Celebrants Association of New Zealand (Inc)

CELEBRANTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW ZEALAND (INC.)

Tangata Kai Arahi te Ture o Aotearoa

Frequently Asked Questions

For Members

1. If I am not a Registered Marriage Celebrant, how can I officiate at weddings?

You can lead all aspects of the ceremony except you must have a Registered Marriage Celebrant in attendance who will:

(a)	identify the couple as those named on the licence.
(b)	ensure that the marriage is solemnised at the place described on the licence in the presence of the authorized celebrant and at least two witnesses.
(c)	administer the exchange of vows.
(d)	witness and sign the BDM Forms 45 and 45a and return these to the Registrar of Marriage within 10 calendar days.

2. Can I conduct a wedding/funeral/naming in a church?

Yes, with approval of the clergy.
There are unconsecrated historic buildings that do not require church/clergy approval.

3. What are the essential components of a wedding/funeral/naming ceremony?

WEDDING:

(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.

FUNERAL:

(a)	Entry procession (optional).
(b)	Open casket (optional).
(c)	Introduction - announcements can be made here or at the conclusion.
(d)	Welcome to family and friends.
(e)	Meaning of life/death.
(f)	Music/songs/item/requests.
(g)	Eulogy + invited contributions.
(h)	Reflection.
(i)	Reintegration with the Living World.
(j)	Committal.
(k)	Passing.
(l)	Blessing.
(m)	Recessional - last respects paid, flowers on casket/balloons etc (optional).

NAMING:

(a)	Welcome and Introductions.
(b)	Purpose of ceremony.
(c)	Honouring of those gone before (optional).
(d)	Reading/Item/Candle lighting/Contribution (optional).
(e)	Family background.
(f)	Reason and meaning of name chosen.
(g)	Duties of godparents/guardians.
(h)	Conferring of name.
(i)	Signing of certificate (optional).
(j)	Opportunity for guests to contribute.
(k)	Blessing.
(l)	Conclusion.

4. Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) procedures - what are they? What is the Celebrant's responsibilities regarding this?

(a)	Respond to BDM's letter of re-application each November.
(b)	Confirmation letter received from BDM in March.
(c)	Ensure that your annual registration is current - check the NZ Gazette online (www.dia.govt.nz).

5. How do I decide upon a fee for my services?

Conducting a service has a value because considerable time, energy and financial resources are committed to this professional service.
Some Celebrants have a fixed fee, whilst others charge an hourly rate, travel and rehearsal fee etc.

6. Do I have to be GST registered?

No, unless you are earning in excess of $30,000.00 as a Celebrant.

7. Do I have to pay income tax? What are legitimate items that I can claim?

Yes, income from Celebrancy is taxable as are other occupations.
There are items that are tax deductible and it is advisable to discuss these with an accountant/IRD.

8. What are the most popular resources that I can use as reference material for ceremonies?

	Other Celebrants
	People
	Books
	Websites
	Libraries
	Books of inspirations/quotations
	Your clients
	CANZ

9. What do I wear at a wedding/funeral/naming?

(a)	Check out the appropriateness of the occasion eg formal/informal
(b)	Ensure the style and colours that you wear do not conflict with the bridal party
(c)	Dress conservatively remembering that you are the facilitator not the star! Nobody will thank you for upstaging the bride or her mother!

10. What sorts of venues are suitable/popular for ceremonies?

Public gardens, reception lounges, parks, bush, people's homes and gardens, observation decks, mountains, beaches, boats, sports' buildings, historical buildings.

11. Are there any legal constraints in officiating at a ceremony?

It is no longer necessary to ask if anyone knows any legal impediment to this marriage.
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.

12. What happens if the marriage documents need to be used in another country?

If the document is to be sent to a country that is not on the list to which Apostillo certificates can be sent you need to have this authenticated. The authentication procedure varies but usually involves a Notary Public, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the diplomatic mission of the country where the document is to be presented. Fees are payable at each stage. There is a Translation Service as part of the Department of Internal Affairs and all information relating to this can be found on their website or email the Authentication Officer at authentication@egs.govt.nz
Further information may be obtained from the Consular Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

13. What is the procedure if the marriage vows need to be translated into another language?

The interpreter must sign a Statutory Declaration, which will include such statements as:

	shall truly and faithfully interpret the questions to be put to and the answers to be given by the parties to the marriage.
	shall state the bride and groom's names.
	shall be required to interpret and shall render the ?? language into the English language and the English language into the ?? language according to the best of my skill and ability.

This is declared by virtue of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957.

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