Your special ceremony, your special memory
Christchurch Marriage Celebrant
Thanks for visiting my website. You are probably doing so because you are planning to get married. Your wedding will be one of the most exciting and important days of your life and it’s so essential that you feel supported and relaxed when the big day arrives!
Being a NZ registered marriage celebrant, I would love to be one of the people who make sure that you are supported and relaxed! I am available to officiate for all couples.
A marriage celebrant needs to be organised, friendly and able to ensure that the couple getting married have the exact ceremony that they want. Of course, there are the legal requirements that need to be met during the ceremony but there is ample chance for you to include anything that you may want. For example - a guest may read a poem, someone may speak and acknowledge those who cannot be present, children may be included in some way, you may have your own personalized vows to each other – all manner of extras you may like. It’s your day, done your way.
I would consider it a privilege to be your celebrant and I would love the experience of sharing and contributing to your very special day. I am Canterbury-based and travel throughout Canterbury. My rates are very reasonable. My contact details are below and I would love to hear from you with any enquiries you may have.
My style is open, clear and inclusive but I certainly do not take over! You are the stars of your show, certainly not me.
About Heather Giles, Marriage Celebrant in Christchurch
Heather is a people’s person. An energetic type, she is organised, friendly and loves helping people. Over the years she has acted and directed for community theatre in Canterbury and Marlborough. Since 2011, she has led Brick Road Productions, a group that performs adult comedies once a year in Christchurch. The group dedicates two performing nights to health-related charities, both groups making good money for their causes.
Having been told that she would be ‘great as a funeral celebrant’, she decided on a happier course and chose to be a wedding celebrant. The thrill and joy of a wedding day must surely be pretty unbeatable for the couple getting married, and to be part of such a tremendous occasion as the marriage celebrant is an absolute honour and privilege.
Heather is based in Christchurch but happy to travel around Canterbury for wedding ceremonies. She will help you make your special day exactly how you envisage.
Please contact Heather via email or phone to hear more about her services and how she can help you with your special day.
Outdoor wedding venue Christchurch
Many couples are on a budget yet still want a special and fuss-free wedding ceremony, while finishing their day with a bigger occasion elsewhere. Heather can arrange a rustically charming undercover garden in central Christchurch just for the ceremony. Maximum 15 guests, no children. The venue, celebrant fee, music, bubbly and savoury platters for 11 - 15 (includes bridal party of 4) all up is $1,000. For up to 10 people (includes bridal party of 4) $800. It can be booked from start of October to end of February. Email enquiries to Heather to discuss further and arrange a viewing. Scroll down to see Heather’s usual charges for services at any venue.
Heather Giles,
Registered Marriage Celebrant Christchurch
Client feedback
"Just wanted to thank you for an amazing job and helping to make our big day special!
We couldn't have asked for a better celebrant!”
Happy Couple
"Thank you very much for helping us to finally tie the knot! You were amazing. Thank you for making our day easy going and carefree.”
Mrs Leitesha Turner,Bride
“Very nice and organised celebrant. Have Heather in a heartbeat. Feeling of warmth and welcome from Heather will make your day special.”
Mrs Demi Geddes,Bride
“Heather, thank you so much for being the most wonderful wedding celebrant. You made us feel totally at ease and the nuptials were just perfect. Thanks again.”
Mr & Mrs McConnell,Bride & Groom
"Heather Giles was the celebrant. She is so warm and lovely. I wanted to share her details because if anyone is looking for a celebrant, she is wonderful.”
Candice Pierce,Mother of the bride
“She is such a beautiful person. She did an awesome job. I highly recommend her.”
Jan Thompson,Mother of the groom
“OMG I’m not even getting married and I want her to marry me haha. She was so amazing.”
Tay Kopua,Matron of Honour
"We had the pleasure of Heather being the celebrant for our special day. We found that Heather listened to want we wanted and also gave us ideas that we hadn't thought about. On the day Heather was very helpful in helping to direct the proceedings and also made us feel at ease. We highly recommend Heather for any wedding. Thank you, Heather.”
Tina & Tim Smith,Bride & Groom
Common questions
How much does a marriage celebrant cost in NZ?
There is no set fee and the amount is agreed between the parties concerned. I personally charge between $300 and $450, depending on the level of customisation required for the ceremony, with a modest additional fee to travel out of the city.
Couples choosing to marry in church will have an ordained minister/priest/pastor and a donation is required as payment.
Who can perform a marriage in NZ?
Only a registered marriage celebrant or authorized church minister/priest/pastor can legally marry a couple in New Zealand. Many couples choose an informal affair that may include them reading their own vows to each other, but there are strict legal requirements that must be included in each service and verbally spoken, in order for the service to be legally binding.