We have been asked to bring the following to the attention of those who are on our Baptist Marriage list from the Registrar-General, Births, Deaths and Marriages.

“Court reemphasises marriage celebrants’ responsibilities

A recent case in the Christchurch District Court has reemphasised the important role of a marriage celebrant, and the significant responsibilities a celebrant holds to the bride and groom, as well as the wider community.

• The Court highlighted that celebrants hold the responsibility within the community of ensuring that an accurate record is kept of the marriages that they solemnise, and that marriages are conducted according to the requirements of the Marriage Act.  The Court pointed out that celebrants take on significant liabilities if the Act is not complied with.
• A celebrant is a “key participant” who must perform an active role and is required to take a “controlling function over the ceremony.”  That includes “ensuring that the vows are exchanged”, and that the registration documents “are signed by the bride and groom and the witnesses”.
• The celebrant needs to be “an active presence”, and there should be no doubt from the wedding party and guests who is performing the role of the celebrant.
• At all times it is the celebrant who holds the responsibility of ensuring that the marriage occurs in accordance with the Marriage Act.
• I would also like to use this opportunity to remind celebrants of the requirements to ensure that the couple getting married are in fact those named on the licence, the marriage is being solemnised at a place described on the licence and in the presence of a marriage celebrant. 
• The marriage celebrant must also send the registration documents to the Registrar who issued the documents, within 10 days of solemnising a marriage. 

New Department:

With the changes being made to registration, the Baptist Marriage Celebrant list will be managed by the Pastor Health and Development team.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for any enquiries relating to the list.