If you’re printing an order of service, consider adding a line or two in your partner’s language. It’s a small touch, and their family will notice it.

Look after the long-haul guests

The people who’ve flown furthest will be jet-lagged, a little lost and very excited. Seat them near people who’ll look after them, and if you can, ask a friend to be their go-to person for the weekend.

Give them the practical information early. Travel paperwork, the weather to expect, how to get from the airport and what to pack for a New Zealand summer or winter all help them plan.

Simple touches go a long way. A welcome note in their accommodation, a lift from the airport or a list of a few things to do nearby tells them they’re wanted here.

Plenty of overseas guests will want to make a holiday of it. Suggest a few places worth seeing before or after the wedding, and they’ll leave with more than one good memory.

Two families, two countries and one day that belongs to both of you. That’s worth every bit of the planning.