Real Weddings: Steph and Scott’s Cromwell Wedding

Inclusions: For this one I was here as celebrant only

(but building a bespoke intimate wedding like this is totally doable. More details here)

Price to book in 2026: (Celebrant Only) $990

I loved Steph and Scott's wedding because they started down the track of having a traditional big wedding, worked out they really REALLY didn’t want to do that.

Then spent some time working out what it was they did want to do.

With every aspect of their day becoming a conscious decision to only include what mattered to them.

What did that mean to them?

• Their families would be there – just their immediate families. Parents, brothers, sisters, their partners and children.

• It meant it would be in New Zealand. They live and work in Australia with their two gorgeous boys, so Steph’s family gets the most hang out time.

• It would be Central Otago where Scott’s parents live. It would be at a low stress venue. Which to them meant Scott’s parents place in Cromwell.

• They would have a wicked celebrant (moi). They would also have a wicked photographer who fit their vibe 100% one of my favourite photographers Andy Brown.

• Their ceremony would feature live bagpipes.

And for a moment you couldn’t plan, but will be one of the most often told stories about their wedding for decades to come – you have never seen a 4 year old driver more intent on the perfect parking job.

A lot of reversing a couple of 3 point turns, nearly crashing into the garden and then jumping out to let his cousin Henry, Steph and Scott’s son, the ring bearer out of his door which had gotten stuck.

All this did distract Scott and I did have to quietly elbow him to point out his gorgeous bride was now making her way down the aisle.

Once the truck was parked, I told their beautiful, real story. They made thoughtful vows to each other. And a toast to end the ceremony.

I’ve forgotten to mention it was approximately 4 million degrees.

After the ceremony, a glass of truly delicous champers and nibbles Steph and Scott escaped the heat of Cromwell to one of my favourite spots in the world – the top of the Nevis (via the very photogenic Old Cromwell).

Where Andy took some magnificent photos to mark the occasion.

Don’t be afraid to include somewhere special in your location shots. For Scott that’s Old Woman Hut.

For their evening celebration they booked a big table at Cromwell’s Stoaker Room.

They mentioned when they booked that they were coming for their wedding celebration, but I don’t think they were expected in full wedding finery!

If you're ready to start making plans - whether like Steph and Scott I'm there as your celebrant, or you'd like a stress free packing put together, please get in touch.

If you'd like to learn some more about the options first - here's Celebrant Only and Elopement Packages