How Does it Work?

I'll take you through every step to make sure your day goes as smoothly as possible!

First things first…

To get married in New Zealand you are required to hold a valid marriage licence. Before applying for the marriage licence, you must:

Confirm your Marriage Celebrant who will be performing the ceremony.

Arrange a place for the ceremony (and select an alternative venue as a backup in case weather or other circumstances prevents you from marrying at your primary venue).

One of the partners must go online to apply for a Marriage Licence – click here.
You can find further information here like costs, restrictions (age, or proximity of relationship by marriage or birth) and how to apply in person if you prefer.

You’ll be sent the licence, and 2 copies of the “Copy of Particulars of Marriage” — a form with all the details of the people getting married.

Give all 3 of these documents to your Celebrant before your wedding.

The Legal Bit...

A marriage ceremony can actually be quite a simple affair, as you only require: -

An approved Celebrant

The official paperwork (BDM10 the marriage licence and BDM45(A) – two copies of the “Copy of Particulars of Marriage”

Both parties to be present at the place described on the licence (a marriage cannot occur virtually)

Two witnesses.

To formalise the Marriage, the full name of each party must be stated and each party must voluntarily state that “I, AB take you CD, to be my legal wife/husband/partner” to each other (rather than responding to a question by the Celebrant – “I do” only happens in movies and ABBA songs!). Once this has happened, the papers must be signed by the couple, the witnesses and the Celebrant and the formalities are complete. (The Celebrant will be responsible for registering the papers after the event).

Make it Your Own...

Beyond this skeleton framework, the format of the Marriage Ceremony is entirely up to you and the Celebrant you choose to work with – there are no more rules! An elopement can be done and dusted in around five minutes, or you can add songs, music, readings, poems, cultural or traditional dances or celebrations; this is where your choice of Celebrant plays a key role.

As your Celebrant I can

Talk with you, learn about your love story, your histories, your personalities, your vision, and tailor the Marriage Ceremony to your tastes.

Help you to write personal vows and ensure that they include the legal wording too.

Suggest suitable readings, poems, whakatauki or music.

Create the script and staging directions for your Marriage Ceremony.

Ensure that organising this special day is as hassle-free as possible and guide you through the process.

This is why it is important to meet your chosen Celebrant and ensure that you are happy to work with them and that they understand your hopes and vision for your Marriage Ceremony. It’s also imperative that you check in with them that they are free on your chosen day and pop a date in their diary!

Our first meeting can be face to face (preferable where possible) or on Zoom and is at no cost and has no obligation. From here, should we choose to collaborate, you may take time to think about it or you can book me then and there.

What's The Cost..?

The first face to face meeting will be around 30-45 minutes and there is no charge for this consultation. This initial meeting can be held at your home, my home or a local café within the Auckland area or via Zoom if further afield.

Each ceremony that I write is a unique ceremony specifically designed for the two of you, but my Celebrant Services will always include:

The first full planning meeting, assistance with script creation and the initial ceremony personalisation.

Supply of resource material and checklists as required.

Continuing discussions and alterations as required to the ceremony format and content.

Your wedding day (arriving 30 minutes ahead of the ceremony)

Finalisation of documents to Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages on next working day.

Booking confirmation requires a non-refundable deposit of $100

Full balance of Celebrant fee is required two weeks before the wedding.

Any requirements for travel and accommodation outside of the Auckland zone are extra.

The total fee is negotiable depending on the complexity of the Ceremony required, and can be discussed at our initial meeting –

A simple Registry style ceremony with minimal customisation starts from $200

A longer, customised ceremony - sharing your love story, your proposal, your plans for the future, any personal elements you wish to incorporate - starts from $400

Rehearsals attract an extra fee plus mileage over 25kms.

GET IN TOUCH