Frequently Asked Questions

It's not often that one organises a wedding. I'm here to help so if this page doesn't answer your questions, feel free to get in touch.


Where are you based and do you travel? 
I am Cambridge based and am more than happy to travel across NZ should you decide you want to work with me. I mainly serve the Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country regions. I’ve done a couple in Queenstown now and never shy away from a trip down there. Please enquire for indicative travel costs.

How much do your services cost? 
Pricing starts at $1000 but varies depending on the type of support and services you are after. Following an intial meeting or email exchange, I would provide indicative costs or develop a bespoke package with pricing for your consideration. All pricing excludes GST. Package pricing for multiple services is available. 

Do you have backup?
In the unlikely event I am unable to attend your wedding on the day, I have a network of amazing celebrants who I can call on to step in on my behalf situated throughout the nation. Since Covid came along having trusted back ups ready to go is essential. I’d only recommend people I’d use for my own wedding (which is still coming). 

How do we apply for a Marriage Licence?
You can apply for a marriage licence at:
https://marriages.services.govt.nz/ 
If approved, this should be with you within 3 days and is valid for 3 months. This costs $150 and I always recommend ordering your Marriage Certificate at the same time.
I suggest ordering your wedding license 3 weeks instead of 3 days before (just to be safe). 

Can we incorporate other traditions into our wedding ceremony?
Yes, all of my ceremonies are tailored to the taste and desires of each couple. When we first meet, we will discuss what is important to you and how we can incorporate traditions or rituals in a way that is meaningful. 

What is the timeline for making a booking and getting things organised? 
The summer dates book out very quickly, with most being confirmed 12-18 months ahead of time. Once booked and the deposit is paid we’ll get the ball rolling with either an in person or zoom meeting. 

Do you have preferred vendors you like to work with?
I’ve worked in multiple venues all over NZ and have a few favourites depending on how many guests/vibe you want to go for. I’m happy to dispense a bit of advice on who’s good to deal with. 

Can you also be our MC for the night?
I personally recommend getting a friend or family member to MC your big day as they know you/ your crowd better than someone like me. Saying that if you really want to let your guests enjoy there day without the stress of MCing (its a hard job) I can do it for an additional fee. 

Can we see examples of your work?
No problemo. You want to see what you're buying. Visit my main celebrant page to view a few example videos of my ceremonies and testimonials from couples I’ve worked with. 


Why should we pick you? My aunty Jill can do it for $200. 
If aunty Jill from down the road can do it for cheaper go with her.

I’ve got a few side hustles going on so I’m not desperate to put in heaps of tailored grind for little financial gain. 
I’m keen to work with couples that are bigger picture thinkers and understand and appreciate there’s a lot of work that goes into tailoring someones big day. 

A wedding is meant to be one of the biggest days in a couples life. This is a fact I take very seriously. 
I want to create a ceremony that is personalised (I hate copy and paste ceremonies), light hearted and real. Something both your guests and you will remember and love forever. 
I think about my future wedding day (I’m engaged but not married yet) and how I’d want my celebrant to act. If they didn’t make it personal and we/ the crowd didn’t get a few laughs I’d be gutted. 

I always aim to be the celebrant I’d want at my own wedding. 

Do you do weekday weddings? 
Absolutely... Anytime. Anyplace. Anywhere. Just not New Years night. Or Christmas. 

Do you officiate more than one wedding a day?
No, when you book me as your celebrant, you can relax knowing that you have my full attention and focus on your special day.

How does the process work? 
I think the best thing to do is watch a few videos of my ceremonies and decide if I’m the vibe you’re going for. If you decide to go with me then flick me an email and we will arrange an in person/or zoom meeting (usually on a Sunday as I work nights Mon-Sat). In this meeting you can explain to me the vision of your ceremony and I will ask you a few questions about your journey as lovers. Before this zoom I’ll get you both to fill out a little questionnaire answering a few questions about your relationship (I like to know a bit about you before our meeting). When we have our zoom I record it and base my ceremony on what you’ve told me. 

How long are your ceremonies? 
Anywhere between 10-15 mins. 
We are shy and don’t want to write our own vows. Can you help us? 

I understand every couple is different and not all are comfortable with public speaking. I have written short, sweet but loving vows for numerous couples that are easy to say but still provide a big punch (this is your chance to make grandma think you’re a nice boy/girl). 

Can we do a wedding rehearsal? 
Rehearsals are on a case by case basis. If you are say a Cambridge based couple and your getting married in Cooks Beach (for example) on a Saturday and want a rehearsal the night before that is potentially a day/night I have to take off work/ not make money. 

I’m more than happy to email you a step by step guide of all the marks you have to hit in the ceremony and either a zoom/or phone call clarifying any questions you might have. 

If you are getting married at say the Red Barn (15 minutes from my home) I’m more than happy to pop down and do a rehearsal with you. 

The most important part of the rehearsal is essentially the part walking down the aisle timing their walk down the aisle which you don’t really need me there for that. 

I’ve done plenty of weddings without a rehearsal and they’ve always been fine. 

Do you do same sex couples? 
Yes. To quote Frank Ocean “I believe that marriage isn't. Between a man and woman, but between love and love”. 

Why did you become a celebrant? You don’t seem like the usual celebrant type. 
I’m not gonna lie. I’m a red blooded, meat eating, beer rugby loving straight white male. Not exactly the typical celebrant mold. 

My true passion is filmmaking (acting/directing) but gigs in that world are few and far between. Being a celebrant allows me to keep my creative writing juices flowing and my public speaking/performance sharp. I’ve been involved in weddings for over a decade now firstly as a wedding videographer and most commonly as a DJ. I’ve always hosted Quiz nights at the local pubs, acted in little films or been at weddings DJing or filming them for much of my adult life. One day I figured I may as well be a celebrant as well. 


Why should we pick you? 
Basically I despise copy and paste ceremonies and I think couples deserve more than that on the biggest day of there lives. If someones giving me their hard earned money I’m gonna make them a ceremony they’ll remember and cherish for life. It’s what I’d want if I was getting married. 

I just care heaps. Thats my problem.