FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do we provide for the cost of your services?
My fee includes consultation, samples of ceremonies and vows, samples of readings, advice on how to apply for your marriage license, development of ceremony, a “dress rehearsal” and the wedding day ceremony.

When do we have to confirm our booking?
Confirmation is required within two weeks of making an enquiry and requesting a penciled in booking.

How long does a normal service take?
Our philosophy is to work with a couple to create their own personal service based on information that we share. We find the average length of ceremony is 20-25 minutes.

Do we have to know our vows off by heart and do we have to write them
ourselves?
No, it is not a requirement to remember the vows. It is a personal choice as to whether couples writes their own vows or choose vows from the selection that we can provide. We work with you to make your special day the perfect one.

We intend to elope so who has to be present at the ceremony as well as the Celebrant?
Your ceremony has to be witnessed by 2 people and if you do not have any witnesses we can provide them at a cost to you per person.

Are we able to have a practice run through the ceremony?
Of course. Most couples feel more comfortable knowing where to stand and the sequence of the service. It is not essential but we do recommend it takes place the day prior to the service or at an agreed time with the couple.

Can we get married at any place we wish to?
You are given the option of two choices of venue on your License application and we are legally bound to conduct your ceremony at either of those places. The choice of two venues provides for a wet weather option if needed.

How much does it cost for a license and where do I get one?
The form ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ can be supplied by us and is available at the local District Court or can be downloaded from the website.

Once issued the license is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. There is a cost of $NZ122.60 (GST Inc.) to be paid at time of making the application.

After we have signed the official documentation on our wedding day, is it valid overseas?
The Particulars of Marriage certificate is accepted only as legal and valid documentation while residing in New Zealand. For NZ couples who intend to travel or live overseas and couples who reside outside of New Zealand, there is a requirement to obtain an official Marriage Certificate (BDM 93M) which is stamped by the Registrar General of New Zealand. This is done once you are married and have signed your documentation at the wedding ceremony. It is a very simple process through contacting the NZ Registrar’s office:

Phone 0800 2277 77 (NZ only) Overseas +64 4 474 8101

Cost is NZ$26.50 (GST Inc.) and is payable by Credit/Debit Card, Bank Cheque or Draft.

(Overseas Clients please note – Some countries require a NZ Apostille Certificate or Authentication Certificate as well as the NZ Marriage Certificate. It is advisable for you to contact your own Government to enquire if our NZ Marriage Certificate is accepted as a legal document in your country. If not, the NZ Marriage Certificate will need to be authenticated. Cost for applying for authentication is $32.00 (GST incl.) The application form can be downloaded from the Department of Internal Affairs website in New Zealand.)

Can you also be the Master of Ceremonies at our reception?
Yes absolutely it would be our pleasure. Please CONTACT US for more details.

Can you give us information about Waiheke Island? Any recommendations of other services like photographers, catering, and accommodation?
Yes absolutely check out our LINKS and if the information you need is not there, please don’t hesitate to ask us.

Other questions?
Feel free to CONTACT US