The Civil Union Act 2004 requires that a Civil Union Celebrant may solemnise a union between 2 parties if the following conditions are met:

• The civil union celebrant is in possession of a licence in respect of the 2 parties; and
• The solemnisation takes place at the place (or one of the two places) named on the licence; and
• The solemnisation does not take place more than 3 months after the date of issue of the licence.

During the solemnisation, each party must make a clear statement (in front of the celebrant and two witnesses) to the other that:-

• Names both parties; and
• Acknowledges that they are freely joining in a civil union with each other.

For further information check out the following link:
See: www.bdm.govt.nz/civilunion

Personalising Your Ceremony
As with any civil ceremony there are the basic requirements (As listed above) however this is your special day, so don’t rob your guests and yourselves of a day that will be precious and memorable, even a little publicly intimate, you will need to be brave and don’t worry, everyone will love that your commitment to your partner is so strong and loving. What better way to enjoy your public declaration of your love and life together.

Below are just a few symbolic ceremonies; one of which you may like to include into your special day, or you may wish to create you own personal gesture symbolising your loving commitment:

• Brief Ceremony
• Civil Union Ceremony
• Contemporary Non-Religious Ceremony

Some Helpful hints to consider:

• Alternative Vows
• Optional Readings & Poems
• The Rose Ceremony
• Other Ceremony Ideas

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© copyright (2005) Terrence W. Johnston, all rights reserved