1. (Q) What is the Role of a Celebrant.
(A) To guide, support and provide structure to your Ceremony.
2. (Q) What happens when you contact me
(A) I receive an enquiry from you. I am usually asked about my availability for the dates you have chosen and my cost at this stage. I suggest we meet at a place to suit, either my place or yours or somewhere in-between. This is an informal opportunity for you to get to know me, and me you..There is no charge for this time. Some couples know at this point they would like to book me as their Celebrant, however I generally say have a think about it, and get back to me when you’re ready. If you decide to proceed I will book the date in my schedule and start creating your Ceremony for you. What’s important to me is that I create a Ceremony that is an expression of you and those you love.
3. (Q) How much does it cost to hire a Celebrant?
(A) There is no set price for celebrants. It can depend on what kind of service you want, where and when you want it and travelling time.
4. (Q) Where are you.
(A) I am based in East Auckland New Zealand, however happy to travel.
5. (Q) Do I have to choose a local Celebrant?
(A) No, however we do refer you to our Membership List where you can access Celebrants by name or region via our website www.celebranz.org.nz
6. (Q) What are your costs and what do they include
(A) My cost is $600.00 (approx 6- 8 hours work). Plus travel, if your wedding is out of Auckland. This includes; interview, creating your personalised Ceremony, emails, phone calls, generally a further meeting prior to the rehearsal, rehearsal, Portable PA wireless sound if required , supporting you with the legal requirements of your Ceremony, Ceremony on your special day.
You will receive a presentation folder at the end of your ceremony which will include your legal documents, a copy of your Ceremony and a keepsake from me.
“I gift one Ceremony each year and the right one just seems to come along”.
7. (Q) What payment options are there?
(A) I accept cash, cheques, bank transfer, All prices in New Zealand dollars.
8. (Q) What other costs are involved?
(A)The cost of a marriage license (bdm60 OR bdm58) is $122.60 Before you apply you need to have booked your celebrant and have a venue, as these details need to be supplied. The forms can be downloaded from the website www.bdm.govt.nz.
Payment may be by Bankcard, Visa or Mastercard. Form can be posted or faxed not emailed. One of you will need to go into Births, Deaths and Marriages, AA Building, Level 6, 99 Albert Street, Auckland city to sign the Statutory Declaration and pick up the license. Allow at least 3 days before the ceremony to do this.
I recommend that after the service has be conducted and documents registered that you apply for a Certificate of Marriage (if a marriage) or Certificate of Civil Union cost is $26.50 and is more widely accepted especially overseas as proof of Marriage or Civil Union.
9. (Q) What ceremonies can a Celebrant perform other than marriages?
(A)Anniversaries, Blessings, Birthdays, Cleansing, Civil Union (if registered), Coming of Age, Commitment, Croning, Cultural, Divorce, Engagement, Farewelling (resignation/overseas etc), Funerals (Life Celebrations), House Blessing, Interring of Ashes, Launching (e.g. boat/new product), Marriage (if registered), Master of Ceremonies, Memorials, Naming, Pet Ceremonies, Placenta, Planting, Promotions, Renewal of Vows, Retirement, Reunions, Scattering of Ashes, Same Sex Ceremonies, Tree Planting, Unveiling of Headstone and any other appropriate ceremonies a Celebrant may be asked to perform.
10. (Q) What ceremonies must a Celebrant be legally registered for?
(A)Marriages and Civil Union. To apply for registration refer to your local Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) or refer to their website for further information: www.dia.govt.nz.
11. (Q) Where can ceremonies be performed? Are there any time constraints for venue restrictions?
(A)Ceremonies can be performed anywhere at anytime. In some public places/parks, the local authority requires advance bookings and/or a fee.
12. (Q) What are the Legal Ceremony Requirements for a Marriage or Civil Union ceremony.
The marriage must be performed in the presence of a Registered Marriage Celebrant or Registrar of Marriages at one of the places specified on the marriage licence.
The full legal names of both parties to the marriage must be stated somewhere in the ceremony.
The marriage must be performed in the presence of at least two witnesses; and
During the ceremony, and before at least two witnesses, each party must say the words "I AB take you CD, to be my legal wife/husband" or words to similar effect.
Both parties, witnesses and Marriage Celebrant/Registrar sign the registration forms. Both parties must sign the registration forms using their pre-married signatures according to their names on the Marriage Licence. For example, if the bride is assuming the groom's surname on marriage, the bride must sign the registration forms using her usual signature prior to marriage.
Children may act as witnesses if they understand the importance of the part they take in the recording of the marriage and can demonstrate that understanding in court if later required to do so.
The Celebrant is responsible for returning the Copy of Particulars document to the BDM office it was sent from and giving the other copy to the couple. (Both are so marked)
13. (Q) What is a secular ceremony
(A)This is a ceremony that is non-religious
14. (Q) Can a Civil Celebrant conduct a religious ceremony?
(A)Yes
15. (Q) What is the difference between a Celebrant and a Religious Minister
(A)A Marriage celebrant or Civil Union Celebrant is a person given the authority by New Zealand law to perform Marriages and Civil Unions in New Zealand. This can be a religious minister and the service performed in consecrated place such as a church or by a celebrant so you can have your service when and where you wish and at a time that suits you.
16. (Q) Do I need permission to be married? If so, from whom?
(A) Sixteen years of age is the minimum legal age for marriage. Parental consent or a District Court order is required if either of the couple is under the age of eighteen years. Permission to marry is confirmed via the issue of a marriage licence.
17. (Q) What are Civil Unions?
(A)From 26th April 2005 couples may give notice of their intention to enter into a Civil Union. A Marriage Celebrant is not authorised to perform Civil Unions.
I have been appointed a Civil Unions Celebrant. More information on Civil Unions and the forms to download are now available online on www.bdm.govt.nz . Notice of intention of Civil Union form BDM360. The fee for a Civil Unions licence is $120 To enter into a Civil Union you must have consent if 16 to 17 years of age. A Civil Union can be entered into by same sex or opposite sex
couples. The ceremony can be either before a Registrar of Civil Unions in a Registry Office or by an authorised Civil Union Celebrant. Can same sex couple marry? – no. The Civil Unions Bill does not alter the Marriage Act of 1955 therefore only a man and a woman can be married under New Zealand law. Can a man and a woman or a same sex couple choose a Civil Union? – yes. A man and a woman who are married or in a Civil Union with each other can change their relationship to a Civil Union or marriage without having to dissolve the first relationship.
18. (Q) What is the difference between a Civil Union and a Marriage?
(A) A Civil Union is not recognised in the same way as a marriage out of New Zealand. If you wish to be legally recognised as Civil Unions partners in another country, you would have to apply in the country you wish to live in, if they have this law. A Civil Union does not automatically change your current Will, if in doubt see your lawyer. Civil Union partners do not at present have the right to adopt a child.
19. (Q) What about Eloping?
(A) If would like to have your wedding/civil union/ vow renewal/, without all the fuss and added expense and share your day with just a few close family members and friends. I would be happy to support you with this. It’s all about creating what you want and a ceremony that is an expression of you and the ones you love.
(B) You can apply for your license at www.dia.govt.nz. From overseas or NZ. You need to allow at least 3 working days to give you time to sign and collect your license. It is possible to do all the arrangements by email and or Skype. I can assist with organizing witnesses, catering, photography, transportation, finding the right venue, customized to your requirements.
20. (Q) If we are thinking about getting married or having a civil union, what do I need to do first?
(A) Here are some steps in the process:
(a) Choose the date and wedding venue plus the wedding reception venue, if a different locality
(b) Choose the Marriage Celebrant - some Celebrants require a deposit at the first meeting
(c) Consider the florist, photographer, transportation, clothing, cake, entertainment
(d) Set the date and attend the first interview at which the initial planning process will begin and the Celebrant will provide the necessary information
(e) Apply for the marriage licence from the local office of BDM - this can also be downloaded from the website (www.dia.govt.nz). A maximum of three days is the timeframe in which to do this
(f) At the second interview bring all documentation and the fee to the Celebrant. At this meeting the ceremony will be finalised
(g) A dress rehearsal if required, may be held a few days prior to the ceremony
(h) Once the licence is issued, the ceremony can take place regardless of objections - but only at the place/s named on the licence. The only exception is if an objector provides a caveat from a District Court judge.
(Q) What is the suggested framework for a Marriage or Civil Union Ceremony?
Welcome & Introduction perhaps starting with a poem, quote or short reading
• Meaning of marriage and couple's story
• Giving Away or Presentation of the Bride (and Groom) - e.g. "Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" Parents/Family member/Friend
• Declaration of Intent if chosen
• Declaration of support by family & friends if chosen
• Exchange of Vows between Bride & Groom
• Giving of Rings if applicable or any other token or symbol if applicable
• Pronouncement
• Signing of the legal documents - two witnesses
• Conclusion/Presentation of couple
ALSO
• Readings
• Blessings
• Poems or Prayer
• Appropriate cultural traditions/rituals such as candle lighting or hand-fasting, can also be included throughout the ceremony as the couple so chooses and these can be undertaken by family members or friends.
• Relevant notices can also be given regarding photographs, reception etc.