Celebrants Aotearoa is proud to celebrate National Celebrants Day tomorrow (Thursday 20th November) - an annual moment to recognise the dedicated celebrants who guide New Zealanders through some of life’s most meaningful and transformative milestones.

From weddings and civil unions to funerals, baby namings, vow renewals, and cultural ceremonies, celebrants across the motu play a crucial role in supporting whānau and communities with compassion, professionalism, and care.

Celebrants Aotearoa president Anna Flanagan says the day is about acknowledging the extraordinary impact celebrants have on the lives of New Zealanders.

“Celebrants are the heartbeat of life’s major moments,” says Flanagan. “They stand beside people in joy, in grief, in transition, and in celebration. Their work matters because it helps people feel seen, supported, and honoured.”

Flanagan says celebrants bring a remarkable blend of storytelling, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence to their work.

“A great celebrant is part writer, part guide, part anchor,” she says. “We take people’s stories - often deeply personal stories - and shape them into ceremonies that are authentic, inclusive, and meaningful. It’s both a privilege and a responsibility.”

Celebrants Aotearoa vice president Brenda Chapman says National Celebrants Day is an opportunity for the public to reflect on and recognise the celebrants who have walked alongside them.

“Almost every New Zealander has a moment in their life shaped by a celebrant,” says Chapman. “A wedding that set the tone for a marriage, a farewell that brought comfort, a naming ceremony that welcomed a new life. This day is a chance to say: thank you for being there.”

Flanagan adds that the profession continues to evolve - and so do the needs of the people they serve.

“Celebrants today are creating ceremonies for blended families, multicultural partnerships, same-sex couples, trans and non-binary whānau, and people seeking highly personal or non-traditional rituals,” she says. “We honour the full diversity of Aotearoa, and that is something we’re incredibly proud of.”

Celebrants Aotearoa will mark National Celebrants Day by sharing stories and insights from members nationwide, as well as inviting the public to shout out to the celebrants who have made a difference in their lives.

Flanagan says the day is also a timely reminder of the importance of choosing a trained, endorsed celebrant.

“Our members are committed to best practice, continuing education, and upholding the highest professional standards,” she says. “When you work with a Celebrants Aotearoa celebrant, you’re in skilled hands - and your ceremony truly reflects who you are.”

About Celebrants Aotearoa

Celebrants Aotearoa is the only national professional association for celebrants in New Zealand. The organisation provides networking, education, resources, and advocacy to support its members in delivering high-quality, meaningful ceremonies.

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