Questions to Ask Your Wedding Celebrant Before You Book

When you start planning a wedding, you quickly realise there are a lot of decisions to make. Venues, photographers, food, flowers … and then at some point you realise you also need someone to actually marry you!

That’s usually when the celebrant search begins.

And if you’ve opened a few celebrant websites already, you’ll notice something quite quickly - most of us sound fairly similar on paper. Which is why knowing what to actually ask can make things a lot easier.

Start with how they work

This is probably the simplest place to begin.

You don’t need a long list of technical questions. It’s more about getting a sense of how they approach ceremonies, and whether that lines up with what you’re picturing.
Some celebrants keep things very structured and traditional. Some are more relaxed and flexible. Some lean into storytelling and personality, others keep things quite short and simple.

I sit very much in the “relaxed, personal, let’s make this feel like you” space. Every couple is different, so the ceremony should be too.

There’s no right or wrong style, but it does help to know what you’re stepping into.

Ask what the ceremony will actually feel like

This is the bit that really matters, even if it’s not always the first thing people think to ask.
Every celebrant can legally marry you. The difference is how it actually feels when you’re standing there.
Some ceremonies feel very formal and structured. Others feel light, emotional, funny in parts, or a mix of everything.

When I talk to couples, I usually find they already have a sense of how they want it to feel - they just don’t always have the words for it yet. Part of my job is helping shape that into something real.

And just as importantly, it’s about listening properly to what matters to you. If there are certain elements you want included, I’ll always do my best to make it happen and find a way to weave it into the ceremony so it still feels natural and true to the moment.

That might be something light and simple, or it might be something more meaningful - like acknowledging someone important who can’t be there, or recognising a loved one who has passed. Those moments are never an afterthought. They’re handled gently and included in a way that feels right for you and your day.

So it’s worth asking not just what happens, but how they create the feeling of the ceremony, and how flexible they are in shaping it around you.

Find out what happens before the wedding day

There’s a lot more that happens before the ceremony than most people expect.

From my side, I spend time getting to know you properly - your story, what matters to you, what you want the ceremony to feel like, and anything you absolutely don’t want included.
I then build your ceremony from there, rather than working from a template.

All of my planning is done through My Celebrant App, which keeps everything in one place. Instead of scattered emails or lost notes, you’ve got your ceremony details, timelines, vows, and a simple chat function so everything stays organised and easy to follow.

It keeps the whole process calm and straightforward, which is exactly how wedding planning should feel!

Ask how they handle nerves and the unexpected

Weddings are rarely perfectly predictable (that would be too much to ask for!)

The wind picks up. Someone misplaces something. Timings change. People get emotional in ways they didn’t expect.
A good celebrant doesn’t just deliver a script - they hold the space.

For me, that usually means quietly adjusting as we go, keeping things calm, and making sure you don’t feel like you’re being “performed at” or rushed through your own ceremony.

Most couples remember how the ceremony felt far more than whether everything went exactly to plan.

See how they talk about your story

This is a really good one to pay attention to.

When a celebrant talks about your ceremony, do they sound interested in you as a couple? Or does it feel like they’re working from the same structure every time?

Your story doesn’t need to be dramatic or complicated. It just needs to be yours.
The way a celebrant listens at the beginning usually tells you a lot about how your ceremony will feel later.

A practical one - what’s included

It’s absolutely fine to ask this one directly.

Most celebrants will include ceremony writing, meetings beforehand, legal paperwork, and running the ceremony on the day - but the way that’s delivered can vary quite a bit.

For me, I tend to keep things quite hands-on in the lead-up so you’re not left guessing what’s happening or what comes next.

That also includes being clear about the practical side of things, like travel or mileage if your ceremony is outside of Christchurch. I’ll always be upfront about that so there are no surprises later on.
I also work closely with couples on their ceremony script and we’ll keep refining it together until it feels exactly right. Nothing is final until you’re happy with it!

I feel it’s less about comparing pricing and more about understanding how supported you’ll feel throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a celebrant isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about finding someone you feel comfortable with, because you’ll be standing in front of them on one of the biggest days of your life.

If it feels easy to talk to them, if you like how they approach ceremonies, and if you can picture them standing with you on the day, you’re probably on the right track.

And if you’re not sure, I’m always happy to meet for a coffee (or a wine) and have a chat to see if we’re a good fit.

Image: Kiwi Eyes Photography
https://www.kiwieyes.co.nz/
Location: Private Residence, North Canterbury

How Much Does a Wedding Celebrant Cost in Christchurch?

This is one of the first questions couples tend to ask when they start planning their wedding, usually right after the excitement of getting engaged settles and the spreadsheet appears.
And the answer is: it varies quite a bit.

There isn’t one set price for celebrants in Christchurch, because what you’re paying for isn’t just the ceremony on the day. It’s everything that leads up to it as well.

So what does it usually cost?

Most wedding celebrants in Christchurch and across New Zealand sit somewhere between around $500 and $1,200+, although there are always exceptions at both ends of that range.

At the lower end, you’re usually looking at very simple, short legal-style ceremonies with minimal preparation. At the higher end, it tends to reflect more time spent getting to know you, writing a fully personalised ceremony, and being involved throughout the planning process.

Neither is right or wrong. It just depends on what you’re wanting your ceremony to feel like.

What are you actually paying for?

One of the biggest surprises for couples is how much of the work happens before the wedding day itself.

A celebrant fee typically covers the time spent getting to know you both, writing your ceremony so it actually reflects your story, shaping the flow of the day, and helping with things like vows or readings if you want a bit of guidance. There’s also the legal side of things, the paperwork afterwards, and of course being there on the day to deliver the ceremony and keep everything running smoothly.

The ceremony itself might only be about 30 minutes, but the preparation behind it is where most of the work sits.

My approach to pricing

I aim to keep my ceremonies affordable and reasonable, without overcomplicating things or making the process feel harder than it needs to be.

Weddings are already a big investment, and I’m very conscious of keeping my services at a level that feels accessible while still giving couples something personal and relaxed.

For me, it’s never about creating something overly formal or over-produced. It’s about making sure the ceremony feels like you both, without unnecessary pressure attached to it.

How I stay organised behind the scenes

All of my ceremony planning is run through My Celebrant App, which is an online CRM system that keeps everything in one place.

It means instead of endless emails or scattered notes, everything from your ceremony details to vows and timelines sits neatly in one space. It keeps things simple for couples and means the whole process feels a lot more relaxed and organised from start to finish. There’s also a really handy to-do list so you can see exactly what’s needed and when, plus a chat function so we can easily stay in touch without things getting lost in long email threads.

Why prices vary so much

No two celebrants work in exactly the same way, which is really why pricing varies.

Some celebrants focus on short and simple legal ceremonies, while others (myself included) spend more time building a ceremony that feels personal, story-driven, and reflective of the couple. The more time and detail that goes into that process, the more that’s reflected in cost.

Experience also plays a part, as does demand and the time of year.

Looking ahead to future seasons

It’s also worth noting that celebrant pricing does tend to shift slightly over time. Like most wedding suppliers, costs are reviewed each season to reflect demand, time involved, and general industry changes.

If you’re planning well ahead, especially for peak wedding season, it’s always a good idea to check current pricing for that year rather than assuming it will stay exactly the same (Please note - My pricing does vary year to year).

Is a more expensive celebrant better?

Not necessarily.

It really comes down to what you want your ceremony to feel like. Some couples want something simple, legal and straightforward, and that suits them perfectly. Others want a ceremony that feels more tailored, personal and woven into their story.

The most important thing is finding someone you feel comfortable with and whose style fits you. That tends to matter far more than price alone.

Final Thoughts

When couples look back on their wedding, they rarely talk about what each part cost.

They talk about how it felt, whether it felt like them, and whether they were actually present in it. So while budget is absolutely important (and always part of the conversation), it’s also worth thinking about the kind of experience you want your ceremony to be.

I’m always happy to meet for a coffee (or a wine) and have a chat to see if I’m your kind of celebrant!

Image: Martin Setunsky Photography
https://www.msmphotography.org/
Location: Trott’s Garden, Ashburton

Planning an Outdoor Wedding Ceremony? Here's What to Think About

There is something pretty special about an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Whether it's overlooking the ocean, nestled amongst the hills, surrounded by vineyards, or simply held in a beautiful garden, outdoor ceremonies can create a relaxed atmosphere and provide a stunning backdrop for your vows.

That said … Mother Nature doesn't always read the run sheet!

Over the years, I've seen outdoor ceremonies in blazing sunshine, sideways wind, unexpected rain showers, and everything in between. The good news? A little planning goes a long way.

Think About the Sun

Most couples think about rain, but sunshine can be just as challenging.
If guests are sitting in direct sunlight for 20 - 30 minutes, it can quickly become uncomfortable. Consider providing sunscreen, paper parasols, or a shaded area before the ceremony begins.

It's also worth thinking about the position of the sun. Nobody wants to spend their ceremony squinting into bright light, and your photographer will thank you too.

Prepare for the Wind

Let's be honest - this is New Zealand!
Even on a beautiful day, wind can appear out of nowhere.

Make sure any ceremony décor is weighted or secured, and have a plan for paperwork, vows, and readings. If you're wearing a veil, think about how it might behave in a strong breeze. The same goes for hairstyles that rely heavily on staying perfectly in place.

Some of my favourite wedding photos have involved a little wind, but it's much nicer when everyone is prepared for it.
(And I make sure my hair is always tied up in wind - I struggle with wind, hair, mic and book!)

Keep Guests Comfortable

Your guests will remember how your ceremony felt.
If you're planning a summer wedding, think about shade, water stations, and ways for guests to stay cool.

For autumn and winter weddings, blankets, outdoor heaters, or even hot water bottles can make a huge difference.

Also consider your seating. Elderly guests, pregnant guests, and anyone with mobility concerns will appreciate comfortable seating and easy access.

Consider the Noise Around You

That secluded outdoor location may not be quite as quiet as it seems.
Nearby roads, farm machinery, aeroplanes, helicopters, livestock, or even enthusiastic birds can all make an appearance during your vows.

Most of the time these moments simply become part of the story, but it's worth visiting your venue at a similar time of day beforehand to get a sense of what to expect.

Have Refreshments Available

If guests have travelled a while to get to your ceremony, they'll appreciate having access to water, particularly during warmer months.

A simple water station can make a big difference and helps keep everyone comfortable while waiting for the celebrations to begin.

Have a Wet Weather Plan You Actually Like

One of the best pieces of advice I can give any couple is this:

Don't make your wet weather plan an afterthought.
If rain forces you indoors, you still want to feel excited about the space you're getting married in.

Check whether your venue has an indoor option, covered area, or marquee available. Knowing you have a solid backup plan removes a huge amount of stress leading up to the day.

Let Your Guests Know What to Expect

If your ceremony is on grass, a beach, a farm, or a hillside, tell people.

A quick note on your invitations or wedding website can help guests choose appropriate footwear, bring an extra layer, or prepare for the conditions.
A little information beforehand can save a lot of uncomfortable wobbling in high heels later.

A Few Favourite Canterbury Outdoor Wedding Venues

Canterbury is spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor wedding venues. From coastal views and rolling hills to gardens and vineyards, there’s no shortage of beautiful places to say “I do”.

The photo above was taken at Mt Vernon Lodge overlooking Akaroa. On a clear summer’s day, the views across the harbour are pretty hard to beat. It’s one of those venues that feels relaxed but still incredibly special, with a stunning outdoor ceremony space and plenty of room for guests to settle in and enjoy the moment. As a lodge, it also has on-site accommodation, which makes it really easy for guests to stay the weekend, turn it into a proper celebration, and not worry about driving anywhere afterwards.

I’ve also had the privilege of officiating ceremonies at some incredible Canterbury locations including vineyard settings like Waipuna Estate, The Vines Club and Melton Estate, coastal ceremonies around Akaroa and Governors Bay like Ohinetahi House and Garden, French Farm and The Hilltop, garden weddings at Mona Vale and Trott’s Garden, and countryside celebrations at places like Terrace Downs and Bangor Farm, and rural family properties that are full of personal meaning.

Each location brings something different. Vineyards feel warm and celebratory, coastal spots feel open and grounded, and gardens often have that timeless, romantic feel. One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing couples choose a place that genuinely reflects them, rather than just following trends.

If you’re still venue hunting, don’t feel limited to traditional wedding spaces. Some of the most memorable ceremonies I’ve been part of have taken place in backyards, paddocks, orchards, and family properties that hold a story all of their own.

Final Thoughts

Outdoor ceremonies are some of my absolute favourites. There is something wonderfully relaxed about being surrounded by fresh air, beautiful scenery, and the people you love most.

With a bit of planning and a good backup option, you can spend less time worrying about the weather and more time enjoying the moment.

And if the wind picks up, the sun shines a little brighter than expected, or a sheep decides to make an appearance halfway through your vows? Those are often the moments you'll remember most.

Things I Wish Every Couple Knew Before Their Wedding

After standing at the front of a lot of weddings across Canterbury (and seeing everything from perfect blue-sky vineyard days to sideways wind that has everyone questioning their life choices), there are a few things I’ve noticed tend to come up again and again.

Not the obvious planning stuff like seating charts or whether you’ve chosen the right napkin colour. The things that actually shape how the day feels when you’re in it.

So consider this a bit of real talk from someone who gets a front-row seat to it all.

Nobody notices the tiny things you’re stressing about

I promise you this one is true.

The napkin colour. The exact placement of a chair. Whether the timing is five minutes off. Whether your hair is doing exactly what it did in the trial. You notice all of it because you’ve been living and breathing the details for months, but you’re guests don’t.

They’re not sitting there thinking, “That wasn’t how it was meant to go.” They’re just watching two people they care about get married, probably thinking about how nice it is to actually be at a wedding together.

You are the centre of the day. Everything else is just background detail.

Something will change on the day (it just will)

I’ve honestly never seen a wedding go exactly to script. Not once.

In Canterbury especially, the weather likes to keep things interesting. I’ve had ceremonies start in sunshine and finish with wind that feels like it’s arrived with opinions (or some that start in hail and turn out to be the most beautiful day!) I’ve seen marquees become the hero of the day, and I’ve seen couples completely ditch the plan and end up somewhere even better.

The couples who seem to enjoy it the most aren’t the ones chasing perfect conditions. They’re the ones who roll with it and don’t let small changes take over the day.

The ceremony matters more than people expect

This is the part I’m probably a bit biased about …

But the ceremony is not just the “formal bit before the party and the free booze”. It’s the reason everyone is there in the first place.

It’s the only part of the day where everyone you love is in one place, actually listening to your story, and watching you make promises to each other. I’ve lost count of how many times couples have said afterwards that it went so fast they barely remember it. Which is exactly why slowing it down a little matters more than people realise.
Even just taking a breath. Looking at each other. Not rushing through it.

Those moments land more than anything else.

Your guests are on your side

This one is easy to forget when you’re deep in planning mode.
Your guests aren’t judging the flowers, or the timing, or whether everything is perfectly aligned. They’re just happy to be there.

I’ve seen grandparents cry before I’ve even started speaking, and I’ve seen mates already planning the dance floor before the ceremony has finished.

People are there for you!

It doesn’t need to be perfect to be good

Some of the weddings people remember most clearly are the ones where something unexpected happened. A bit of wind that turned into laughter. A child who decided to contribute mid-ceremony. A speech that went off-script and somehow made it better!

Those moments don’t take away from the day. They usually become the bits everyone talks about later.

Be where you are

Easier said than done, especially when you’ve spent so long planning everything. But the ceremony is probably the one part of the day where it really matters to slow down for a second.
Look at each other properly. Listen to the words. Take it in instead of rushing past it.

It only happens once (hopefully…!)

And the thing I notice most

The weddings that stay with me aren’t the ones that are flawless or overly produced - they’re the ones that feel like the couple.
Relaxed. A bit emotional. A bit funny. Sometimes slightly crazy in the best way!

Just real.

I’m always happy to meet for a coffee (or a wine) and have a chat to see if I’m your kind of celebrant!

Image: Lavender Turner Photography
https://lavenderphoto.co.nz/
Location: Mona Vale, Christchurch

What Does a Marriage Celebrant Do in New Zealand?

If you’re planning a wedding in New Zealand, you’ve probably come across the term marriage celebrant - but you might not be totally sure what we actually do.
Most people only book a celebrant once (hopefully!), and unless you’ve been involved in planning a wedding before, it’s not exactly obvious.

People often imagine we turn up with a microphone, say a few nice things, get you to sign something and disappear into the distance.

There’s a bit more to it than that!

As a Christchurch marriage celebrant, here’s a simple breakdown:

First things first - The legal part

Before we get into all the nice sentimental stuff, there’s the legal side. First and foremost, a marriage celebrant is the person who makes your marriage legally valid in New Zealand.
We are authorised to:

• conduct your wedding ceremony

• complete your legal paperwork

• ensure your marriage is officially registered with Births, Deaths & Marriages

Without a celebrant, you can’t legally get married here.

Then there’s the ceremony itself

This is where things become personal, and the part I love.
Because the ceremony isn’t just standing at the front and reading words off a page. It’s usually the only time all your favourite people are together in one place, listening to your story and watching you make promises to each other.

Your ceremony isn’t just a template when I swap in your names. A big part of my role is helping create something that feels like you, as no two couples want exactly the same thing.

• Some people want something short and simple..

• Some want all the emotion.

• Some want personal vows.

• Some want to involve family, children or their dog (I’m very supportive of dogs at weddings!)

• And some sit down with me and say, “We have absolutely no idea what happens at a wedding ceremony”

All are completely normal , and no two ceremonies are the same, which is what makes it so special!

A lot of my job happens before the wedding

This surprises people! By the time I’m standing at the front on your wedding day, quite a bit has already happened behind the scenes (like 90%!)

We’ve talked about your plans, worked through ceremony ideas, sorted legal requirements, chatted about vows, and worked out how everything is going to flow.

I also run everything through My Celebrant App, which I absolutely love because it keeps everything in one place.

Instead of endless email chains and trying to remember where you wrote something down, you’ve got your details, ceremony planning, timelines, a to-do list (which people weirdly love), and a chat function so things stay simple and organised.

I’m all for making wedding planning feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

And then the wedding day arrives

By the time the ceremony comes around, my hope is that it doesn’t feel like standing in front of a stranger. This is where I become part celebrant, part friend, part guide, part timekeeper and occasionally gentle crowd control.

I’ll lead the ceremony, guide everyone through where they need to stand and what happens next, make sure the legal bits happen, and keep things moving.

But mostly, I’m there so you don’t have to think.

You don’t need to remember what comes next.
You don’t need to worry whether you’re doing it right.
You don’t need to print your vows.

You just need to turn up and get married!

Why it matters?

A good celebrant isn’t there to perform, and not just there for the legal part. We’re there to create a ceremony that feels natural, relaxed and like you.

Because years later, nobody remembers whether the paperwork was done correctly (thank goodness it is).
They remember how it felt standing there.

Final thoughts

If you’re planning a wedding in New Zealand, your celebrant plays a much bigger role than most people realise.
My job is to make sure your ceremony feels relaxed, personal, and completely true to who you are - while taking care of all the legal bits quietly in the background.

If you’ve got questions about how it all works, I’m always happy to chat!

Image: Meg Stuthridge Photography
https://megelizabethstudio.com/
Location: Double Hill Station, Canterbury

How to Get Married in Christchurch NZ | Marriage Celebrant Guide

If you’re planning to get married in Christchurch, one of the first things you’ll realise is that there are a few legal steps to tick off before the big day - nothing overly complicated (I promise!)
As a Christchurch marriage celebrant, I walk couples through this process all the time, so here’s a simple breakdown of how it all works.

1. Choose your celebrant

First things first - you’ll need a registered marriage celebrant to legally marry you in New Zealand.

This is the person who:

• conducts your ceremony

• completes your legal paperwork

• lodges your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages

You can choose someone who feels like the right fit for your day, personality-wise and style-wise. This is important - your celebrant sets the tone for your ceremony.

2. Apply for your marriage licence

Once you’ve got your celebrant sorted, you’ll apply for your NZ Marriage Licence.
This is done through the Department of Internal Affairs and can be completed online. You’ll need:

• your ID (passport or birth certificate)

• details of your ceremony

• your celebrant’s details

It’s valid for 3 months, so timing matters - you don’t want it sitting around too long before your wedding day.

3. Your ceremony details

You’ll confirm:

• where your ceremony will take place

• the date and time

• your two witnesses (these can be friends, family or someone completely random!)

Your celebrant will help guide you through what’s needed so nothing gets missed.

4. The legal wording (this surprises people!)

In New Zealand, the legal part of your ceremony is actually very short.
You only need to say a legal declaration using each other’s full names - the rest of your ceremony (your vows, readings, personal story) is completely up to you.

This is why ceremonies here can feel so personal and relaxed compared to what people often expect.

5. The ceremony itself

On the day, your celebrant will:

• lead your ceremony

• guide you through the legal declaration

• manage the flow of everything (so you don’t have to think about it)

• make sure your paperwork is signed correctly afterwards

Most importantly, the goal is for you to feel present and relaxed - not worried about what comes next.

6. After the ceremony

Once you’re officially married, your celebrant sends your paperwork to Births, Deaths and Marriages, and your marriage is legally registered.
Then you’re done - and you can focus on the important part: celebrating.

Final thoughts

Getting married in Christchurch is actually a really simple process once you understand the steps. Most couples are surprised by how easy the legal side is - the real focus becomes creating a ceremony that feels personal, relaxed, and true to you.

If you’re planning your wedding and want help creating a ceremony that feels like you, I’m always happy to chat it through over a coffee (or wine!)

Image: Claudia Pyke Photography
https://www.claudiapykephoto.com/
Location: Hagley Park, Christchurch