How to plan a spontaneous Second Wedding in New Zealand
(That Still Feels Completely You)
Second weddings are high on my list of favourite kinds of weddings. The reason?…You know who you are now. You know what matters, what doesn’t, and that nobody ever even remembered the chair covers from the first time round!
So if you’re feeling a “let’s just do it” energy, I’m here for it.
As a celebrant in Wānaka, I’ve seen that a spontaneous wedding can be every bit as meaningful as one planned over eighteen months. Here’s how to make it happen without losing your mind.
1. Sort the legal bits first
It’s the least glamorous step, but do it first, because it’s the only part that can’t be rushed on the day.
Apply for your marriage licence. In New Zealand you lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages, and they issue your licence. It usually takes a few working days, so check current timeframes before you pick a date. (You can do that here)
Bring proof that your previous marriage has ended. If you’ve been married before, you’ll need your dissolution (divorce) order, or a death certificate if you’re widowed. Dig these out early, because they’re the documents people most often can’t find.
Book your celebrant. Short-notice weddings are my jam! Get in touch early, even if you only have a rough date. (Here)
Line up two witnesses. Everyone else is a bonus, but you need two people to sign the register.
Your celebrant can guide you through all of this, so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
2. Keep the guest list tiny (or don’t)
The beauty of a spontaneous wedding is that there’s no pressure to invite your third cousin’s plus-one. Some couples go for just the two of them and two witnesses. Others gather their closest ten people for a barbecue and a toast. Both are brilliant, and a short guest list makes it easy to get everyone there at short notice.
If the people you most want there are far away, consider a quick video call beforehand, or ask a guest to hold the phone up on ‘facetime’ during the ceremony, or a party later in the year. Your wedding day doesn’t have to be the only celebration.
3. Choose a place that does the heavy lifting
When time is short, let the scenery do the decorating. Think lakeside, mountain lookout, backyard, favourite beach, or your own lounge. Pick somewhere that already feels like you, and you won’t need much else. In Wānaka, Queenstown and Central Otago, a good view beats any floral arch - and we are spoiled for views here!
Check the weather, have a backup plan (the rain may seem magical in your mind, but trust me, it’s not great for paperwork, and it usually comes with wind, which just isn’t that fun for setting the tone) - and make sure it’s easy for your guests to get to.
4. Keep the styling simple
You don’t need a huge shopping list. Think:
An outfit you feel fantastic in (it doesn’t have to be white, a dress, or new) - one of my brides purchased a lovely $8 dress from the hospice shop!…as long as you feel good, that’s what really matters.
A small bunch of flowers, or a few stems from the garden
Some friends brought some of their pot plants down to the lake side to create a bit of atmosphere
Another friend purchased a cake from the supermarket and added some lollies and cheese and crackers to the plate
Good music on a speaker (if you want it)
Great snacks, and something to toast with - alcoholic or non alcoholic.
A photographer for an hour or two is worth it, even if it’s a friend with a decent camera. You’ll want to remember this.
5. Make the ceremony personal
This is where the magic is. A spontaneous wedding still deserves a ceremony that tells your story, and second weddings often have the best stories. You might have been through a lot to get here, and that’s something to celebrate, not hide.
Think about including:
Your story. How you met, what you’ve learned, why this feels right.
Your kids or family, if you have them. Letting them be part of the ceremony can be incredibly moving.
Your own vows. Short, honest and a little bit funny is perfect.
A symbolic moment. Rings are lovely, but so are pounamu, a shared drink, planting a tree, or anything that means something to you both.
One of my favourite parts of being a good celebrant is creatively writing your ceremony, I love listening to your stories, asking the right questions, and being able to create this. The vows are also fun to create, and I will always have your back here and help you pull this together (and yes, I bring copies on the day, hold them, and hand them to you when it’s time!)
6. Let go of “supposed to”
Second weddings don’t have to follow anyone’s rules. You can wear what you like, skip the speeches, have the reception at the pub, or be on a hike by sunset. The only thing that matters is that it feels right to the two of you.
Frequently asked questions:
How quickly can I get married in NZ?
Once your licence is issued, you can marry as soon as your celebrant is available. Because the licence takes a few working days, a wedding within a couple of weeks is very achievable. (Last week we had a 6 day turn around!)
Do I need my divorce papers for a second wedding?
Yes. If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to show proof that the marriage has legally ended.
Can we have a small second wedding with just two witnesses?
Absolutely. Two witnesses are all the law requires, and many couples love the simplicity.
The bottom line
A spontaneous wedding isn’t a lesser one. It’s often a more honest one: fewer distractions, more presence, and two people who know exactly why they’re standing there.
If you’re feeling the “let’s just do it” spark, don’t talk yourself out of it.
Get in touch and let’s plan your Wānaka, Queenstown or Central Otago wedding.
Let’s get you hitched!
Spontaneous Second Wedding in Wanaka, perfect!