“I have already married five couples but after this training, I realise that I could have been a much better celebrant for them, offering different ideas.”
This reflection from a recent Celebrant Training College Marriage Celebrancy & the Law Course student is a reminder that learning doesn’t stop after your first wedding. Experience can bring new questions, and training can open up possibilities you hadn’t considered.
Whether you’re preparing for your first ceremony, have already married several couples or are an experienced funeral celebrant moving into marriage celebrancy, the College’s Marriage Celebrancy & the Law Course will help you approach the role with greater confidence.
Being a marriage celebrant involves much more than knowing the legal words. It means understanding your responsibilities, getting to know each couple and bringing their story to life through a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful.
Over a full weekend, you’ll explore the legal requirements and how to apply them in practice, alongside ideas for writing and structuring personalised ceremonies. You’ll develop your presentation skills and work through the practicalities of rehearsals and wedding days, building a kete of tools and ideas to use in your celebrancy.
Learning alongside other celebrants also creates opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas and build professional relationships. There’s real value in being able to ask questions and learn from the perspectives of others.
Your learning continues after the weekend, with follow-up assignments and personalised feedback to help you put your new skills into practice.
Following requests, the College is also delighted to bring the course back to Wellington for the first time in many years.
Upcoming courses in 2026
- Wellington: 31 October–1 November
- Zoom: 14–15 November
- Auckland: 5–6 December
Plan ahead for 2027
- Zoom: 30–31 January
- Auckland: 20–21 February
- Christchurch: 10–11 April
- Zoom: 8–9 May
Explore the full programme of courses for 2027, or email debbie@celebranttraining.co.nz for more information.
Wherever you are in your celebrancy journey, The Celebrant Training College would love to help you take your next step.
[IMAGE: Celebrant Tasha Bowen by SuperGibo Photography]
