- 📍 Based in New Brighton, Christchurch
- 📋 Registered NZ Marriage Celebrant
- 🌿 Te Reo Māori knowledge
- 🏳️🌈 All couples warmly welcome
- ☎️ 021 2200 577
- ✉️ hayley@arohanuiweddings.co.nz
My path to becoming a celebrant began with my own wedding. Working closely with my celebrant, Katie, to shape our vows and design our ceremony gave me a profound experience of being truly heard and genuinely supported. The ceremony we created felt completely ours — not a script, not a template, but something that actually reflected us.
That experience changed something in me. I became a celebrant to offer that same gift to other couples — to listen deeply, to help them find the words and the moments that genuinely reflect their relationship, and to create a ceremony that they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Before celebrancy, I spent years working in youth development and alternative education. That work taught me something I carry into every ceremony: that authentic connection is the foundation of everything meaningful. I learned to meet people where they are, to listen without judgment, and to build trust through consistency and genuine care. Those skills are at the heart of how I work with couples.
I describe myself as "colourful, quirky and charismatic" — someone who looks at the world through rose-coloured glasses. I believe that the right ceremony should feel joyful and warm, not formal and stiff. I'm confident and direct without being slick, and I'm empathetic without being saccharine. What you'll get from me is genuine care, thorough preparation, and a ceremony that feels completely, authentically yours.
"Arohanui means the deepest kind of love. Big love. That's what you're here to celebrate — and that's exactly what I'll help you do."
What I bring to your ceremony
One ceremony per day — you always have my full, undivided attention
Genuine te reo Māori knowledge and respect for tikanga Māori
Warm, inclusive welcome for all couples regardless of background or identity
A background in human relationships that makes me a better listener
Thorough preparation — I follow through on every commitment
A real sense of humour — joyful ceremonies are my natural territory
From the couples
What People Say About Working with Hayley
Hayley is a kind and thoughtful person who made our ceremony feel completely our own.— Danielle
More caring, more organised, more thoughtful, more creative than we ever expected. The ceremony was perfect.— Sue
Hayley makes the process of getting married less stressful. She handled everything with such warmth.— Katia
Kind, funny and capable — Hayley brought the perfect energy to our wedding day.— Brenda
Let's talk about your ceremony
A conversation with Hayley costs nothing and commits you to nothing — it's the best way to find out if she's the right fit for you.
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