Can you provide our marriage licence?
No, you need to do that, but I can help. You can easily download the form from the Department of Internal Affairs.
Your licence lasts for three months so it is advisable to get this sorted earlier rather than later. No licence no legal marriage or union.
Who are you happy to marry?
I am a Marriage as well as a NZ registered Civil Union Celebrant so I can provide a service for any couple including couples in same sex partnerships.
I am happy to marry consenting adults who genuinely want to be married or enter into a civil union with each other provided neither is not currently married to anyone else. If this is not the first marriage or civil union for either of you it will be necessary to have official documents to show the end of the previous one – either a dissolution from the court, or a death certificate.
The law requires me to ensure that both parties fully understand what they are signing their name to, including the witnesses. As it is a legally significant document it requires those signing it to have that understanding and to be sober – including the celebrant!
What sort of ceremony can we have?
I can support you to design a ceremony that is personal to you. This is your ceremony so that is entirely up to you. Whether you want a small ceremony or large gathering we can plan it to suit you.
I hold personal beliefs that would enable me to incorporate prayers or blessings (in English and or Te Reo Māori) within your ceremony in an authentic and genuine way. I am also happy to perform completely secular (non-religious) ceremony.
If you have particular preferences I am willing to work with someone from your community so that you have the ceremony you want. I can conduct the legal requirements of the ceremony while someone you chose can undertake other aspects.
If you want a small ceremony or large gathering we can plan it to suit you.
At an unhurried meeting we can discuss and plan the ceremony content. This includes venue, date and time of marriage including
• Music preferences
• Whether there is to be religious / spiritual content
• Poetry and/or Reading preferences
What do we have to do in a marriage or civil union ceremony to make it legal?
In New Zealand you are required to be freely consenting to the union. with no coercion.
At one time in the ceremony full legal names must be used. After that preferred names can be used.
Each person has to make a statement declaring their intention to marry
The marriage documents must be signed at the time of the marriage.
The rest is up to you. Don’t worry, it’s my responsibility to make sure it’s all legitimate. I am happy to help you make this ceremony unique to you and meets the legal requirements.
Where can we get married?
There are no restriction however I am not so keen on jumping out of plane to marry you at altitude and no way will I deep sea dive for a ceremony! The rest is open to negotiation! If you want an outdoor wedding it is a good idea to have an alternative or wet weather plan.
When can we get married?
There is no restriction to time of day or day of the week. So if we can find a time and day that s mutual agreeable then we are good to go!
Can children be witnesses?
Yes, provided they have a clear understanding of what it is they are witnessing. Very occasionally witnesses have been required to give evidence in court, so that needs to be considered when choosing a witness. You may not want to put that potential pressure on your own children for example.
How much does it cost?
This depends on what you want and where. We will discuss this before you commit so there are no hidden costs or surprises. I will ask for a deposit to secure the date you have chosen and the rest payable the week before the ceremony. The first consultation of up to one hour is free. We can use skype, chat via emails, phone or meet up for coffee for further planning times.
Do you have any testimonials?
To find out what are other saying about having me as their celebrant for their special occasion click here.
Any other questions?
Any other questions just email or ring and I am happy to answer.