Legalities
Paperwork
Pricing
I understand just how important finding the right celebrant for your special day is, so initial 30 minute consultations are free and can be done in-person or online.
+ Standard Package - $500
One additional consultation, email correspondence, planning, preparation and required assistance, rehearsal and marriage ceremony up to 2 hours, and wedding documentation.
+ Premium Package - $750
Standard package plus one additional consultation, up to 3 hours in-person, and a printed copy of the ceremony and readings, presented to you on the day.
+ Bespoke Packages - tailored to exactly suit your needs, please contact me to discuss your request.
+ Travel - I'm happy to travel for your special day and rehearsals. Travel within the Queenstown Lakes region is included in all packages. Travel further than 50km will incur additional mileage costs.
Who can get married?
You're engaged, what next?!
Once you've decided on a location, date and celebrant, the next thing to do is apply for a Marriage License. This costs $150, must be arranged at least 3 working days prior to getting married and expires after 3 months. The easiest way to apply is online, which you can do here. If you're applying from outside of NZ, find out how here.
Before the wedding, you'll need to provide me with two copies of the ‘Copy of Particulars of Marriage' to complete on the day. I will also need to see your Marriage License before I can marry you and ensure I know who's getting married!
We'll also meet, online or in-person, so I can get to know you both better. I'll advise on all aspects of the wedding and share you both a set of questions, so I can weave your answers into the ceremony.
You'll also need to choose two witnesses to solemnise the marriage, who must be physically present at the ceremony.
Now that just leaves dress, rings, invitations, save the dates....!
After the wedding, you and your witnesses will need to sign both copies of the ‘Copy of Particulars’.
I'll give you one copy (BDM45A) and will email the other copy (BDM45) to be registered.
Once the marriage is registered, you'll be able to apply for a Marriage Certificate, if you'd like one. These cost $33 and can be ordered online here.
Post-wedding you can keep your last name, take your partner’s, hyphenate or use a combination of both - the choice is yours!
You'll have to sign the Copy of Particulars using your pre-marriage signature - but you've got the rest of forever to practice your new surname, if you choose to take it!
Where do you marry people?
The short answer to this is, anywhere!
The only regulations are that the marriage must be in NZ, must be held in-person and that the ceremony must be held at one of the places named on the Marriage License. If the location has to change, due to unforeseen circumstances, don't panic! I will note this on the 'Copy of Particulars’.
The majority of the weddings I do are in the Queenstown Lakes district but I'm happy to travel further afield to make your day one to remember. This includes to other regions, the North Island or secret-spot getaways for those looking for unique or adventure elopements!
If the location you're using doesn't have a table, for signing the paperwork or a PA System, please contact me and I can assist with obtaining these; nothing is too hard basket!
What happens on the day?
I'll arrive early to set up, welcome guests, calm nerves and hand out emergency tissues! I'll perform the ceremony, letting people know where to be , when to speak and what to say.
The part you're responsible for - the vows - must meet NZ requirements. You're welcome to write your own , as long as you say “I [name] take you [partner’s name], to be my legal [wife/husband/partner]”, or something similar to each other, at some point during the ceremony.
You, me and at least two witnesses must be physically present; (weddings can't occur virtually in NZ, just yet!) If yours are children, they must be old enough to understand and explain the ceremony in court later, if required. If you or your witnesses speak a different language, you’ll need an interpreter to sign a declaration before the ceremony to say they’ll interpret what you say accurately.
Post-ceremony, I'll submit the paperwork and can assist with applying for a Marriage Certificate, if you'd like one.
You can legally marry in New Zealand if you’re:
+ In love and want to get married!
This includes visitors to NZ and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Love is Love!
+ Physically in the country
+ Not already married or in a civil union, unless you’re changing your relationship with the same person
+ Not closely related by birth, marriage or adoption
+ Aged 16+
If you're 16 or 17, you'll need consent from a Family Court Judge first; find out more about this here.
And what about afterwards?
Who can get married?
After the wedding, you and your witnesses will need to sign both copies of the ‘Copy of Particulars’.
I'll give you one copy (BDM45A) to keep and will email the other copy (BDM45) to be registered.
Once the marriage is registered, you'll be able to apply for a Marriage Certificate, if you'd like one. These cost $33 and can be ordered online here.
Post-wedding you can either keep your last name, take your partner’s, hyphenate or use a combination of both - the choice is yours! If you want to change your last name, you do not usually have to complete any forms or go through a process but once you're married, you’ll be sent a form to update your details on the electoral roll. Otherwise, you can just start using your new last name!
You will have to sign the 'Copy of Particulars' using your pre-marriage signature - but you've got the rest of forever to practice your new one, if you choose to take it!
And what about afterwards?
As most people only get married once, chances are you've never done this before!
To make things easier, below is a 'traditional' wedding flow. Click the links for ideas:
- Words of Welcome
- Bride's Entrance
- Introduction to the Ceremony and Couple
- Readings or Poems by Guests
- Exchange of Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- The Kiss! (hopefully, you don't need tips for this bit!)
- Closing Remarks and Walk Down the Aisle
- Signing of Paperwork with Witnesses, Couple and myself
If you have other requests or want things done a different way, just ask!
