Which ceremony is right for you?

​Personalised weddings
Personalised wedding ceremonies start when we sit with a coffee or wine and we talk about your initial thoughts for your wedding.  If you decide I'm the right celebrant for you I will share ideas and resources with you in face-to-face meetings or via email and Google Drive.
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The biggest part of my job happens before your wedding day. I will ask you questions, give you a questionnaire to complete, and I would love the opportunity to gather insights and funny stories about you as a couple, by talking to your close family or friends. Then I will spend many hours writing your story - how you met, who proposed, what you love about each other, your hopes and dreams and hopefully a story to make you all laugh.
I will also help you with ideas for extra special moments:
  • ways to remember people who aren't at the wedding
  • how to include children in the ceremony
  • alternatives to exchanging rings
  • ideas for writing beautiful vows
  • readings to add in (funny, serious, romantic, religious, Winnie the Pooh, relationship advice...)
  • ceremonies within the ceremony e.g. handfasting, candle lighting, sand blending
  • lists of songs you might want to use in your ceremony

When I've written a draft of the ceremony I will share it with you for your input. We often have another face-to-face meeting around this time too. 
Then, usually within 24 hours of the wedding, I will offer to have a rehearsal with you and the wedding party so we work out where to stand, how everyone will enter, who has the rings etc. The rehearsal really calms nerves for everyone!

On the big day I always arrive an hour early, set up my sound system (microphones and bluetooth for the music from a Spotify list I will have made with your music choices), get the signing table ready, check who has the rings, communicate with the photographers,  DJ, venue manager etc and steady the nerves of some people as required! 

I love technology and communicate well with it. You will be able to contact me easily and get quick responses. 

After our initial meeting I will give you an invoice to pay a deposit immediately and then the balance is due 10 days prior to the wedding date. 
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You apply for the marriage license but I send it away after we have signed it at the wedding.
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A lovely way to remember Nana on her wedding day - this bride wrapped her grandmother's special.necklace around the stem of her bouquet.
Registry Weddings
 You can no longer get married at the local Court, but as a Validated member of the Celebrants' Association of New Zealand, I am able to perform Registry weddings. This is a short, scripted 'Registry-style' ceremony for a set fee of $90, Monday to Friday only. Just bring two witnesses and any other friends or family you wish to have there, up to a maximum of 10 or so. These weddings can be held at your home, a park, my lovely garden in Pyes Pa, the beach, or any place you wish to be.
Occasionally couples ask, "Can we just sign the papers and that's all?" The answer is no.  New Zealand law states that you must:​
  • ​show the celebrant your photo ID
  • say your full names once in the ceremony
  • exchange vows
  • sign the marriage license papers
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​Elopements
I love all kinds of weddings: large, small, elegant, formal or relaxed and informal.

​Elopements are perfect for the couple who want something informal, small and intimate. The elopement ceremony is more personalised than a registry wedding. I will write a ceremony just for you and can even supply a lovely venue for you and a couple of witnesses to celebrate your love.

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​Marriage Equality
In 2013 the New Zealand Parliament passed the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill. This amendment means that ALL couples have equal relationship rights and are able to marry. 
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So if you and your partner wish to have a personalised wedding, or an elopement or Registry-style wedding, please contact me.