Congratulations on your engagement! You may be now be thinking “who can I use for a celebrant for my Wānaka ceremony?”. There are many wonderful celebrants in Wānaka and you want to make sure you get the right fit. Hopefully the following will help you decide if I’d be a good choice for your big day.

Most of all I enjoy connecting with others. I’ve been privileged in my long career to have managed large teams with the most amazing, diverse groups of people. While I love being an early retiree, I do miss meeting, learning about and working with new people, creating lasting bonds. 

I am confident speaking to groups of any size, I can ‘think on my feet’ if any problems arise and love taking the time to learn all about you and your relationship, making sure we craft a ceremony that is completely unique to you.

A little about Sue Woodwark

I come from the North East of England, while my UK friends tell me that I have a Kiwi accent, my Kiwi friends tell me I definitely don’t. I have a quirky sense of humour and love to have fun but I can also be serious when required. 

Andy (my wonderful husband) and I moved from Wellington to Wānaka to be near family. Instead of retiring completely though I am looking forward to spending time working with couples like you. Creating your perfect ceremony and unforgettable moments.

It is a real privilege to be trusted on one of the most important days of your lives. Great wedding ceremonies (and meaningful funerals) aren’t just occasions to sit through – they can be transformative experiences, full of laughter, fun, tears, and everything in between.

How does your Wānaka wedding come together?

I am open to all ideas and locations around Wānaka (and with enough notice most places in New Zealand). There are some incredible venues to choose from and some great companies to help you plan your day. You can have an intimate elopement or go for a big wedding with all of your friends and whānau. Or maybe something in between. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Want something simple and easy to take the stress away? You’re in the right place. A private  wedding ceremony in my  little garden paradise is as easy as it gets, without sacrificing the Wānaka scenery. You can pick some fresh flowers from my garden or from another local family garden close by. 

Just imagine it: all the guests have arrived. Happy chatter and laughter all around, then we gather outside and once everyone is ready we hold the ceremony. Small, intimate, beautifully created for you two. Then once photos have been taken it’s time to start your marriage journey. Maybe heading down to the lake front or up the mountains with your photographer. Or returning home for a glass of bubbles to chill out, knowing you’ve had a great ceremony, and not broken the bank doing it! 

So, in summary…

By taking the time to get to know you both, we can work together to create a ceremony that feels authentic, inclusive, and true to you. I can also guide you on the marriage license paperwork. For me, that’s what being a celebrant is all about.

https://marriages.services.govt.nz

So if you’re looking at this blog maybe you’ve decided that you want something bespoke, a little more “you”. You’ve decided there could be another way, outside of traditional wedding venues. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s fun, relaxed and totally authentic to you, you’re in the right place.

I will only be working with a limited number of couples each year so I can really get to know you, your story, and what matters most – and together we’ll create a ceremony that ticks all the boxes (maybe even ones you didn’t know you had)!

Get in touch and let’s have a chat.

Sue x