Unique Celebrant
Personal, Professional and Multicultural Ceremonies, To Mark Your Special Day

Unique Celebrant,your local Marriage,Civil Union and Funeral Celebrant

experience

Over 20 year's experience in Business Operations and Event Management

Availability/Work Hours

Monday to Friday, normal office hours for phone calls,meetings and planning

7 days a week for all ceremonies by prior arrangement

I am flexible, therefore we can discuss dates and times to suit

Pricing

Costs are structured to meet the clients budget

Please click here for detailed pricing structure

A wide variety of services

Weddings, Civil Unions & Vow renewals

Funerals

Baby naming & Pet Naming

A bit about me

I am a registered marriage and civil union celebrant and completed my training through Celebrants Training NZ and, whilst my spoken language is English, I am fully conversant in English and Afrikaans, therefore, have the ability to deliver your ceremony in both languages with ease.


My professional skills were gained over 20 years of Business Management roles which include event and property management amongst a variety of operational roles within the Corporate Sector of large International Companies both in New Zealand and South Africa. In June 2000 I immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa my birth country and immediately fell in love with the country and its people.


I embrace the cultural diversity in New Zealand and love of people, animals, and our beautiful environment. What makes me unique? My personal life experience from which I have gained warmth, empathy, respect, compassion, enthusiasm, and humor to ensure we don't forget the fun factor as and where appropriate. From a business perspective, I bring important skills such as time management, patience, attention to detail, work ethics and excellent listening and communication skills to ensure your needs are met on your special day.My work experience has taught me to be hands-on which gives me the opportunity to be of assistance as needed on the day.


In my free time, I work as a volunteer for the SPCA/ST John Pet Therapy Program which both Nina the dog and I enjoy thoroughly as we provide friendly chats and doggie cuddles to our aged people in retirement homes, hospitals and to our communities around Auckland.



My leisure time is taken up with dancing, I am a passionate and experienced dancer of the ballroom, Latin, Argentine Tango and Ceroc dance.


I have the ability to provide guidance to couples regarding their preferred dance and or music on their special day.


GALLERY

Good Celebrations is finding that perfect balance between the way something is planned looks and how it functions.
How we work

Our Process

Here is an brief overview of how we approach each ceremony.

Plan

  • First complimentary no obligation meeting
  • Discuss date,venue and fees
  • Discuss legal aspects
  • Share event ideas

Process

  • Second meeting
  • Complete and sign booking form
  • Diarise future meeting dates
  • Work on a budget
  • Create process document
  • Discuss ceremony specifics

Main Event

  • Arrive one hour earlier
  • Check venue is ready
  • Setup necessary equipment
  • Talk to other participants involved

Process Description

Here is a description of our wedding ceremony process.

First Meeting: Preferably face to face, but can be a Skype meeting for distance ceremonies.

  • This is a no obligation meeting which gives you the opportunity to see if we connect and if you would like me to perform your ceremony
  • We discuss the date, venue, fees, and share any ideas that you may have. For Weddings and Civil Unions I provide all the legal aspects of the ceremony
  • The couple will let me know within 2 weeks of this first meeting if they would like me to be their official celebrant
  • When I receive this confirmation and a signed booking form from the couple I will ask for a 50% deposit of a standard wedding fee ($250.00) non-refundable to confirm and secure your booking date. The actual full fee is dependent on the size of the wedding and work required of me
  • Upon receipt of the deposit we will agree on a date for the second meeting

Second meeting: face to face or Skype

  • We discuss and plan the ceremony format and budget
  • Ceremony specifics such as vows, poems, readings any cultural rituals (if required) will be carefully noted and checked with you to ensure your requirements are understood and met.
  • Once I have a clear understanding and confirmation of the requirements I email a personalized draft ceremony for the couple to review and either approve or make changes/adjustments. This can take from a few days up to weeks depending on the size of the wedding
  • I will email a quote and provide a payment plan depending on the size of the wedding. If part payments are made then the final payment must be made prior to the wedding day
  • Following the review of the personalised draft ceremony we will agree on a date for a third meeting

Third Meeting: preferably face to face but can be on Skype for distance weddings

  • Discuss changes and the couple provide final approval
  • Finalise wedding ceremony
  • Final copy of the ceremony is approved and signed by the couple
  • The final copy will detail the readings, poems, rituals (if any) however this will still be subject to reasonable changes before the wedding day
  • Check with the couple that the Marriage/Civil Union Licence has been applied for
  • A fourth meeting can be arranged if required, this usually depends on the size of the wedding

Rehearsal: This is important so as to ensure everything goes to plan on the day

  • I encourage all couples to do a rehearsal, preferably at the venue ( check that the venue is booked well in advance for a rehearsal)
  • We will discuss final ceremony details and go over the check list to make sure everything is in place
  • This is when I will also check that final payment is made.
  • I will also check with you if my colour choice of attire is suited for your special day

On the wedding day

  • I arrive about an hour before you do, check the sound system, check the setup, liaise with the photographer and any other important people who will be involved
  • I will solemnise the ceremony
  • After the Ceremony: I register your Marriage/Civil Union with the Department of Internal Affairs

Portfolio

Here are some requests I can help you with.

Marriage Celebrant

Funerals

Memorial Services

Baby Naming

Vow Renewals

Pet Naming

Pricing

Here is an overview of our standard pricing structure

Wedding Price Packages

  • Standard Wedding - $500 includes travel up to a 40Km radius of my office location
  • We can discuss the cost of distance travel and accommodation during the first complimentary meeting/phone call
  • The cost is inclusive of 1 hour per meeting, an additional $50.00 per hour thereafter
  • Elaborate Wedding - $700 this is dependent on the size of the wedding i.e. length and number of readers, singers etc
  • All cost includes the services set out in the process however it is subject to change accordingly

Funerals, Memorials and Naming Ceremonies

  • Between $300 and $500 per ceremony depending on the type of Ceremony.
  • Baby funerals up to age 3 are free except distance travel and or accommodation costs which we can discuss
  • Naming events can be as low key or elaborate as the clients want, it will be scripted according to each individual requirement
  • We can discuss any of your naming events in depth in the first complimentary phone call/meeting

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION COSTS

  • All costs includes travel up to a 40KM radius of my office in Golflands, East Auckland
  • Petrol charges and fees will apply to travel over 40KM radius from my office.
  • Accommodation fees will apply for distance weddings where overnight stay is required

“Liz has excellent communication and relationship building skills and managed to attract and connect with people easily”

Barry

“Elizabeth used her life experiences, listening skills and patience to encourage open communication which results in positive experiences and outcomes. This was further demonstrated by her empathetic nature and ability to connect with people of all nationalities”

Ngaire

“Elizabeth has the ability to motivate people, providing guidance with empathy and respect”

Rachel

“Elizabeth has shown great professionalism whilst remaining humble and friendly. She communicates in a friendly and respectful manner to people of all ages and from diverse cultures”

Parma

Contact Us

I look forward to your call/message and will help you create a memorable ceremony