About Gillian
The opportunity to play a key role in your significant life event is a huge privilege.
I am an empathetic, people oriented person who puts others at the heart of my life purpose – as a daughter, a wife, a mother and nana, a teacher, a counsellor, a coach, a leader, as a Rotarian – and as a celebrant.
I look forward to bringing my natural energy, warmth and inclusiveness to ensuring your important day is memorable.
Whether you’re getting married, celebrating a civil union, eloping, renewing your vows or naming your child, I will work with you to create a unique, personal and respectful ceremony to reflect your special occasion.
While the expectation is that this will be a secular ceremony (otherwise you probably would have chosen a faith based ceremony), I am very comfortable including a prayer or other spiritual acknowledgment if that is important to you.
It begins with a promise...
SERVICES
Marriages, Civil Unions
and Vow Renewals
Your marriage, civil union or vow renewal ceremony should be one of the best days of your life. I would love to play a part in making that happen.
Together, let’s create the perfect ceremony that is tailored specifically for you. Working closely with you, I will support and guide you every step of the way. I will listen to your personal love story, your dreams for your future together, the words you want to say to each other and your wishes for creating a ceremony that makes your day truly memorable. Then, we’ll relax and enjoy the occasion!
Baby Naming
The arrival of a new baby or family member is a time for celebration, and many families choose to acknowledge this time with a ceremony or ritual. It can take any format you choose, from a simple welcome to the world or naming of your child, to a blessing or a prayer for your child and family. Naming Ceremonies can also be the perfect time to celebrate older children in the family, or an adopted child, an extended family member or a joining together of a blended family.
TESTIMONIALS
Frances and Karl – April 2022
“I am so glad we found Gillian! She guided us through the process of planning our ceremony and made everything simple and easy. She listened to all our needs and was able to perfectly tailor the ceremony to us- as we were having a non traditional service, I was nervous about finding someone who would understand what we wanted, but Gillian clicked with us right away! Everything ran smoothly and we had a perfect day. I would unreservedly recommend Gillian to anyone looking for a thoughtful, organised and caring celebrant!”
Nicci McQueen (nee Giles) and Richard – January 2023
"What a blessing it was having Gillian as our celebrant! She made the whole process just so easy, was supportive and encouraging with writing of vows, with little tips to make it personal and still keeping the casual feel we wanted. She was great with calming the nerves and even dressed to compliment the wedding party. Highly recommended, Gillian made our day of love!"
Alana and Leiani - November 2023
"Leiani and I just wanted to reach out and give you a massive heartfelt thank you for the beautiful ceremony you officiated for us yesterday. It exceeded all our expectations, and what you pulled together with what we provided was outstanding, you captured me and Leiani amazingly throughout the ceremony. You made it all very special! Your warm, caring, friendly nature made it a dream to work with you through the process and on the day. Plus your outfit was absolutely stunning! If anyone is ever wanting a reference of your services or if you want to use this as a review then please go right ahead. We can’t sing your praises enough or more highly. Thank you so much once again."
Hayden and Katie - 2024
We just wanted to reach out and thank you again for your support on our day. Despite the heat, we had a wonderful time and the ceremony aspect was very much us and very much appreciated. You built a ceremony around us that felt natural and represented and celebrated what we were looking for in our day. Couldn’t have asked for more. So thank you again!
MY BACKGROUND
I live in Greytown in the beautiful Wairarapa, having moved here from Wellington with my husband a few years ago. I am actively involved in the community here.
I am a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand and I am excited to apply my natural and work related style and abilities to the important work of Celebrancy.
Professionally I'm a respected and experienced coach who, for more than 20 years, has worked with organisations and individuals across the public and private sectors to facilitate growth and change. I am passionate about supporting people through transitions- in their career, into retirement and when facing life transitions. My qualifications include a Master of Education and a post graduate Certificate in Counselling.
I have a reputation for my warmth and energy and my ability to relate comfortably and appropriately to people at all levels/ ages. I am a lively and enthusiastic facilitator and coach who applies sensitivity and vision to encourage open communication. I am tolerant and appreciative of others and communicate this freely. My naturally empathetic manner and active listening skills enable me to put people at ease and feel valued and supported.
I'm a passionate Rotarian and recently completed the role of Governor of Rotary District 9940 in the lower North Island.
GALLERY
GEOGRAPHIC AREA
While I live in the Wairarapa, I am happy to travel to all surrounding areas.
PLANNING
The Process
The first step is for you to get in touch and we can plan a time for us to meet. There is no obligation or pressure - it’s simply an opportunity for you to get a sense of how things work and if you’d like me as your celebrant.
From there, if you decide to book me I’ll email you a booking form and ask you to pay your deposit to secure your date.
When we’re closer to your wedding date, I’ll be in touch to arrange a conversation to discuss the detail of your ceremony, such as the involvement of others should you choose, your vows to each other, the exchange of rings, additions you would like to have included such as music, readings, poetry etc. I can easily guide you through this to make sure your ceremony is everything you want, and nothing you don’t.
From here, I craft a ceremony specifically for you both. We can catch up again to go through it if we need to, and cover off any other questions you might have about your day, but generally I will email the ceremony for you to read through to make sure you’re totally comfortable with it.
Rehearsal
The purpose of a rehearsal is to go through the logistics of your ceremony and I usually recommend you have one. We usually go over the following:
Where to stand
How to move in and out of the ceremony area
Where your guests will be
Who will indicate the beginning of proceedings, play the music etc
Who will have the rings and how will they be handed over
The rehearsal is generally held sometime in the week leading up to the wedding depending on when everyone is available. Half an hour is time well spent for the peace of mind it will give you on your wedding day. Knowing what to expect will reduce nerves and contribute to a relaxed, seamless and enjoyable ceremony.
Marriage Licence
You need to apply for your licence before your wedding. This will start the ball rolling with the legal documents we’ll need to sign on the day. All the information you need can be found here, including information about how to apply if you live overseas.
To apply for your licence you’ll need to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage form. This can be completed online (if you normally live in NZ or will arrive here more than 3 working days before your wedding). It’s valid for three months and the cost is on the link above. Once it’s ready it will be emailed through to you. Once you’ve checked it’s all correct you can just send it on to me to print and bring with me on the day.
The Venue
I have connections with several venues in the Wairarapa. Let me know if you’d like to discuss options.
THE COST
My standard charge is $700 for a Marriage ceremony, $500 for a Vow Renewal and $400 for a Naming ceremony, each designed especially for you. This includes as many meetings as you need to feel comfortable, as well as a rehearsal on site as appropriate. This may vary depending on unique circumstances.
The fee is inclusive of travel for any ceremony performed in the Wairarapa. If I am required to travel beyond this area we will negotiate the travel fee before we confirm the booking.
NB: This is for the 2023/24 season. Please contact me if you’d like pricing for a date further out.
TERMS OF PAYMENT
Booking Fee
A 20% deposit is required 7 days after confirmation to secure your desired date and time.
Balance of Payment
The balance of total fee is payable 7 days prior to your ceremony.
Cancellations & Refunds
Any fees paid are non-refundable due to preparation done.
NB: This is for the 2023/24 season. Please contact me if you’d like pricing for a date further out.
CONTACT DETAILS
Gillian Jones
CELEBRANT
Mobile: +64274403764
Email: gillianjonescelebrant@gmail.com
Please email me your name and preferred method of contact, and I will touch base with you promptly.
I look forward to planning your event with you!