F.A.Q’s

Here’s the answers to all the questions you are afraid to ask.

Can anyone get married in New Zealand? Yip. The only people I can’t marry are people we are related, and people that are already married.

How much does it cost to get married in New Zealand? It is $150 to obtain a marriage licence (which is the legal paperwork that is required) and that can be obtained on-line from here https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/get-a-marriage-licence/#how-you-apply A marriage certificate can also be required if you are going to change your last name and that is another $33, this can be ordered at the same time as obtaining your marriage licence, and will then be posted to you after your wedding is registered. You will then need to organise someone to marry you (a independent celebrant or religious organisation) which is not included in the price of the licence or certificate and prices can vary.

How long does it take to get a marriage licence? It takes 3 working days for your marriage licence to be processed, and it will be emailed to you to print out. That is what we sign on the day.

What do I need to legally get married? A registered celebrant, someone to marry , 2 witnesses and a marriage licence. That’s it!

How soon should I book you as our celebrant? The earlier the better for me. Like photographers and venues, celebrants get booked out pretty early, so if you don’t want to be disappointed and miss out, then I suggest you contact me as soon as you have a date/venue locked in.

How many times will we see you during the planning process? My process involves one initial meeting, this is where we just have a general chat about what you have planned and how I work and my style, you should come away from that meeting having most of your questions answered and full of excitement about your ceremony. A second meeting (usually about 2-3 months out from the wedding date) this meeting involves going over the answers to your homework questions (questions I send you before the meeting, designed to get to know you both better) talking more indepth about your ceremony, any ideas you have. A rehearsal is always recommended (if possible) it tends to calm everyone down, because you get an idea about where everyone is going to stand, move, and what it’s all going to look like on the day. Then you get you two married! I am always available on email for any questions at any time during the planning process.

We’re not based in Dunedin, is that a problem? Not at all, I have married couples from Australia, Germany, Singapore, America, and alot of places in New Zealand. We can do all or any of our meetings via Skype or Facebook Messenger if that works better for you.

We’re not wanting anything religious, is that something you do? Almost all of my weddings are non-religious. Usually if you are religious then you would choose a church for your wedding ceremony. I have no problem including religious sentiment into a ceremony if you so desire.

We’re just wanting something super small, an elopement of sorts. Do you do that? Yip, absolutely. All you need is you, a marriage licence, me and 2 witnesses to legally get married. Elopements are one of my favourite type of weddings, I love couples being able to marry their way, however that looks. I can even provide the witnesses if required.

We’re a same sex couple would you marry us? #loveislove it is my honour to marry everyone.

We want to marry on a Monday at lunchtime would you be able to do that? You name the time and place and unless I’m already booked, I’m yours!

We’re not sure of other vendors in the area could you help with recommendations for other wedding vendors in Dunedin? I’ve been a celebrant in Dunedin for 6 years now, and I have alot of contacts in the industry, so I’m more than happy to give you some names of other awesome vendors in the area.

We know you’re based in Dunedin, do you travel? Absolutely, I love a good roadie, so I’m more than happy to travel to wherever you are getting married. There will be some added travel/accomodation costs for out of town weddings.

How much do you cost? If you head over to my Packages section, you see a list of all my packages. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.