Question 1

What is involved in working with you as our celebrant?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Who will you marry?

Accepted Answer

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.​

Question 3

How do I apply for a marriage license?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How much do you charge?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

We want to get married but we are in the LGBTQ+ community. Can you help us?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 6

We would like to change our last names after the ceremony. What are our options?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 7

We are already married (either overseas or earlier in our life), can we get married again?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What will you wear on the day?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What happens if you suddenly can't make it?

Accepted Answer

The show will go on! I will have another amazing celebrant ready to go.

Question 10

What if some of our guests and witnesses don't understand the language the ceremony is performed in?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

Who can we have as witnesses at our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What happens with the paperwork if we need to change venues on the day due to bad weather? Do we need to reapply for the marriage licence?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to reapply for anything. I can amend the paperwork on the day to reflect the new venue & address.

Question 13

We want to get married overseas. Are you able to marry us?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately I am only allowed to officiate marriages in New Zealand.

Question 14

We are planning and overseas honeymoon for immediately after the ceremony. Will we be able to travel with our new married names?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently Asked Questions