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SERVICES

Marriage and Civil Union Celebrant

Whether you're looking for a sweet and simple styled ceremony, an intimate elopement or a fully personalised bespoke ceremony package, I have something to suit you! I also offer a range of equipment that you may need for your ceremony, including a wireless PA and microphone system. 

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On the day Coordinator 

This is an add on service for those of you who will benefit having a "go - to" person to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible on your big day. I will ensure yourselves, the wedding party and your guests are all taken care of ~ including the young kiddies and your elderly loved ones who may require extra assistance. We can create a timeline and run through exactly what you need so I can assist with ensuring you both have the best day!

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Signing wedding license

Photo | Think Visual NZ

WHAT TO EXPECT

Meet with bride
lets meet up

T A H I

Lets meet up

You can contact me using the contact form here letting me know a bit about you, a proposed date if you have one, and what your dreams are for your ceremony. Once we have confirmed that I have your date available, I send you information with a break down of ceremony styles, inclusions and cost as well as coordinator details if that is something you are also interested in.

We then organise a time to meet via online video call or at a local cafe or bar. This first meet up is a great opportunity for you to tell me more about what you envisage for your day, you can ask me any questions and get to know me to see if you think I will suit your vibe! 

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Fiona Dawson Celebrant
confirmation

R U A

Confirmation

You have decided that I am the perfect fit for your day ~ YAY! I take a 50% deposit to secure your date and you can officially cross celebrant off your list of things to organise.

I will send you through some information and questionnaires to fill out in your own time and you can relax knowing I am with you every step of the way.

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Get Creative

Bride Signing Licence
get creative

T O R U

Once you have had a chance to fill in your questionnaires, I get to work writing your ceremony especially to suit you. You may decide to have a Reading, Poem, Korowai Ceremony, Hand-fasting or Candle Lighting Ceremony ~ I can give examples and offer assistance with any additions to your ceremony. I send through some vow examples or offer tips and tricks in writing your own personalised vows to each other.

Now is also a great time to apply for your marriage licence. (I send you a reminder along with all the information you will need to know.) 

Now all you need to do is think of two special people who can be your signing witnesses at your ceremony.

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Rehearsal

Wedding arch with white flowers
rehearsal

W H A

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Although having a rehearsal is completely up to you, I do recommend we have a rehearsal to run through everything from start to finish so everyone knows exactly what to expect on the big day. Couples often find this a fun, relaxed part of the preparation. This is usually held at the wedding or civil union venue the day prior to your ceremony, but I am all about whatever and wherever works for you!

 

If I am also going to be your coordinator on the day, we meet up a couple of weeks before your ceremony for a final run through of the timeline together and ensure we are on the same page with absolutely everything to give you extra assurance in the big lead up to your day!

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The Big Day

Marriage Celebrant
the big day

R I M A

I arrive nice and early to ensure the setting is how you would expect it to be. I bring with me the perfect balance of professionalism, warmth and fun to your day. From guiding you since the very beginning of our journey together, through to today ~ your ceremony, signing the legal documents and perfecting the "first kiss" shot (with me having mastered the art of not being in it!) you can trust your day will be as you hoped it would be. I take responsibility of all the paperwork, ensuring everything has been filled in correctly and submitted promptly with the registrar.

I find a safe space to keep your ceremony, your copy of the signed marriage licence and a small keepsake gift as a reminder of all the love that was present on your day.

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Cheers celebration
congratulations

ONO

Congratulations!

A week or so after your ceremony, I will send a follow up email as I love hearing all about how you found your day! I also confirm you have your copy of the marriage licence and offer further assistance incase you had any lingering questions or need further guidance with anything (such as name change questions or ordering a marriage certificate if it wasn't done earlier). 

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I like to think that by now we have become friends. Although it may look like we say goodbye and I wish you all the best, I would love to keep in touch and hope to see you again - maybe you'll be a guest at the next ceremony I am at!

Celebrant signing legal paperwork

Photo | Amber Leh Photography

QUESTIONS + ANSWERS

"HOW DO I APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENCE?"

You will need to apply for your marriage licence application any time between 3 months and 3 days prior to your date.

I will remind you when to apply and can offer assistance with submitting your application. The licence costs $150 which you can pay online.

For more information, or to apply for your licence, click  here.

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"HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?"

My prices start from $400 depending on what style ceremony you would like to have or if you would also like me to be your wedding day coordinator. I take 50% deposit upon booking and offer payment plans to suit you. 

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"WHAT IS A SIGNING WITNESS?"

When you enter a marriage or civil union, there is a small amount of paperwork we need to fill in and sign for. You can choose two special people to sign as your signing witnesses. They can be anyone you like, as long as they can clearly identify you and understand the nature of the ceremony. If you choose to elope without any friends or family members, I can help organise some witnesses for you.

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"CAN WE GET MARRIED MIDWEEK?"

Absolutely, you can!

I can be available any day that you wish to get married - even on a public holiday!

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"DO YOU HAVE A PA SYSTEM?"

Yes, I have a wireless PA and microphone system that can connect to your device via bluetooth. I also have signing tables and ring holders available too!

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"DO WE HAVE TO SAY OUR VOWS DURING THE CEREMONY?"

Long story short: Yes.

There are a few legal words that you need to say before I can announce you married or in a civil union. It is completely up to you what else you would like to promise to each other. If you prefer to keep personalised vows intimate, you can share some more traditional vows in your ceremony. We can work together to ensure you are both completely comfortable with what vows you share in your ceremony.

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"WILL YOU HELP US FIND A VENUE?"

Yes, I sure can help!

If you are yet to find some vendors to assist you on your day, I will be more than happy to help you find what you're looking for. I have met some lovely vendors in the area and will be more than happy to pass on some details for you.

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"DO YOU OFFICIATE OUTSIDE OF THE TASMAN REGION?"

Yes, I can travel anywhere within New Zealand to officiate your ceremony. I have officiated ceremonies in the North Island and the South Island and love them ALL! 

 

"WHAT COLOUR DRESS WILL YOU WEAR?"

I own a range of dresses and outfits that you can pick from. I will always check my dress choice is OK with you so I wont clash with the wedding party or floral arrangements. Please let me know if you have a certain style or colour you'd like me to wear.

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