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Jenny
Milson-Cornwall
Celebrant
Frequently Asked Questions
My whole way of working with you is to make sure you feel heard, understood and that your wedding ceremony meets your every expectation. You can learn more about the details of how I work with you here
Everyone & anyone - love doesn’t judge and neither do I. I'm here to honour and officiate the unions of all couples, celebrating all love, regardless of gender or orientation.
You will need to apply online at Births Deaths and Marriages for a Marriage Licence here; this costs $158 and is a non-refundable fee paid to the government. This Licence is only valid for 3 months, and you can get married any time within this 3-month period. If the 3-month period lapses, and you’ve had to delay your wedding for whatever reason, you will need to apply for another Licence and pay the fee again. Because of this time period, don’t worry about rushing to get your Licence in the early days.If you want a Marriage Certificate issued there is an extra cost $35 and you need to make that choice when you apply for your marriage licence. The Certificate will be sent to you by mail usually within ten working days.I am listed on the BDM website as a registered celebrant as Jenny Milson (my legal name)When your application is processed and approved, you will be issued two documents that are identical – a BDM45 and BDM45a. These are called the Copy of Particulars to Marriage. You send me all the documents you receive to jencornwall2020@gmail.com so I can prepare them for signing on your wedding day.You get to keep a copy on the day , and I will send a copy to Births Deaths and Marriages to legally register your marriage.
The cost of your ceremony depends on the style you choose and the level of personalisation you’d like. I offer flexible packages to suit everything from a simple legal signing to a fully bespoke ceremony, so you only pay for what you need. If travel is required, then any additional cost can be factored in. I do require a $100 non-refundable deposit to lock in your date and the remaining fee must be paid within 1 month prior to your wedding day.
Yes! I’m Mum of, and was celebrant for, my eldest child who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, so you’re in very safe and caring hands! Don’t let tradition get in the way of you getting married – husband and wife may not be the titles you want. Husband and husband, wife and wife, life partners or lovers – you choose how you want to declare your love, and how people refer to you!
After marriage or a civil union in New Zealand, either partner can:· Keep their existing surname.· Take their partner's surname.· Use both surnames together, either:o with a hyphen (e.g. Cornwall-Milson), oro separated by a space (e.g. Cornwall Milson).· Put the names in either order I would recommend checking these official guidelines:· Changing your name when you get married (NZ Government)· Change your own name (Births, Deaths and Marriages)
If your marriage is legally recognised in New Zealand, you are not allowed to get married again. You are also not allowed to hold a ceremony to intentionally deceive people into believing that this is your marriage ceremony. You can, however, renew your vows or preform a commitment ceremony amongst other options, neither of which requires a Marriage Licence or has any legal standing.
While I have a few outfits I tend to go for I will always make sure I am coordinated & aligned with the colour palette and style of your big day
The show will go on! I will have another amazing celebrant ready to go.
That’s ok – but you will need an interpreter present and have to complete some additional paperwork prior to the wedding day. The interpreter does not have to be a professionally registered interpreter, but someone who can clearly and accurately translate the words of the ceremony into the language required (verbally or with sign language).
You need two witnesses and you are allowed to have anyone as a witness – they do not even have to know you. Children are also allowed to be witnesses, provided they are old enough to understand what is happening and recount it effectively to a 3rd party if required. Your witnesses must be of sound mind, not impaired by drugs or alcohol and are able to understand what is happening in the ceremony – this includes understanding the language the ceremony is primarily being conducted in.
No, you do not need to reapply for anything. I can amend the paperwork on the day to reflect the new venue & address.
Unfortunately I am only allowed to officiate marriages in New Zealand.
Probably not. Unless your passport reflects your new married names, you will need to use your original names. Whatever name is in your passport, is the name you must book under. Airlines will refuse to carry you on an international flight unless the name in the booking matches the name in your passport.
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