FAQs
No question is a silly question!
Why do we need a celebrant?
To be legally married in New Zealand, you need to have a New Zealand registered celebrant (if you are after a civil service, they need to be registered as a civil service celebrant or if you are after a registry ceremony, the celebrant needs to be a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand).
We have been appointed by the Department of Internal Affairs to solemnise ceremonies - or in other words, make sure all the legal bits and pieces are taken care of.
This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring all the information on your Copy of Particulars is accurate and submitting said information to Births, Deaths and Marriages, and ensuring all legal requirements are included in your ceremony.
When do I need to book a celebrant?
The earlier the better! Of course, don’t let this put you off messaging, if you’ve got a short time frame. Dates within the ‘wedding season’ (usually October-April, but the height is in summer) can book up quickly.
If you contact a celebrant and they are unavailable, they will likely be able to recommend someone else.
Alternatively, if you have booked other vendors, you can ask them for recommendations!
Can other people be included in our ceremony?
Absolutely!
This might look like having someone sing a song, read a poem or something else that you love. It might also look like having your beloved dog be your ring bearer. It might look like having extremely cute flower children.
However, other people cannot actually solemnise your ceremony. There are important aspects of your ceremony that are legal requirements, which is the responsibility of the celebrant.
What does it cost?
I will always pour my heart into creating ceremonies that are as unique as you two. This is why your investment is $950.00 for the 2025/2026 season because it reflects the time and energy that I pour into getting to know you two, creating your bespoke ceremony and ensuring it is a moment that not only flows seamlessly but that you two absolutely love.
This investment includes the creation of your completely bespoke and you ceremony, the assurance that all legal requirements are covered, access to my booklet (which is jam-packed filled with inspiration for your ceremony, tips & tricks for writing your vows, information on the legal requirements and a lot more!), our meetings and your rehearsal, being available to you whenever you need help or guidance, use of my PA system for both microphone and speaker use (if needed!), making sure my presentation fits your aesthetic and possibly most importantly, the experience and the skills to ensure your ceremony is perfect for you two on the day.
Why do you require a non-refundable booking fee?
Great question! When we work together, it isn’t simply a haphazard throwing together of information before your ceremony, it’s a culmination of months of creation and locking in of your wedding date, and this reflects that.
What happens if we need to cancel or postpone?
I understand that sometimes, these things happen! If you need to postpone your special day, I will do my absolute best to work with you to reschedule.
However, if you choose to postpone within 30 days of your wedding date, it will require another booking fee to be paid, and another agreement to be signed. And if I am unavailable, I will absolutely help you to find the perfect celebrant to marry you!
If you choose to cancel more than one month before your wedding day, I’ll simply hold on to that booking fee. If it is within the month of your wedding day, the full fee is non-refundable.
Do you travel?
Absolutely! Although I am usually based in and around Christchurch, I am more than happy to travel for you two!
Please note that travel will add a little bit to my costs, this is absolutely something we can discuss and work through together.
Do we need to factor you into our food & drinks?
Aren’t you sweet! Absolutely not. Of course, I have many beautiful couples who become friends (or are friends already!), and I will stay a little longer! But really, you do not need to worry one little bit - I’ll leave not too long after your ceremony to go and submit your documents, and to leave you to party with your friends & family!
What will you wear?
I have always loved the styling of weddings, and I am always so excited for every single couple’s wedding aesthetic, whatever that may be!
I will always make sure I fit in with the colour scheme of your wedding, and with the dress code too!
What if we, or someone we love, is unwell?
I will ask that you adhere to any protection framework as required by the Government and that you take all reasonable steps to minimise any possible spread of sickness.
Of course, I understand that it is important to you two to have as many of your people there as possible, but please let me know if anyone in your bridal party or at the venue (including you two!) is unwell so I can take steps to minimise my risk.
Your wedding day is, of course, so important - but please don’t forget that I and all of your vendors also have commitments to other couples, too.
And, if either of you two, your bridal party or anyone else I’ve been in close contact with comes down with COVID-19 or the flu following your wedding, I really do appreciate it if you can let me know, as then I can take precautionary steps for any couples getting married after you (and any of their vulnerable friends or family)!
If I am unwell or have been in an accident, I will do everything in my power to make sure there is a wonderful celebrant, that I completely trust, to step in to perform the ceremony we have created.