CELEBRANTS AND CHURCHES

Celebrants come in all shapes and sizes and are encouraged to work with couples to provide weddings and civil union ceremonies that meet their needs. They’re responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met, and help couples design their ceremony and agree on vows.

You’ll want to decide the tone of your ceremony and use your venue choice as a guide for the type of celebrant that works for you. It’s important to choose a celebrant you like. Meet your potential celebrant in person at least once, but the more times you do meet, the better you’ll get to know each other. Ask questions to discover if you feel comfortable talking to them about what you and your fiancé want.

Jody McCartney, a Martinborough-based celebrant, travels all over Wairarapa and down to Wellington and attends all types of unions.

“I’ve officiated at over 150 weddings to date,” she says, “ranging from elopements to large weddings, home-based Indian weddings, gay weddings, and a Jewish marriage with the glass-breaking and ‘mazel tov’ ritual.” Jody says: “It is such a privilege to be part of, and to honour, people’s families and cultural traditions.”

Celebrant Wendy Morrison, based in Gladstone, is coming up for six years as a celebrant. “Last season was a massive covid-catch up wedding season,” she says. Wendy got to marry Tom and Jordon out at Castlepoint (featured on page 18) and to officiate at some large Māori weddings. “I love the celebrations, meeting people from all walks of life, and visiting great Wairarapa venues. It is a privilege and a delight to announce people as married.”

Gillian Jones, another local celebrant says, “I look forward to bringing my natural energy, warmth, and inclusiveness to ensuring your important day is memorable. Whether you’re getting married, celebrating a civil union, eloping, or renewing your vows, I will work with you to create a unique, personal, and respectful ceremony to reflect your special occasion.”

When you find the right celebrant, book them in as soon as possible to lock them into your wedding date, and make sure they’re registered with the Department of Internal Affairs and are a member of The Celebrants Association of New Zealand. It’s also a good idea to get a signed contract with them to cover everything that you both expect of each other, including cost. Then it’s time to sit back and trust in the celebrant’s ability to deliver the perfect wedding for you on the day.

If you’re planning a religious ceremony, the Burnside Church on Lake Ferry Road, Pirinoa, is a magnificent option for your vows.