Your Christchurch Wedding Celebrant

Heartfelt ceremonies with a dash of kiwi warmth.

You’re getting married?
How wonderful - congratulations!

Hello, I’m John.
I’m a wedding celebrant based right here in Christchurch, and I’ve had the great pleasure of helping many couples like you say “I do” in a way that feels personal, joyful, and uniquely you. With years of experience and a passion for storytelling, I craft ceremonies that reflect your unique love story.
Whether you're planning a backyard bash or a vineyard vow exchange, I’m here to make sure your ceremony is one you'll remember - for all the right reasons.

MEET JOHN

Outline drawing of two wedding rings intertwined

Weddings

Celebrating Your Love Story

As your Christchurch wedding celebrant, my job is to help you pause, breathe, and take it all in - to guide you through the formalities with warmth, good humour, and a ceremony that’s personal, relaxed, and meaningful.

We’ll work together to tell your story: how you met, what you love about each other, and why you’ve chosen forever. I’ll help you find the right words (and maybe trim a few if nerves kick in), and make sure the whole thing runs smoothly - so all you need to do is show up, smile, and say “I do.”

Let’s meet for a cuppa and talk about your big day. I’d love to hear your story.

Funerals

Honouring a Life with Respect and Heart

I’m able to officiate everything from weddings filled with joy or a farewell filled with reflection, I believe in crafting ceremonies that feel personal, meaningful, and true to the people at the heart of them.

Planning a funeral is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. That’s why I work alongside my colleague Melissa to gently support you through the process, crafting a service that’s respectful, genuine, and deeply personal.

Together, we help families find the right words, guide loved ones through their tributes, and ensure the ceremony is a meaningful celebration of life - not just a goodbye.

A woman and a man exchanging wedding vows, holding hands, with John Pauwels celebrant standing behind them reading from a book during their marriage ceremony.

The Process

Featured

A Quiet Beginning

A few months before the wedding

We meet. Perhaps over a coffee, a glass of wine - something easy and unhurried. There’s no obligation. This is simply a chance to get to know each other, and for you to see whether I feel like the right fit for your day.

If it feels right, we’ll confirm your date with the signing of a simple ‘Statement of Intent’. From there, I’ll gently guide you through the straightforward steps and beginning to shape your ceremony.

Crafting Something True

Two to three months out

We start to build your ceremony. I’ll send you a questionnaire, some examples to stir the imagination. Together, we’ll work through a shared document that gradually becomes the full script - your ceremony, your way.

We’ll ensure all is in order, including obtaining your official marriage licence. Closer to the date - often a day or two before - we’ll hold a quiet rehearsal, walking through everything so you feel calm and confident.

The Wedding Day

At last, the day arrives

There may be nerves, but you can let go of them. Everything is prepared. All you need to do is be present, surrounded by the people you love, while I guide you gently through the ceremony we’ve created together.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Thank you John for being our celebrant. Melissa did such a wonderful job and you of course were perfect! Many of our friends and family agree that you were great! You put us at ease, you were friendly, warm and welcoming, Em and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start our marriage journey. As for the lone Aussie, she didn’t feel too picked on! All the best for the future, may you continue to put smiles on newly-weds faces.

RYAN AND EMILY
From our first contact to the big day itself, John was a calm, caring, and knowledgeable presence. He guided us through writing our vows and ceremony, offered helpful tips and suggestions without ever being pushy, and clearly cared about making our wedding the best it could be. He was always quick to respond and willing to meet as often as needed. Even with unexpected weather, everything ran smoothly thanks to John’s steady, enthusiastic support. We’re so grateful for all he did to make our day unforgettable.

KARISE AND SVEN
Thank you so so much for your hugely important and well-executed part in our wedding. The day was great and the ceremony went so well because of your expert guidance and sound suggestions. Anyway we had several comments about how well you ran the ceremony so thanks once again for being a part of our day!

ELLIE AND RYAN

Giving Back to Christchurch

Every ceremony I perform helps support the local community.
I donate $300 from each service to a Christchurch-based charity of your choice.

It’s just one small way we can spread the love a little further.

LEARN MORE

Hints + Advice

Featured

How to Choose the Right Wedding Celebrant in Christchurch

If you're planning your wedding in Christchurch or somewhere out in the beautiful Canterbury region, one of your first big decisions is choosing the right celebrant. Someone who doesn’t just tick the boxes legally, but who feels right for you.