Civil Union or same sex marriages are the same thing and today couples can be married regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity.
I am one of the few Celebrants in New Zealand who is registered by Births Deaths and Marriages to officiate at a Civil Union Ceremony.
My Civil Union ceremonies can be held at venues of the couples choosing; reception lounges, halls, parks, the beach, their own home.
Couples can still have a formal wedding with wedding gowns and suits, brides maids and groomsmen etc followed by a formal wedding breakfast; or they can be much more informal followed by a Barbeque, or a gathering at your club or pub.
SO; ONCE YOU HAVE DECIDED ON THE STYLE, FORMALITY AND BUDGET FOR YOUR CIVIL UNION MARRIAGE AND YOU THINK I WOULD BE THE BEST CELEBRANT FOR YOU, WHAT ARE THE QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK ME?
What is your Celebrant Fee to officiate at a marriage?
- My Celebrants Fee is $450 for a Civil Union Ceremony; a travel fee will be added for Services outside of Tauranga.
What do you provide for the cost of your services?
- My fee includes consultation, samples of ceremonies and vows, samples of readings, advice on how to apply for your marriage licence, development of a ceremony, a “dress rehearsal” and the wedding day ceremony. I also include travel costs within the greater Tauranga area. I can also provide a small sound system for use on the day.
When are we required to confirm our booking?
- You pay a deposit of $200 when you confirm me as the Celebrant and the date of your wedding. This locks me to you and your proposed date. If you leave confirming your decision to late, you may miss out on my availability.
How long does a normal ceremony take?
- My style is to work with a couple to create their own personal service based on information that we share. The average length of a ceremony is 20-30 minutes.
Do we have to know our vows by heart and do we have to write them ourselves?
- No, it is not a requirement to remember the vows. It is a personal choice as to whether a couple write their own vows or choose from the selection I provide. I encourage the individuals to say something different rather than repeat what the other person has said.
