Frequently asked questions.
How to choose the right celebrant for your wedding?
Your celebrant plays a huge role in one of the most important moments of your wedding day. They aren't just there to make things legal—they help set the tone, tell your story, and create a ceremony that feels genuinely you.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right celebrant:
1. Find Someone You Connect With
You'll be sharing personal stories, ideas, and emotions with your celebrant, so it's important that you feel comfortable with them. Look for someone whose personality and style put you at ease. I will be happy to jump on a zoom call with you both if you are not living locally.
2. Consider Their Ceremony Style
Every celebrant is different. Some are formal and traditional, while others are relaxed, modern, and fun. Read their website, reviews, and social media to get a feel for how they work and whether their style matches the vision you have for your ceremony.
3. Make Sure They Listen
A great celebrant takes the time to get to know you and your partner. They should ask questions, listen carefully, and create a ceremony that reflects your relationship rather than using a one-size-fits-all script.
What questions should I ask a marriage celebrant before hiring them?
Ask me anything you like, I am here to make your day a unique fun and relaxing day. Here is some questions I have taken the time to answer below;
1. Are You Available on Our Wedding Date?
lets find out…
2. What Is Your Ceremony Style?
Every celebrant has their own approach. Ask whether they are more traditional, modern, relaxed, humorous, or romantic. Make sure their style aligns with the type of ceremony you envision.
My style is a mixture of modern, relaxed, story telling your journey, and traditional for the important bits.
3. How Do You Personalise Our Ceremony?
I will take the time to get to know you and create a ceremony that reflects your relationship.
I have a list of questions that you can answer together that help form the base of the ceremony.
4. What Is Included in Your Fee?
My fee covers;
Initial meetings
Ceremony writing
Travel if local, if over 25kms driving involved millage may be added.
Rehearsals
Filing legal paperwork
5. How Much Input Can We Have?
Some couples want to be heavily involved in creating their ceremony, while others prefer guidance.
I am open to as much as you like, or as little as you like and be surprised. I work for you so we will do things how you dream of them being for your big day.
6. What Happens if Something Goes Wrong?
I have a network of celebrants locally, if for some reason the wedding is moved, or I am sick, there will always be someone else suitable to step in if required.
7. Can We Include Personal Vows, Readings, or Cultural Traditions?
If there are special elements you want to include, I am comfortable incorporating them into the ceremony.
8. Do You Conduct Rehearsals?
I can include a rehearsal, or provide guidance without one via email or phone.
9. Can We See Reviews or Testimonials?
Yes pop on over to check out my reviews.
What Do You Love Most About Being a Celebrant?
I am so lucky to be doing what I do in this amazing location. I am the keeper of secret love notes, and get to read and hear the most beautiful words on a daily basis. I cant think of a better job for someone who loves love as much as I do.
How do we book you as our Celebrant?
Submit the enquiry form page or flick me an email with the date of your wedding and location. If I’m available on your date, we can then organise a time to have a chat to check that I’m the right celebrant for you.
What is included in your celebrant fee?
I will write a bespoke marriage ceremony that is all about your unique Love Story's, as well as tips and tricks on all things wedding related that I’ve learned along the way.
I can also help you with your vows if you need & can provide you with a selection of readings and poems that you may want to include in your ceremony. On your big day, I will arrive at least 30 mins before your ceremony time to ensure everything is ready to go on time.
Where can we get married?
Having worked for the Queenstown Wedding Association, and being lucky enough to live in paradise, I can give you some great ideas of secret and not so secret spots perfect to wed. There is a great list on the venues page of my site.
What is your payment structure?
A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking. Then the remainder of the fee (including any applicable travel if outside 25kms of Arrowtown) is due one week before your wedding day.
When and how do I apply for the marriage licence?
You can apply for your marriage licence within three months of your wedding day (but no later than three days before your wedding day). If approved, the licence is valid for 3 months so I always send a reminder email to you around one month out from your wedding day, if you haven’t already applied. When applying, you are welcome to select that the licence gets sent directly to me so that I can take responsibility for it on your wedding day.
Below is the link for where to apply. The cost for a marriage licence is $155 NZD, which is not included in my celebrants fee.
What happens if we need to change our date or cancel?
If you need to change the date (due to unforeseen circumstances) I will do my best to accommodate this, however if I am unavailable on the new date, the deposit paid to confirm your booking will not be refunded. I work closely with other local celebrants and together we can look at offering you alternative suggestions.
If for some reason you decide to cancel, the deposit paid to confirm your booking will not be refunded. If your wedding day is cancelled within 7 days of the intended date, I will require full payment of my celebrants fee (excluding travel costs if there has been no cost incurred to me at time of cancelling).