Introducing Michael McGoff, Marriage Celebrant

My aim as a celebrant is to assist you in planning a celebration that suits you. One that is both personal and meaningful. As a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand I am bound to recognize the uniqueness of personalities and also to be sensitive to the needs, wishes, values and spiritual and cultural beliefs of those whom I serve. In order to achieve these objectives and to help you prepare for your special day, I will:
• Meet with you as soon as you start making plans. This allows us to get to know each other and discuss the style of service you might like.
• Consider the nature of the service you would like. traditional or contemporary, formal or informal. The service can vary from no religious content to full religious content, according to a couple’s wishes. Some couples prefer to have a little religious content, such as prayers or blessing, which can be quite brief.
• Help you select which vows you wish to use and a range of vows can be made available. Also, the opportunity is there for you to write your own vows with some help if required.
• Provide you with ideas and suggestions which I have gained from my experience and from a variety of books on weddings that are available in the shops, at libraries and online at www.celebranz.org.nz.
• Write a draft ceremony for you and assist with the selection of readings or poetry for the special occasion.
• Conduct a wedding rehearsal for you at your chosen venue.

A wedding ceremony inevitably becomes a reunion of family and friends, as we gather to celebrate a happy occasion. Symbols, words and music are our companions as we use rituals both old and new to add significance to your day. It’s important to me that we make the best of all these aspects of the wedding so that your special day will be all that you hoped and planned for.