There is normally plenty of time to plan a wedding, so the approach can be leisurely and thoughtful.
I encourage you to incorporate your own ideas, but I can offer plenty of suggestions to help with your planning. Some couples prefer to state their requirements and leave me to construct the ceremony. Both approaches are fine.
Ultimately the wedding is yours, and I see myself as serving your needs while also keeping the ceremony realistic and lawful.
Initial Meeting
Normally I would meet with the couple early on and we can discuss what ideas you have, and I can give you a lot of ideas and some suggested ceremony structures. I will give you a lot of material that you can take away and consider, before finally deciding on what you think you will like.
I will put all that together and send it to you for approval. It is no problem to make as many alterations as you want. Then I will finalise and send to you for final approval.
A Rehearsal
It is a good idea to have a rehearsal, particularly if there are to be children in the wedding group, but regardless of that, a rehearsal does enable everyone to feel relaxed at ceremony time. It is of course up to you to decide.
I will then conduct the wedding for you and I am confident that you will be happy with it. I have spent a lifetime working with people, I am of a relaxed but sincere personality, and I always have positive feedback after my weddings.
Marriage Licence
You are responsible for applying for the marriage licence. You do this at The NZ Department of Internal Affairs – generally in an office for Births Deaths and Marriages.
You will probably be asked for the full name of your Celebrant which is Charles Frederick Brown and my official celebrant number is 2530.
I need to have the licence and the accompanying certificates before the day of the wedding, but we can discuss details when we meet.
Religious or not?
Many couples these days do not belong to a formal church but at the same time acknowledge the presence of a “guiding hand” of some sort. They do not want a religious ceremony, but would like a religious component either on their own behalf, or for the comfort of family. I can incorporate this for you in a way that will be very inclusive for you and for all your family and friends
Cost: $350NZ which covers everything, although if there is a lot of travelling involved, we would need to agree on something in addition to cover that.
More information about getting married in New Zealand