Sarah Bernstone

Kia ora!

I became an Independent Marriage Celebrant in 2022 and have had a wonderful first year working with couples to create their own special, personalised ceremonies.

During this year I have had the honour of working with ten very different couples, crafting and delivering bespoke ceremonies, and also stepping in to assist colleagues who came down with the dreaded Covid.  

From a Coromandel beach wedding for my two best friends, to an Indian wedding in South Auckland with over 200 guests; from a classical music wedding shaped around Borodin’s string quartet to a Māori/Tongan union at a winery; each wedding has had its own flavour, style and emotional resonance.  And nothing was more emotional than when my daughter asked me to be the Celebrant for her wedding in November 2022.

My passion has always been for working with people – after starting my career in incentive travel, I moved to Save the Children and worked on large fundraiser events. Moving to Aotearoa New Zealand with my Kiwi husband and two children in 2009, I soon took up a role on reception with 2degrees – interacting daily with customers, suppliers and staff, and building my role to encompass charity days, themed engagement events and bake sales. Since then I have worked the 2020 election, volunteered with SVA, joined Good Bitches Baking and now work at the University of Auckland delivering the logistics for customised executive courses. I am also an LGBTQI ally, regularly attending Pride events, and I support marriage equality for all.

He aha te mea nui o te ao
What is the most important thing in the world?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata
It is the people, it is the people, it is the people

Maori proverb

Please call me for a chat – and we can arrange a no-obligation meeting to discuss what you are looking for and how I can help. You bring your wishlist and I bring my creative flair, a strong organisational capability and passion for sparkle to make your dream ceremony come true.