Why I became a Celebrant by Bev Clark Marriage & Civil Union Celebrant

When I am asked “Why did you become a Celebrant?”, it was not a sudden decision but the result of a series of events that lead me down this pathway. In 1989 I attended my first wedding where a Celebrant officiated.

The ceremony was outside in a beautiful garden surrounded by native bush which seemed to enhance the inspiring words and poems the Celebrant used. Words that struck me as normal, natural, meaningful and relevant to modern day living and ideals.( I wonder if they would have had such an impact on me had it been a wet day!)

I have always loved descriptive words and poetry, so it started me thinking about the possibility of becoming a Celebrant. Around that time, a well-known Celebrant in our region passed away unexpectedly and the decision was suddenly made for me.  I was approached by a very overworked Celebrant to see if I would consider taking up the challenge to ease the pressure for her, as she believed I had the qualities required. I was fortunate to pass the application/interview process and so my career in this area began in a rush.

 I was fortunate to receive very wise counsel and guidance from this experienced Celebrant , although nothing prepared me for all those things that can go wrong, using incorrect names, not having received the legal documentation, signing in the wrong place, being unavoidably late for a service, dysfunctional families and the myriad of other challenging events that I have learned to cope with over the years.

Despite all this, I do not take for granted the fact that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to share in a couple’s most important day in their lives. Each couple I meet, brings an interesting story, a sense of excitement, wonder, and nervousness edged with eager anticipation, providing me with a challenge to make their day unique and memorable.

On the day when the bride walks towards me and after I swallow the lump in my throat and blink back the tears—yes still after all these years I am moved and yes I still get nervous- my hope is that I have created a relaxing and rewarding atmosphere and given the bride and groom confidence to enjoy their ceremony.

Being a Celebrant is a most rewarding profession and one that I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity of sharing in.

Contact details

wanaka-weddings.co.nz

bevclark@xtra.co.nz