Full Romance
A fully personalised wedding ceremony, written just for you.
For couples who want their ceremony to feel warm, meaningful and completely their own, this is the full wedding experience. I take the time to get to know you, your story, your people, and what matters most to you, then create a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple.
Your ceremony can include your love story, personal vows, readings, music, symbolic rituals, family involvement, humour, and all the little details that make the moment feel like you. It is romantic, heartfelt, beautifully structured, and designed to set the tone for the rest of your day.
The Process
1. No-obligation meeting
We begin with a relaxed, no-obligation meeting at my home. I will answer all your questions, talk you through how I work, and give you the chance to decide whether I am the right fit for you.
2. Guidance and resources
Once you have booked, I will guide you through the marriage licence process and provide helpful wedding resources, including ideas for vows, readings, ceremony structure and music.
3. Ceremony workshop
We then meet for a two-hour ceremony workshop. This is where I get to know you properly – your story, your values, your relationship, your people, and what you want your wedding day to feel like.
4. Bespoke ceremony
I write a fully personalised ceremony just for you. We continue to refine it together until it feels right, sounds like you, and reflects exactly what you want to say.
5. Wedding rehearsal
I attend your wedding rehearsal, helping everyone understand where to stand, when to walk, what to say, and what to expect. This makes the ceremony feel calm and confident on the day.
6. Wedding day support
On the day, I arrive early to check in, liaise with key people, and make sure everything is running smoothly before the ceremony begins.
7. Your ceremony
This is the big bit. I conduct your ceremony, guide you through your vows, legal wording and ring exchange, and pronounce you married.
8. Marriage registration
After the ceremony, I complete and submit your marriage registration, so the legal side is taken care of.
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 $175. 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 $158
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'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 $35)
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, for 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 and why does it matter?
Celebrants Aotearoa is the professional association for celebrants in New Zealand, and I am proud to be a VCANZ validated member. VCANZ recognises experienced celebrants who have demonstrated ongoing professional development, reflective practice and a commitment to professional standards. For couples and families, it offers added reassurance that I take my role, my responsibilities and your ceremony seriously.
Celebration of Life or Celebration of Love.
The Right Celebrant for You.
