Traditional Marriages

The days of “one size fits all” marriages are a thing of the past. To be sure, a number of couples are  still opting for a church wedding; not just a Christian church wedding but in these multi cultural times at a church/place of their Faith.

For couples wanting something different I offer a non religious alternative. My ceremonies can be held at venues of their choosing; reception lounges, halls, parks, the beach, their own home – I have even married a couple in their milking shed!!!

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.

I also perform REGISTRY STYLE WEDDINGS where couples want a very simple and inexpensive marriage with just a small number of people present.

SO; ONCE YOU HAVE DECIDED ON THE STYLE, FORMALITY AND BUDGET FOR YOUR 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 traditional wedding, or a Civil Union Ceremony; $350 for a small informal wedding and $90 for a Registry style wedding. 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 bride and groom to say something different rather than repeat what the other person has said.
 
Can we get married at a place we wish to?
You are given the option of two choices on your Licence application and I am legally bound to conduct the ceremony at either of those places. The choice of two venues provides for a wet weather option if needed.
                                                                                                                                                      
We intend to elope so who has to be present at the ceremony as well as the celebrant?
Your ceremony has to be witnessed by 2 people and if you do not have any witnesses I am able to provide them at a cost to you per person. This is a Registry style marriage and is quick simple and inexpensive.
 
Are we able to have a practice run through the ceremony?
It is not essential but recommended and normally takes place the day prior to the service or at an agreed time with the couple.
Most couples feel more comfortable knowing where to stand and the sequence of the service
 
Do you the celebrant attend the wedding reception?
Unless we know each other well, it is not expected. Some couples ask me to MC the Wedding Breakfast as this takes pressure off friends and family and I do that for a POA.
 
What happens to the Marriage documents once we have signed them?
There are two marriage documents and we all sign both copies. At the conclusion of the Ceremony I give one signed copy to the couple and I take the other signed copy, scan it and send it to Births Deaths and Marriages in Wellington to be formally recorded.