How much does a celebrant cost in NZ?

The price of a celebrant is a question that is asked often, in fact sometimes when an enquiry comes through that’s the first question.

And I get it, you have a budget to keep as you plan your wedding but don’t be put off by the price of a celebrant until you have met them and built a connection.

In the celebrant world, there is no standard rate and many will charge a range of prices depending on past experiences and location. Just like every couple is unique, every celebrant is unique too. There will be a celebrant for everyone, and all budgets.

So, let’s talk price. Some celebrants might seem pricey but, there’s a lot more behind their fee than just showing up on the wedding day with a big smile and a script.  Let’s dive into what makes hiring a celebrant a valuable investment and why their pricing reflects their worth.

First off, think of a celebrant as the director and producer of the ceremony.  Their work begins long before the wedding day.  A great celebrant spends hours getting to know you as a couple, understanding your love story, your quirks, and what makes your relationship unique.  This allows them to craft a personalised ceremony that is authentic and it helps to build connection with you as a couple.  This level of customization takes time, creativity, and a genuine passion for storytelling.

Behind the scenes, celebrants are also juggling some hidden costs too that go into the pricing. Professional development is one, and for me, investing in courses to make sure I offer the best service is super important.  Then there is marketing to reach couples like you, which includes maintaining a website, advertising and attending wedding fairs. 

Moreover, a celebrant’s fee covers their equipment, registration, subscriptions, and software, all adding another layer of professionalism and reliability to their service.  Then after you break down those costs, you have to take into account that, if they are anything like me, they will put in about 20 hours per couple.  We certainly don’t just rock up on the day and do just 20 minutes work!

In essence, a celebrant’s price tag is a reflection of their dedication, expertise and the comprehensive service they provide.  They’re not just officiating your wedding: they’re creating a memorable, personalized experience that you and your guest will cherish forever.

So, it might seem like a chunk of the budget, but the value they bring to one of the most important days of your life is truly priceless. As one celebrant friend put it to me, “you get what you pay for, and you pay for what you value.” If you are looking to spend below $400 on a celebrant you may not get a bespoke script and ceremony. If you are looking at the top of the range then you will get attention to detail, a supportive and a personalised service and ceremony built on connection - and one epic wedding day to remember!