Same Sex Wedding Planning in NZ

Right I’m going to make a sweeping statement.  I believe most wedding vendors in Aotearoa New Zealand are good people, but many forget to publicly state that they are LGBT+ friendly. I say this because in the past I've been one of them.

Yes that's a little uncomfortable to say - but I say it because when you know better you do better.

Nat & Michelle with their two goodest boys before their Tekapo lakeside ceremony. Jess Howzen Photography

Years ago I got a message from a young gay couple wanting to get married on the shores of Lake Tekapo a couple of days after Christmas.

Several times in the email was an iteration of the question 'is it okay with you that we're gay?'

It broke my heart that they had to ask, because of course it was fine - I'm me (basically I forgot that people can't see into my brain, they can only see what I put out in the world in words, photos and actions. And I was still using a lot of gendered language and wondering why I wasn't getting many same sex bookings.)

Over the years I've tried to do better and better (I'm not Jedi level LGBT+ friendly or anything, but I've worked at getting better and better).

As an independent celebrant I am legally obliged to marry couples regardless of their sexuality, ethnicity etc, but 'legally obliged' is setting the bar far far too low.

To state it clearly I am stoked to play a part in celebrating your relationship REGARDLESS of:

• Your sexuality

• Your gender identity,

• Where you call home,

• Your age,

• The age gap between you and your partner,

• Whether you choose to live together or in separate countries,

• Whether you're a couple, a throuple, a polycule

• Even if you like Vegemite better than Marmite.

David & Neels walking back down the aisle as husbands at their Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat ceremony Focus Photography

If you've had a look around my website you'll know there are multiple ways you can work with me.

Yes I am very happy to fit into your plans as your celebrant, but I also offer:

• Planning Support (as day-of co-ordinator or giving you the inside scoop as you begin the planning process with a wedding kick-starter meeting)

• Full bespoke package options for elopement or intimate weddings around Central Otago.

If you're keen to learn more those package options, I want you to know these two things.

• I have asked the awkward questions of every one of the vendors I work with. You will never ever be put in the position of discovering your florist/ venue manager/ photographer didn't know you were gay or trans or in a throuple and aren't okay with that.

• There's no special page with different options for 'Same Sex Wedding Planning' because I know the statement 'gay people like...' is as useless as saying 'people with green eyes like...' when I'm putting together a bespoke package it will be to fit what's important to you. Yes your sexuality is part of who you are... but only part.

  
  

The Domaine Thomson Cellar Door, a beautiful backdrop for an elopement amongst the vines

Basically I want to know that the only trepidation ANY couple has when approaching me is 'What if Hannah and her style aren’t a good fit for us?' 

And incidentally it’s okay if I’m not right for you.

I aim to be authentically me, and by definition that means I can’t be everything to everybody.

But if you think maybe I could be - contact me, or read a bit more about what I do on some of the other pages (maybe start with the packages and celebrant pages below)

David & Neels

Elopements

Celebrant