Frequently Asked Questions

What do you provide for the cost of your services?

Consultation, samples of ceremonies and vows,samples of readings, advice on how to apply for your license, development of ceremony, a "dress rehearsal", and the wedding day ceremony. My charges are available on enquiry.

When are we required to confirm our booking?
Confirmation is required within 2 weeks of making an enquiry and having a penciled in booking.

Do you the Celebrant attend the Wedding Reception?
No. It adds extra cost to the day but I am often invited to join everyone for a celebratory drink after the ceremony.

How much does it cost for a license and where do I go to get one?

• The form ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ can be supplied by me, is available at the local Registrar of Marriage offices or can be downloaded from the web www.bdm.govt.nz  Application bdm 60 is needed if you are normally resident within New Zealand and Application bdm 58 if you are normally resident overseas.
• Alternatively, the form can be lodged in NZ by myself or a parent and signed for by one of the marriage parties when collecting the license forms prior to the ceremony.
• If you are under 20 you must have parents permission
• If you have been married before you must produce evidence of dissolution of marriage (divorce papers)
  Once issued the license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
• There is a cost of $NZ120 in making the application to the Registrar.

Do we have to apply in person for our license and how long is the process?

One of the intended wedding party has to appear in person before the Registrar of Marriages and sign the application in person before the Registrar. The processing of legal documentation  normally takes 3 working days.

How long does a normal service take?

My philosophy is to work with a couple to create their own personal service based on information that we share and I find the average length of ceremony is 15-20 minutes.

After we have signed the official documentation is it valid overseas?

New Zealand has reciprocal arrangements with all Commonwealth countries in acceptance of the NZ Marriage Certificate as legal and valid documentation. All other countries require an authentication certificate that is only applicable after the marriage certificate has been signed. This requires an application after the marriage to the Authentication Department in Wellington.

Do we have to know our vows off  by heart and do we have to write them ourselves?

No, it is not a requirement to remember the vows and it is a personal choice whether a couple write their own vows or choose vows from the selection that I provide.

We intend to elope so who else has to be present at the ceremony besides you the Celebrant?

Your ceremony has to be witnessed by 2 people and I am able to provide witnesses to be present.

Are we able to have a practice run through the ceremony?

Most couples feel more comfortable knowing where to stand and the sequence of the service. It is not essential but recommended and normally takes place the day prior to the service.

Can we get married at any place we wish to?

You are given the option of two choices of venue on your License application and I am legally bound to conduct your ceremony at either one of those places. The choice of two venues provides for a wet weather option which always has to be a consideration.