How it works - Elope with Marry Me

Getting hitched in NZ is very straight forward. The first thing to do is decide what kind of wedding you would like. If you are after a “full on, all the bells and whistles, shin-dig with 150 of your closest friends”, then I can offer my services as a Celebrant. However, if you are one of the “savvy, keep it simple and all about you” kind of couple, then Marry Me is your one stop shop for the PERFECT elopement in style!

Have a look over on the Packages page to see if something appeals, but also know that Marry Me can create an elopement that contains anything and everything that you have been dreaming about. From a helicopter adventure to a “Sunrise in the Desert” experience, to a simple cottage garden affair.

If you have some ideas, or even if you are at a bit of a loss as to what is possible, complete this form and we can begin to curate the elopement that will forever be etched in your mind as the perfect day.

The services that are on offer can include but are not limited to:

• organising flowers

• elopement cake

• picnic platter

• local sparkling wine to toast

• scheduling hair & makeup

• booking accommodation

• booking a celebration meal

• photography

• videography

• celebrant services

• location ideas

• decorations

• witnesses (if needed)

• helicopter

Marry me will create what is just like a large wedding, but without the stress, the guests* or the cost.

*Should you actually want to invite a few special people, that is wonderful, we are more than happy to work with you on that.

Once you have picked your date you can then apply for your marriage licence up to 3 months before the wedding day. This is done online at this link

When we know what general location you want to marry in and what services you are requiring, we will create a PDF with ideas, photos, pricing etc, so that you can make you final decisions and we can get booking!

We will do some zoom chats together then create your ideal ceremony, and make sure we are all on the same page to create your dream elopement.

On the day, photos and video of your preparations will be taken, you will be provided with a light platter luncheon, the ceremony scene will be set, then it will be time to make your way to the perfect ceremony site to make vows to one another. Then comes the signing of the paperwork, the popping of the bubbles, a toast, and the cake cutting. Following on will be more photos and video in various locations if you choose. It is like you are movie stars for the day. We make sure the whole day special for you and that is lasts as long as possible. Because you have chosen the beautiful path of eloping, doesn’t mean you miss out on any of the fun stuff at a larger wedding.

So why would you choose to elope in style over having a large wedding? Well, firstly it is a fraction of the cost. Why spend the deposit of a house on one stress inducing day? Secondly, it is all about you and the love you have for one another. No one else’s agenda comes into it, you don’t have to invite people you don’t actually like, and there is no stress. Just you and your lover. Simple! Thirdly, keeping it small means that the ceremony can occur pretty much anywhere….. lake side, mountain top, garden, vineyard, anywhere that may hold some special meaning for you.

Marry Me will marry you whenever, however you wish!

How it works- Celebrant services only

Do you want the freedom to create the wedding of your dreams, that reflects who you are and what your vision is? Is the ceremony, with the carefully chosen words that evoke emotion and the heartfelt vows, the most important part of the day to you? Do you wish to have a caring guide to help you through the process of crafting the perfect ceremony?

Long after the rose petals have been swept up, I consider that what is remembered most about a wedding it how you felt. Together we can successfully weave your beliefs, culture, hopes and dreams into ceremony that will leave you and your loved ones with the memories of the perfect day. So not only will I plan your event, I can also marry you!

We begin with an initial, no obligation phone call, to see if I am the person that will fit with your vision. From there we would move onto a relaxed consultation by phone, in person or via FaceTime, where we can discuss your vision.

Once you are happy and have made the choice to proceed with me as your celebrant, I will send you out an initial information sheet with contacts, a deposit invoice and a resource package. We will then arrange to meet to go over, more in-depth, what it is you see for your special day. It is a fun process and quite enlightening for all involved. I am easy to chat with and I seem to have the knack of getting to the heart of things and drawing out what really matters to people. 

From here I will spend considerable time researching, writing and constructing a ceremony that is unique to you. I can suggest music, readings, poetry, rituals and other elements that will make the ceremony special. I can send you the ceremony plan to revise and we can make any changes you wish. At the end of the day it is all about you and what you want. I am a facilitator, you are in control.

I will also give you a reminder to organise the marriage license about 3 months out from the day.

If you would like to have a rehearsal, I am more than happy to oblige. It can help to put you at ease with regards to logistics in the event of uncooperative weather, timing with music, where people will stand, walk and enter from etc.

On your wonderful wedding day, I will arrive in plenty of time to set up the sound system (if needed), talk to the venue co-ordinator and to the photographer and videographer (if you have them) to make sure we are all on the same page. After the ceremony, I will present you with your copy of the Copy of Particulars in a presentation folder, stay for a short time to congratulate you and your family then I will leave you to enjoy what is sure to be the best day of your life.

I will then orgainse the paperwork to be sent off the next day.

If you have chosen me to be your elopement planner & celebrant, then things will be a bit different on the day, and I will most likely be your photographer & videographer so I will be with you most of the day.

What is Eloping?

The earliest elopements can be traced back to the 14th Century, and was a term that described when an already married woman ran away with her lover. In 1753 in England, anyone under the age of 21 had to have parental consent to marry. At that time, marriage was often used as a way to join certain families together for financial or property reasons. It was all about contracts, not romance.

Today an elopement is a term for an intimate marriage ceremony, with or with out a few special guests, and is full of romance, love and beauty.

Steps to creating Wedding Vows

This is the prefect opportunity to say how much your partner means to you in front of all your favourite people

Personalise or keep to tradition?

This is totally up to you and your partner. You can write your own words or I can help with some ideas & samples

Writing your own vows

Start with brainstorming! Write down words that your would like to incorporate into your vows. Think about special moments in your relationship, look at photos to capture the feelings that you had at that time and write down the words that come to mind.

Find Inspiration

Use the internet, books, poems, songs or movies to gain some inspiration for how you imagine the ceremony and vows to look.

Structure

Start with the obvious. Head up a page with "Beginning", Middle" & "End". Use bullet points, including your key words, that you can use to craft into beautiful and heartfelt vows. Remember to keep editing until it is just right.

Practice

To make sure your well crafted words are delivered with sincerity, you must practice. Use the mirror, a friend or two who can give honest feedback or even video yourself and play it back. Speak with confidence and a smile, making sure to project your voice so everyone will be able to hear.

On the Day

With all that will be going on, it can be difficult to remember your vows, even after practicing. It might pay to have them written down on small cards to use to prompt you. I am happy to hold them, or make them small enough to hold hidden in the palm of your hand. I have a small PA system you can use as well.

Elopement Ceremony Structure

The ceremony can consist or all or none of the below. This is just a jumping off point for you to use when thinking about what you want your ceremony to be. The below is how our elopements usually go, but nothing is set in stone

The Procession

This is when everyone walks down the aisle and takes their place for the actual ceremony. You can each make your way to the front separately, which symbolises that the couple are coming from different backgrounds. Or you can come in together. The bride(s) and/or groom(s) can be accompanied by whom ever they wish.

The Celebrant’s Introduction

This is where the celebrant will introduce themselves and welcome the guests. A few words about what marriage means to the couple and their journey to this point. An acknowledgement of the people at the ceremony (if there are any) and what their being there means to the couple. This can be a fun or serious as the couple wishes. The celebrant then talks about some of the couples history, perhaps a story about the engagement, and some words around marriage and love.

Readings/Poems

This is optional, but it makes a great transition into the next part of the ceremony. The reading or poem can reflect points that were made in the introduction in a poetic way and it bulks out the ceremony. It is also a lovely way to include special people by having them read. Or if there are no guests, the celebrant can read something if you wish.

Declaration of Intent (optional).

This is where the Celebrant or another guest asks if the couple are ready to pledge themselves to one another

Parents Blessing (optional)

This is a lovely part of the ceremony where the parents are asked if they offer their blessing for their child to marry and that they will welcome the spouse into their family. You can also extend this to the guests by asking for a call of support for the marriage

The Exchange of Vows

The vows are the most important part of the ceremony. They can be whatever words the couple choose that express how each feels, their hopes and their dreams for their marriage. They can be read, memorised. There is also the legal requirement that full names must be used by both parties and that they take each other to be husband or wife.

The Ring Exchange (optional)

It is a long standing tradition to exchange rings along with some heart felt words of love

The Pronouncement of Marriage

The Celebrant makes it official ("I now pronounce you husband and wife").

The Kiss

And now the moment everyone's been waiting for: your first kiss as a married couple.

The Recessional

Basically the reverse of the processional, the couple exit the ceremony together as a married couple, followed by the wedding party.

The Signing

The couple, two witnesses and the Celebrant must complete the legal documents. It is nice to have some music playing during this part as it may take a few minutes.

The Toast

Popping the bubbles and a toast to the newlyweds. The cake cutting can occur after this.