- The Prison Manager approves or disapproves the wedding. Permission will not normally be granted until any period of non-contact visits has been completed.
- The prison determines the security requirements.
- The time and date are determined in consultation with the bride, groom or civil union partner, Prison Manager and Chaplain.
- No other prisoners attend unless the prisoner is a documented member of the bride, groom or civil union partner’s immediate family or whanau.
- The wedding party consists of up to 12 family or friends including bride, groom or civil union partner.
- All visitors (including the bride or civil union partner) must complete the appropriate documentation (PPM B.09 Visits to Prisons) and be approved to enter the institution. Completed forms should be returned to the Chaplain four weeks prior to the proposed wedding to give time for the approval process.
- All visitors must produce an appropriate form of identification (driver’s licence, passport, bankcard with recent photograph, student identification, community services card) on entry to the institution.
- Any clothing for the groom or civil union partner should be brought to the Chaplain immediately before the service and taken out of the institution immediately after the service. Clothing must be carefully searched prior to issue. No leather or clothing with gang emblems, symbols or colours will be permitted. The prisoner will change clothing at the Receiving Office and must be searched before being escorted to the venue.
- A wedding cake and knife are permitted for the occasion only. The knife will be taken to and from the Chapel by Custodial or Chaplaincy staff. The Chaplain will secure the knife except for when it is in use.
- One ”still” camera and one spare film are permitted. Custodial or Chaplaincy Staff will take these to and from the Chapel. Photos may only be taken inside the Chapel.
- The wedding party may bring in refreshments. The main principle is to have finger food, i.e. food that can be picked up in the fingers to be eaten and not need cutlery or plates and bowls. No liquids may be brought in under any circumstances. All containers of food must be searched at point of entry. The Chaplaincy will supply cold drinks and tea/coffee. The wedding party may bring a small supply of disposable cardboard plates with them. Any containers that are brought in must leave the Prison.
- Custodial Staff must examine all items.
- At the end of the service all leftover food is to be removed from the institution, and not taken back to the Units.
Corrections Department NZ >Policy & Legislation >PS Site-specific Operations Manuals >ACRP Site-specific Operations Manual >Section D Special Needs >D.20 Prisoner Weddings >D.20.01.R1 Wedding Guidelines
