Celebrants Association
of New Zealand (Inc.)

 

Tangata Kai Arahi te Ture o Aotearoa

Frequently Asked Questions

Home

Find a Celebrant

Member Sign In

Complaints Guide

Ceremonies Performed
By Celebrants

Branch
Information

1.

What ceremonies can a Celebrant perform other than marriages?

Anniversaries, Blessings, Birthdays, Civil Unions (once registered) Cleansing, Coming of Age, Commitment, Croning, Divorce, Engagement, Farewelling (resignation/overseas etc), Funerals, House Blessing, Interring of Ashes, Launching (eg a boat/new product), Master of Ceremonies, Memorials, Naming, Pet Ceremonies, Placenta, Planting, Promotions, Renewal of Vows, Retirement, Reunions, Scattering of Ashes, Same Sex Ceremonies, Tree Planting, Unveiling of Headstone

2.

How do I become a Registered Marriage/Civil Union Celebrant?

Make application to the local Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). Check out their website as well - www.dia.govt.nz

3.

What constraints are there to becoming a Celebrant?

There are no legal/other constraints on anyone conducting or performing any sort of ceremony privately or publicly - other than a wedding/civil union, which must be solemnised in the presence of a registered Marriage/Civil Union Celebrant or a Minister of Religion.

4. 

Where is training available?

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) currently offers a course in Celebrancy in both Auckland and Christchurch.

Professional development is offered by this Association via conferences, seminars, branch membership and workshops, networking, mentoring as well as accessing materials through the Members' Only Page of this website.

5.

Where can ceremonies be performed? Are there any time constraints or venue restrictions?

Ceremonies can be performed anywhere at anytime.
In some public places/parks, the local authority requires advance bookings and/or a fee.

6.

Thinking of getting married? Here are some steps in the process.

(a)

Choose the date and wedding venue plus the wedding reception venue, if a different locality.

(b)

Choose the Marriage Celebrant - some Celebrants require a deposit at the first meeting.

(c)

Consider the florist, photographer, transportation, clothing, cake, entertainment.

(d)

Set the date and attend the first interview at which the initial planning process will begin and the Celebrant will provide the necessary information.

(e)

Apply for the marriage licence from the local office of BDM - this can also be downloaded from the website (www.dia.govt.nz). A maximum of three months and a minimum of three days is the timeframe in which to do this.

(f)

At the second interview bring all documentation and the fee to the Celebrant. At this meeting the ceremony will be finalised.

(g)

A dress rehearsal if required, may be held a few days prior to the ceremony.

(h)

Once the licence is issued, the ceremony can take place regardless of objections - but only at the place/s named on the licence.
The only exception is if an objector provides a caveat from a District Court judge.


7.

Must I choose a local Celebrant?

No, however we do refer you to our Membership List where you can access Celebrants by name or region.

8. 

Define a secular ceremony.

This is a ceremony that is non-religious.

9.

Can a Civil Union/Marriage Celebrant conduct a religious ceremony?

Yes

 

10.

Do I need permission to be married? If so, from whom?

Sixteen years of age is the minimum legal age for marriage. Parental consent or a District Court order is required if either of the couple is under the age of eighteen years. Permission to marry is confirmed via the issue of a marriage licence.

11.

Define the framework for a wedding ceremony.

(a)

Welcome and Introduction.

(b)

The Meaning of Marriage (optional).

(c)

Giving away by Parent/Guardian/Friend (optional).

(d)

Declaration of support (optional).

(e)

Declaration of Intent by Bride and Groom.

(f)

Vows/Promises.

(g)

Giving/Exchanging of Ring/s (optional).

(h)

Pronouncement.

(i)

Blessings/Readings/Prayers/Candle Lighting etc (optional at any stage).

(j)

Signing the Register.

(k)

Conclusion.

  

Member's Only FAQ's

PREVIOUS PAGE      NEXT PAGE      TOP OF PAGE

Copyright Celebrants Association of New Zealand (INC.)
2001-2008

Website Design and Maintenance
 by Souxx Web Design

 

Disclaimer

Code of Conduct

Constitution

Code of Ethics

Executive Officers

New Member
Application