What is a NZ Celebrant?

In New Zealand, simply put a licensed celebrant is a person who performs formal and legal ceremonies, and whilst commonly seen at weddings or civil unions, they can also conduct other non legal services like renewal of vows, coming of age, baby naming, retirements and funeral or life celebrations. A registered celebrant is delighted to officiate at a same sex ceremony .

What is your style?

My style of ceremony is your style, google has sent you here because you asked to be, through your google search. That is what it does well.

I create premium and well designed wedding and elopement packages that are easy to personalize to each beautiful couple or offer a customized service unique to you.  We perform these events in epic Nelson & Tasman wilderness locations from mountain tops to the water edge. Our passion is the environment and we reflect our styling and story telling in respect of that. We are more bare foot and flax than heels and glitz.

Can we write our own official vows?

You can write your own official vows but there is a criteria that must be met. There are two types; ones that you speak directly to your partner or the other where the celebrant will ask the questions of you.

Your personal vows however are very much celebrated and there are no rules, they can be serious, funny, sung or even in your native tongue or sign language, even a love note for example and hidden in a box. This will all be explained during your consultations and planning meetings.

Where can we get married?

In New Zealand the rules are very relaxed. It is the celebrant who is licensed, not the venue or location. As long as the location can be clearly described or has an address or even a GPS point, then you can legally get married at that location. We have an abundance of all-year-round wedding locations and Plan B venues available.

Can we hold a virtual wedding?

Under current legislation, a legal marriage or civil union ceremony can’t occur virtually, via video conferencing software, for example, Zoom or skype. The couple, celebrant and witnesses must be physically present in the same place and time. However, we can suggest a commitment ceremony, which offers everything but the legal aspect, which can be done later in a less formal setting.

How do we obtain the license?

Couples must apply online directly for the Particulars of Marriage (License X 2), and each country has its own rules, so you must do your due-diligence.

What are the rules?

Once again, New Zealand is pretty relaxed in its expectations, however, the exchange of promises is the main element required for a marriage. The couple's declaration of intent constitutes a desire and willingness to marry the other. The couple’s full legal name must be spoken at least once, and the celebrant must introduce themselves as the efficient for the event. This must all be done in the presence of two witnesses. There is flexibility to customize these words, and further advice can be given at a free consultation if you wish to book one.