Marriage Celebrant Lesley Shepherd

FAQs

1.What are the legal requirements for a wedding in New Zealand?

You must apply for a licence to marry. Forms are available at: www.dia.govt.nz
You need to say, “I (Name) take you (Name) to be my husband/wife” or similar during the ceremony.
You need to complete the “Notice of Intended Marriage”
Two witnesses must be present at your ceremony to sign the legal papers.
I check and lodge the papers with the IRD.
One of you has to appear in person before the Registrar of Marriages. You will have to sign the application in person before the Registrar. The processing of legal documentation normally only takes 3 working days.
2 Where can we get married?

You can get married wherever you would like. If you are marrying at an outdoor venue you should check if council permits are required. The venue needs to be chosen before you fill in the forms as it must be indicated on your “Notice of Intended Marriage”. There are two spaces provided on the form to give you a wet weather alternative if you are marrying outdoors. You must marry at one of the locations noted on your marriage license.

3. When should I book a celebrant?

Once you have your date and venue booked then you should book your celebrant. Choose someone you feel really comfortable with, who listens to your needs and offers helpful support. You will be working with your celebrant for some weeks or even months so it’s really important you like them. I offer a one-hour, no obligation first consultation and meeting at your home or mine, unless distance is an issue, in which case we can use Skype.

4.When is the Celebrant’s fee due?

I require a $100 deposit once you have decided to book my services. Full payment is required at your rehearsal and can be paid in cash or via internet banking.

5. Where in New Zealand do you provide services?

I am based in Howick, and provide services in the greater Auckland area. I will happily travel, depending on the location.

6. How long is the ceremony and do you provide set wedding vows?
Most ceremonies are half an hour long, but should meet the needs of the couple.
I can supply a set of ceremonies for you to choose from or if you wish we can create a unique service in which you provide your own vows.

Once you have made a booking, we start to plan your ceremony. We can chat in person, via skype or via email thereafter.

7. How long is the Celebrant at the wedding?

I will arrive about half an hour before the ceremony and stay until the first pictures are taken. I do not generally stay for the reception unless requested specifically as it adds extra cost to the day for you, but I might be invited to join everyone for a celebratory drink after the ceremony.

8. Do we have to learn our vows off by heart?

The couple usually read from a card and repeat after me for the legal requirements. This saves any undue stress and anxiety!

9.Do we have to write our own vows?

It is a personal choice whether a couple writes their own vows. I am able to provide you with a choice of pre-written vows or assist you in writing your own.

10.Do we have a rehearsal?

It is not essential but I highly recommend a rehearsal. It tends to calm nerves and worries about the big day. It normally takes place the day before the service.

11. Do you offer religious or same -sex ceremonies?

As a civil celebrant I am happy to meet the needs of all couples wishing to marry. I also feel comfortable to include any wording, readings or other material that you want in your ceremony whether it is religious or not.

12. Can you give us recommendations of other services like photographers?

Yes, we can discuss that as part of the consultation.

Pricing

I charge a flat rate for all my services with no hidden extras, but I may need to adjust my fees is if I am required to travel outside of the greater Auckland area, which I am more than happy to do. We can discuss pricing at the first consultation.

A $100 deposit is payable once you have confirmed your booking with me with the balance payable on or before the rehearsal.