I’m a Tauranga-based marriage and funeral celebrant, and this space is where I share the things I’ve learned along the way. From ceremony trends I’m seeing, to practical advice, vendor insights, and ideas that help make ceremonies more meaningful, this blog is here to support you — whether you’re planning a wedding, a farewell, or something in between.
Elopement or Small Ceremony? How to Keep Your Wedding Affordable and Personal
Let’s talk about creating a beautiful and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank. I’ve seen couples of all kinds, from those who dream of grand venues to those who simply want a quiet ceremony by the beach. And the one thing I’ve learned over the years is that a wedding doesn’t need to be expensive to be special.
Free elopement venues around Tauranga
Tauranga Celebrant Debbie Woodfield gives ideas of free places to have a beautiful wedding ceremony in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Apostille - what is it and why do some couples need it?
Foreigners marrying in New Zealand may need an Apostille to get their marriage recognised in their home country. Here is information about the Apostille
Writing your vows
Did you know that it's the marriage vows that actually marry you? All the rest of the ceremony is optional. In fact, you could stand in front of your two witnesses and me and simply say, "I (full name) take you (full name) to be my husband/wife/partner" and you'd be married! Sign the papers and off you go. That's the legal minimum.
Fortunately, people want more than that, whether it's a Registry wedding, elopement or full personalised wedding.
Registry Weddings
You can no longer get married in a courthouse or Registry Office in New Zealand. The Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages has given these wedding ceremonies to people like myself who are Verified Members of the Celebrants Association of Aotearoa NZ (CANZ).