
No question is a silly one
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey
It's natural to have questions along the way - especially when it comes to your ceremony part.
Below are some of the most common things couples ask me. If you don’t see your question here, just reach out. I’m always happy to help.
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To make it all official! In New Zealand, you need a registered marriage celebrant to legally tie the knot (that’s me!). We’re authorised by the Department of Internal Affairs to ensure all the legal boxes are ticked and your marriage is recognised by the powers that be.
This includes checking over your legal paperwork (the Copy of Particulars), making sure it’s all correct, guiding you through the legal parts during the ceremony, and submitting the necessary info to Births, Deaths and Marriages after the big day. Basically, I make sure the “I do” counts - both emotionally and legally.
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Yes please! Your ceremony should feel like you - so if that means including a poem from your nana, a song by your bestie, or your dog trotting down the aisle with the rings, I’m here for it!
There are a few key lines that I need to deliver as your celebrant (those legal must-say bits), but aside from that, I love working with you to make the ceremony feel personal and inclusive. Let’s make it meaningful and memorable.
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Absolutely! I’m always up for a good road trip. While I’m based in Christchurch, I’m more than happy to travel further afield (or waaaay further) - just let me know the where and when, and we’ll work it out.
Ceremonies within Christchurch city are included, and for anything beyond, let’s chat about travel costs in advance so there are no surprises.
My family have a place in Kaikōura - and it’s quickly becoming one of my favourite places to help people tie the knot! -
It’s a super straightforward online process - you’ll apply through Births, Deaths and Marriages. The licence costs $150 (paid directly to them), and it’s valid for three months from the date it’s issued.
You can apply anytime within that three-month window - just make sure it’s at least three working days before your ceremony. I’ll send you a gentle reminder about a month out if you haven’t sorted it yet.
You can apply here:
marriages.services.govt.nzHot tip: pre-order your marriage certificate at the same time to keep things easy. And if you'd like the paperwork sent straight to me, that’s totally fine - happy to take care of it on the day!
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Life can be unpredictable - and I totally understand. If you need to shift your date, I’ll do my best to make it work. If I’m unavailable for your new date, I’m happy to help you find another lovely celebrant. If you cancel altogether, the booking fee is non-refundable if it’s within a month of your wedding day.
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I’m all for rehearsals - they take the guesswork (and the nerves) out of the big day! We’ll walk through the ceremony, run through cues, music, and where everyone’s standing, and make sure you feel calm and confident.
Plan for around 45 minutes to an hour - it's relaxed, useful, and usually ends with everyone smiling.
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Weddings are a great excuse to get out of my activewear and into something a little fancy! I’ll always dress to match the style, setting, and overall vibe of your day - whether that’s laid-back barefoot on the beach, garden-party glam, or full black tie. If there’s a colour you’d love me to wear (or one you'd rather I didn’t), just say the word - I’m there to blend in beautifully, not steal the spotlight.