What is a Marriage or Civil Union Celebrant?
A marriage or Civil union celebrant is a legally registered, qualified, professional individual who works with a couple to conduct a ceremony tailored to their beliefs, values and desires. They must fulfil all legal requirements as set out in the Marriage Act 1955 or the Civil Union Act 2004.
A celebrant can officiate at a:
marriage or a civil union
renewal of vows ceremony
funeral or Celebration of Life
naming ceremony
rite of passage ... and more
You are getting married…what now?
First you need to decide on a place and a day, or timeframe within which to marry, You can then apply for your marriage licence.
The marriage licence requires you to specify your celebrant. An approved celebrant is required to officiate over the legal aspects of your marriage or civil union ceremony.
As your celebrant, I will
Advise about and attend to your legal paperwork, ensuring that all legal requirements of the marriage or civil union are met
Ensure formal identification of the people named on the Marriage or Civil Union Licence
Guide you in preparing appropriate marriage/civil union vows to be exchanged during the ceremony
Lodge your marriage certificate with the issuing Registrar
Legally solemnise your loving union on your wedding day
You may also expect me to:
Help you to design and write a ceremony and vows to reflect your individuality and your relationship
Keep you calm on the day, tissues handy, and provide smiling reassurance
Make sure that the rings (or other tokens) are ready as well as other items we have agreed are necessary for the ceremony
Please note that the legal part of the ceremony must be conducted by a certified celebrant.
Refer: www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/
