WHY CHOOSE A WEDDING CELEBRANT OVER A REGISTRAR?
Commonly asked questions by couples planning to get married.
Is a celebrant or registry office better for our needs?
A registry wedding is usually a no-frills event and suitable for a small number of guests (maximum 20). It is a more economical way to be married. A wedding officiated by a celebrant allows the couple more personalized choices on content of the ceremony and number of guests.
What can a celebrant do that a registry office does not accommodate?
Primarily, a celebrant offers a personalized service. A celebrant meets with the couple at least twice, gets to know them well and records all their thoughts on how they want their ceremony to be. A wedding celebrant answers any questions, guides the couple on their obligations and ensures the couple is completely comfortable with how the ceremony will proceed.
Can a celebrant include a religious aspect into the ceremony?
Celebrants are very happy to include a religious content by way of a biblical verse read by a guest at the wedding or by the celebrant. Or the couple may have another suggestion on how a religious input can be accommodated. This is a practical way of respecting and acknowledging different beliefs.
How far in advance do we need to book a celebrant?
Busy celebrants have bookings months ahead, so best to decide on a celebrant as soon as you can.
Is a deposit expected upon booking a marriage celebrant?
Usually, a modest booking deposit is expected to ensure the booking stands. Another couple may want the same date and a deposit holds the date for you.
Do we get the marriage licence?
Yes, the couple does that. The celebrant has the information on how to do it, but the couple needs to do it. It is an uncomplicated procedure, but it is the couple’s responsibility.
We live in the country. Do celebrants charge for travel?
Most celebrants will expect an additional payment for travel and this is negotiated between the parties.
All celebrants are reputable or they wouldn’t have a licence. You may meet with several before you decide on a celebrant as it’s important you both feel comfortable and ‘click’ with your celebrant. Check on-line and with friends. Often, you’ll choose your celebrant after attending a wedding and being impressed with the celebrant in action, or by reading the marriage celebrant reviews. I am available as a celebrant throughout Christchurch and Canterbury and would be delighted to meet you.
Do we need a rehearsal before the big day?
Some celebrants have a rehearsal. Others do not. It is important, however, that the couple and the celebrant visit the wedding venue a week or two before the big day just to discuss where the bride will walk in from, where the couple will stand etc. A celebrant will provide a detailed script to the couple so that they are comfortable with how the whole ceremony will proceed so a rehearsal is often superfluous. The couple adapts the script as they need to, and the script is altered to suit them.
I am a local celebrant. Please get in touch with me to talk through your options, or read more about wedding celebrant costs.
Heather Giles, wedding celebrant