Procedure Standard
Prisoner weddings are conducted in a manner that ensures compliance with prison safety and security needs, while recognising the importance of the wedding in the enhancement of family relationships.
Necessary Forms and Requirements:
Forms:
Procedures
- R1 Wedding Guidelines.
- R2 Information for Visitors Attending a Wedding.
Procedure
- Both parties must apply to the Prison Manager in writing for permission for the ceremony to take place in the prison. 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 and groom (or civil union partners) and the Chaplain.
- No other prisoners may attend unless they are documented members of the bride or broom’s immediate family or whanau.
- All visitors (including the bride or civil union partner) must complete the appropriate pre-entry forms and be approved to enter the prison. 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 is supplied to the Chaplain immediately before the service and taken out of the prison immediately after the service. No clothing with gang emblems, symbols or colours will be permitted
- A wedding cake and knife are permitted for the occasion only.
- One still camera and one spare film are permitted.
- 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. The Chaplaincy will supply cold drinks and coffee. The wedding party may find it helpful to bring a small supply of disposable cardboard plates with them. Any food not consumed and any containers that are brought in must leave the Prison.
- CSU/Corrections Officers will examine all refreshments. The camera and the knife will be carried to and from the Chapel by Corrections Officers or Chaplaincy staff.
