Below, some of the different types of ceremonies Celebrants Aotearoa celebrants can offer you are listed: 

To perform a wedding ceremony your celebrant must, by law, be appointed as a marriage celebrant by the Department of Internal Affairs via Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). 

In New Zealand we can get married almost anywhere, so whether you want your ceremony to be traditional, simple, relaxed, casual, whacky, elaborate, indoor, outdoor, at the top of a mountain, at the beach or in the bush, a Celebrants Aotearoa celebrant can help make this happen.

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, who perform weddings, are more likely to be experienced and undertake ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program. Through the association we are constantly  updated with any changes in the legal requirements of a ceremony and are aware of trends in the industry. 

Most importantly, we listen, we create a bespoke ceremony that will reflect you as a couple and because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge.

To perform a civil union ceremony your celebrant must, by law, be appointed as a Civil Union celebrant by the Department of Internal Affairs via Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM).

In New Zealand a civil union can happen almost anywhere, so whether you want your ceremony to be traditional, simple, relaxed, casual, whacky, elaborate, indoor, outdoor, at the top of a mountain, at the beach or in the bush, a Celebrants Aotearoa celebrant can help make this happen.

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, who perform civil unions, are more likely to be experienced and undertake  ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program. Through the association we are constantly  updated with any changes in the legal requirements of a ceremony and are aware of trends in the industry. 

Most importantly, we listen, we create a bespoke ceremony that will reflect you as a couple and because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge.

 

Rituals and symbolism are vital in life, especially for milestone events and during times of transition. A funeral service is a vitally important event, not just for family and loved ones, but also for friends and members of the wider community. And while a funeral service is a formal acknowledgement that someone has dies, it is also a celebration of their life.

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, who perform funerals, are more likely to be experienced and undertake ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program.

Most importantly, we listen with empathy to create a ceremony that will reflect your family’s wishes. We work closely with your funeral director and because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge. Celebrants Aotearoa has close links with the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand (FDANZ) and we believe this connection enhances the service we can each give to our clients.

 

Placing ashes in a permanent location gives families a place to return to, reflect and remember their loved one, while the scattering of ashes generally has significance to the deceased, often reflecting a special place or activity. In either situation an independent celebrant can help create an appropriate ceremony for the occasion.

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, are more likely to be experienced and undertake ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program.

Most importantly, we listen with empathy to create a ceremony that will reflect your family’s wishes. And because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge.

 

Naming ceremonies have a history almost as old as humanity, and while some take place within organised religion, the ceremony conducted by an independent celebrant, is equally significant, as a child is celebrated and formally welcomed into the world, to their family, friends and their community. 

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, who perform naming ceremonies, are more likely to be experienced and undertake  ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program.

Most importantly, we listen, we create a style of ceremony that will reflect your family and because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge.

 

Milestone events are worth celebrating, whether it’s a significant wedding anniversary, coming together after a separation or perhaps when the original ceremony went by in a flash or didn’t live up to expectation. Sometimes a vow renewal ceremony is an opportunity to include promises to children.

Members of Celebrants Aotearoa, who perform vow renewal and milestone ceremonies, are more likely to be experienced and undertake ongoing professional development and many have been through a celebrant specific training program.

Most importantly, we listen, we create a style of ceremony that will reflect your wishes and because we belong to a network there is the added benefit of support and shared knowledge

Marriage and civil union celebrants are professionals, many of whom have undergone extensive training in order to provide a quality service while ensuring legal requirements are met. The celebrant’s fees aren’t just covering their presence at the ceremony itself, but also account for their meetings with you, the time they spend preparing for the ceremony, attending your rehearsal, travel time, office and website costs and more. Most celebrants are self-employed and have the obligations of a small business.
 
How much a celebrant will charge for their services depends on their level of training and experience, what type of ceremony you want (ranging from simple to fully bespoke) and how much in demand they are. The region you live in can also influence the rate. There’s no standard charge, and you need to check with your celebrant to find out what their fee includes e.g. travel and attending a rehearsal are two common items that may be charged for in addition to a celebrant’s set fee for service. Many celebrants offer packages that cater to the need for a range of services to be offered at different rates.
 
The most important thing in choosing your celebrant is that they’re the right fit for you and deliver the ceremony you want. In general, celebrant fees for service range from $350.00 - $800+ - dependent upon a number of factors as outlined above. You need to discuss with your celebrant what is or isn’t included and how the payments are to be made over time.
 
There are two types of ceremonies: Personalised ceremonies are bespoke and tailored specifically for you and the price will vary according to what your needs are, while Registry ceremonies meet legal requirements and have strict criteria which govern how they can be delivered.
 

Personalised Ceremonies

  • An independent celebrant will work with you to deliver the ceremony you want, personalising it to your needs, culture and style.
  • You can have a personalised ceremony at a location of your choice.
  • It can be held on any day of the week, including weekends and public holidays.
  • It can be held at any time of day you wish.
  • Celebrant fees and levels of service vary for personalised ceremonies. It’s important to discuss these prior to engaging your celebrant.
  • You can find a celebrant to suit you by looking online at Celerbants Aotearoa - see https://www.celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz/ or by using an online search engine. 
We believe in meaningful ceremony from beginning to end of life. We promote our members and provide advocacy and opportunities for professional development.

 

Registry Ceremony

  • Can only be held during business hours (9-5) Monday to Friday (so no weekend ceremonies or statutory holidays). A registry ceremony is 10-15 minutes long. 
  • Have a limit of 10 people attending (this includes witnesses, which the couple need to source)
  • Must take place within 10km of the registry celebrant’s designated area (may celebrants will have a park that they use or may use their home or office location)
  • Follow a set script set by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). No personalization is allowed.
  • Have a standard cost of $90 for the celebrant and $150 for the licence.
  • Registry ceremonies can only take place in homes, parks or public council spaces. They are not able to take place at hotels, wedding venures or similar.
  • You can learn about the strict criteria for registry ceremonies here https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/registry-ceremonies/
A registry ceremony has standard vows and must take place during business hours on a weekday (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday). You cannot hold the ceremony on a public holiday. You must pay $150 for the marriage licence and a set fee of $90 for the ceremony, which you pay to the celebrant in advance. You should contact your celebrant before you apply for a marriage licence to make sure they will be available.