Hilary Oxford Smith

Welcome in!  

I’m a registered Independent Marriage and Civil Union celebrant, born in Scotland and living in Aotearoa New Zealand for the past 13 years. Love brought me here when I married my Kiwi husband in a beautiful, sunny ceremony in the garden of our little house in Picton at the Top of the South.  

There are so many beautiful occasions when we can celebrate love and life. I’ve had 20 years experience of officiating at weddings, civil unions, vow renewals, baby naming ceremonies, and funeral and memorial services. 

If you’re getting married, it’s an honour and a privilege for me to be invited to come alongside you and craft a unique, personal and heartfelt ceremony that will always be remembered with affection, smiles and joy. My unique speciality is offering Celtic marriage ceremonies, where enhancements such as handfasting, sand and soil ceremonies, Scottish and Irish blessings, poetry, music and readings can all be incorporated. I often partner with a local Celtic harpist and singer who offers beautiful music to make your ceremony very special.      

I’m also an experienced funeral celebrant, creating – with the collaboration of family, whanau, friends, and funeral directors –  meaningful, uplifting and beautiful farewells for loved ones. Respectful of all faiths, beliefs and traditions, personal touches, tributes, music and more can be crafted into a service that is a thankful and personal celebration of a precious life and of a love given and received. I am a compassionate listener with a pastoral heart, and I will guide you gently and supportively, so that the ceremony for your loved one is unique, dignified and life-honouring.

Be in touch with me by phone or email and we can meet together for a chat.