Weddings
I understand that no couple is the same. It’s important for me to get to know you well and to find out what you are all about. I am passionate about creating a magical day for you that you will treasure forever, so I will draw on your values, beliefs and individuality to enable your dreams become your reality.
Registry-style Wedding
From $120
Just want to sign on the dotted line? If you just want to get legally married, that is absolutely fine.
I can guide you through the legal process and then marry you in a small ceremony, either at my home in Takanini, or a venue close by.
Simple Wedding
From $250
Wanting a small and simple but meaningful ceremony? Or perhaps just looking for a more cost-effective way to celebrate your marriage? We can still make it a beautiful and moving celebration of your love. I will help to make your day special by using a lovely set script which I personalise to suit you both.
Full Wedding
From $750
If you are looking for the full romantic experience, this one’s for you! I will spend time getting to know you and write a bespoke ceremony especially for you. We then work together to ensure that you are absolutely happy with every aspect of it. I will run a rehearsal at your venue with you, and ensure everything runs perfectly on the day.
Registry-style Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Registry-style Wedding?
A Registry-Style Wedding is a very short ceremony where we sign the legal documents. Births Deaths and Marriages now used Registered Marriage Celebrants to undertake their Registry Weddings on their behalf. I am authorised to do this.
What are the legal requirements?
In New Zealand, the things you need to do to legally marry are pretty simple…
1. You need a Marriage licence at a cost of $150. You do this through the Births, Deaths and Marriages here.
2. You need to be married by a Registered Marriage Celebrant – thats me folks!
3. During the ceremony, at some point you need to say “I AB take you CD” to be my husband/wife (or words to that effect – we can get creative!).
4. You need two witnesses (they can be anyone, as long as they fully understand what they are witnessing)
5. The two of you, your two witnesses and I must all sign the marriage licence
6. After the ceremony, I am responsible for ensuring your marriage is registered.
And that’s it!
The rest of the wedding is completely about you. But don’t panic! That’s the bit I can help with, and together we can create a personal, vibrant and meaningful ceremony that you will remember forever.
How do I apply for my marriage licence?
You can apply here
If appointing me as your celebrant, click through to the Personalised Weddings section
You need to arrange your licence at least 3 working days before you get married (but best not to leave it too late!.
It expires after 3 months.
Only one of you needs to complete the application, but you need information about both of you.
It costs $150
I am applying for a Registry Wedding and can't find your name
When applying for your licence and you can’t find my name as a celebrant, go to Personalised Weddings. The cost to internal affairs for your licence is still the same – $150. The only difference is that personalised weddings allow you to have the flexibility of when and where you choose to marry.
What's the difference between a Registry-Style Wedding and a Simple Wedding?
I began offering Simple Weddings when I realised that some couples want to get married without all the bells and whistles, but they also want a nicer, more personal option. And why not? I have a lovely set script which I can personalise especially for you. See Simple Weddings.
What's the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?
Good question! The first you order before your wedding, the certificate you receive afterwards. I highly recommend that you preorder this when you apply for your licence. (It costs an extra $33)
How do I change my name once I am married?
In New Zealand, you don’t usually have to do anything special if you want to change your name after you get married or have a civil union. When you get married, you can keep your last name, take your husband, wife or partner’s last name, hyphenate or use a combination of both your last names.
When changing your name on official documents such as your drivers licence or passport, you will need to use your marriage certificate.
What happens if the celebrant can't do the wedding on the day?
If, through unforseen circumstances, I am unable to be there on the day (and this has never happened yet – touch wood), I have a network of wonderful colleagues that I would turn to, to step in for me. Don’t worry, I would never leave you in the lurch!
What is Celebrants Aotearoa?
Celebrants Aotearoa is the Celebrants Association of New Zealand, of which I am proud to be a member. This means that I adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct. It also means that I am committed to Professional Development and am continually seeking to further my education and honing my celebrant craft. In short, I am always striving to be the very best celebrant that I can be!
Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements?
In New Zealand, the things you need to do to legally marry are pretty simple…
1. You need a Marriage licence at a cost of $150. You do this through the Births, Deaths and Marriages here.
2. You need to be married by a Registered Marriage Celebrant – thats me folks!
3. During the ceremony, at some point you need to say “I AB take you CD” to be my husband/wife (or words to that effect – we can get creative!).
4. You need two witnesses (they can be anyone, as long as they fully understand what they are witnessing)
5. The two of you, your two witnesses and I must all sign the marriage licence
6. After the ceremony, I am responsible for ensuring your marriage is registered.
And that’s it!
The rest of the wedding is completely about you. But don’t panic! That’s the bit I can help with, and together we can create a personal, vibrant and meaningful ceremony that you will remember forever.
How do I apply for my marriage licence?
You can apply here
You need to arrange your licence at least 3 working days before you get married (but best not to leave it too late!.
It expires after 3 months.
Only one of you needs to complete the application, but you need information about both of you.
It costs $150
What is the difference between a Simple Wedding and a Full Wedding?
I began offering Simple Weddings when I realised that some couples want to get married without all the bells and whistles, but they also want a nicer, more personal option. And why not? I have a lovely set script which I can personalise especially for you. See Simple Weddings.
What does the fee for a Full Wedding include?
- No-obligation meeting - You get to ask me all the questions you like to ensure that I am the right celebrant for you. At this meeting I will give you all the guidance you need to meet the legal requirements of your marriage and the information you need to begin planning for your wedding ceremony.
- Wedding Workshop - A few weeks before your wedding we will spend a couple of hours discussing your needs and I will find out all about you. The information I gather at this point will become the basis of your wedding ceremony. I will listen to your dreams and ideas and we will discuss how to incorporate them into your ceremony.
- Creating your Ceremony - I write a bespoke ceremony that will reflect upon you as individuals, as a couple and your journey to this point. I work to incorporate all the elements into the ceremony that are important to you.
- Developing your Ceremony - We then work together to ensure that everything is exactly right for you.
- Wedding Rehearsal - A day or two before your ceremony, I will conduct a wedding rehearsal with you at your venue. We will go through all the elements of the ceremony and how they will work on the day, ensure that everybody knows where to be and what to do and ensure that all the music is timed correctly. The details we work on now ensure that there's no stress and you can simply enjoy your day.
- On the Day - I arrive an hour beforehand to ensure that everything is going to plan and that everyone is happy. I welcome everyone, ensure that they all know where to sit and what to do and make sure that everything is exactly as you want it.
- PA System - I have my own PA system which I can bring along if required - no extra charge.
- The Wedding Ceremony - I will deliver your beautiful ceremony and marry you!
- Registering your Marriage - I ensure that your marriage is legally registered.
- Job Done! You will have had a wonderful day and look forward to your wonderful future together!
What's the difference between a marriage licence and a marriage certificate?
Good question! The first you order before your wedding, the certificate you receive afterwards. I highly recommend that you preorder this when you apply for your licence. (It costs an extra $33)
What happens if it rains?
Planning an outdoor wedding? It’s New Zealand – good weather is not guaranteed! So it pays to have a backup plan. In case of bad weather, if you have to change the venue altogether – be prepared. Make sure you have the alternative venue listed on your marriage licence (there is space for two options there) and make sure you have an effective way to let all your guests (and celebrant) know that doesn’t involved you making 150 panicked phone calls an hour before your wedding! It doesn’t have to be a drama – just be prepared and it will all be fine!
What's an unplugged wedding?
Asking people to put away their phones and/or cameras has become a popular practice at weddings these days. Sometimes, it’s just nice for people to be in the moment and not watch events unfold through the screen on their phone. Also, are you happy for people to be posting pictures of you on social media at this time? It’s completely up to you of course, but it’s good to know the options!
What happens at a wedding rehearsal?
A wedding rehearsal is generally held a day or two before the wedding day with as many of the people directly involved in the ceremony as possible. We run through where people stand and/or move too, talk through the elements of the ceremony and practice all the things that need practicing. It’s your choice of course, whether you have a rehearsal, but I certainly recommend it!
How do I change my name once I am married?
In New Zealand, you don’t usually have to do anything special if you want to change your name after you get married or have a civil union. When you get married, you can keep your last name, take your husband, wife or partner’s last name, hyphenate or use a combination of both your last names.
When changing your name on official documents such as your drivers licence or passport, you will need to use your marriage certificate.
I HATE being the centre of attention! How do I cope?
A key part of my role is helping you through a time that is stressful for many people. We can discuss strategies for calming nerves and making it through. I promise I’ll take good care of you! But the most important thing to remember is the people who are watching are your family and friends. They are not there to judge you, they are there because they love you and want to celebrate with you.
What happens if the celebrant can't do the wedding on the day?
If, through unforseen circumstances, I am unable to be there on the day (and this has never happened yet – touch wood), I have a network of wonderful colleagues that I would turn to, to step in for me. Don’t worry, I would never leave you in the lurch!
What is Celebrants Aotearoa?
Celebrants Aotearoa is the Celebrants Association of New Zealand, of which I am proud to be a member. This means that I adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct. It also means that I am committed to Professional Development and am continually seeking to further my education and honing my celebrant craft. In short, I am always striving to be the very best celebrant that I can be!
“Life is a celebration, embrace it with open arms and a grateful heart.” – Debasish Mridha
