When you first make contact I’ll reply with a Yay, congratulations!

If you’re local, we’ll meet for coffee so we can all get a sense of whether I’m the right celebrant for you. If you’re overseas until closer to your wedding, we can catch up over Zoom or similar.

I send you a summary of my services and a letter of engagement which, if it’s a Yes, you complete and return to me.

We'll get together for a more focused session on your story, how you met, what drew you to each other, what getting married means to you and the atmosphere you want to create.

There will be unlimited phone calls and emails and another in-person meeting to nut out the details. From what you share with me, I craft a ceremony which we then refine together.

I can support you with vow resources, weaving traditions or meaning into the proceedings, and making sure what you want out of the day is realised.

Nearer the time we can have a rehearsal at the venue to walk everything through or discuss the 'who does what, when and where' over the phone or online.

On the day, I will arrive at the agreed time, and deliver a ceremony that celebrates your marriage!

Usually the minute I get home, I email your signed Particulars of Marriage to BDM to register your wedding. 

Then I have a strong cup of tea.

Resources, creative juices, time preparing and delivering your ceremony involves up to 15 hours of work. I charge $700 which includes travel to the rehearsal and ceremony within a 30km radius of my home.

A non-refundable $300 deposit secures the date and gets us locked in to the planning stage.

I use HNRY for my business so if you decide to go ahead, you'll receive a separate email with an invoice for the deposit. Later, I invoice you for the balance which is due a week before your wedding.

Please ask about my pricing for an Elopement or Micro wedding, or other types of ceremony.

That’s your job!

I’ll send you a wee prompt when it’s time to apply for your marriage licence. They’re valid for three months and usually issued within three days. The paperwork can be emailed directly to me and I print it ready for signing on the day.

I recommend ordering a Marriage Certificate at the same time. This is sent to you once your marriage has been registered and can be a useful proof of ID for things like passport applications and bank account name changes. Here’s the link to BDM.

If you’re marrying in the popular summer months it pays to secure your choice of celebrant as soon as you’ve found one you gel with.

A deposit secures the booking and the date on their calendar, and that’ll be one less thing to think about until you start the fun ceremony planning part.

I live in Tauranga and work largely in the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and South Waikato.

There are some fabulous celebrants around the country but I’d travel anywhere in Aotearoa. It’d be an added expense but we can talk about that.

Good point. Nothing like not being able to hear what’s going on.

Often a venue has its own sound system.

If we’re outside or at a private home, I have a wireless microphone and bluetooth speaker that’s suitable for a group of up to 80. Music can be played through it and your guests can hear your vows.

If what you need to know hasn’t been covered here, or you’re keen to have that coffee, please get in touch and I’ll get back to you asap.