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James Riley

Wairarapa Wedding, Marriage Civil Union and Funeral Celebrant

James creates meaningful and memorable ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals, and other life celebrations.

Options for all budgets and styles!

James is also available as an MC and host for events. He is available as a celebrant across the Wairarapa – Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston, Martinborough, Castle Point and Riversdale!

Click here for the free wedding in the Tararua Ranges? Click here for more info.

I have been trained by the Celebrant school of New Zealand so you know you are in safe hands!

James Riley is a warm and professional celebrant just starting out in the heart of the Wairarapa.

Recent Events

Testimonials

James was excellent to work with - great communication prior to the event and a great stage presence on the day itself. The MC role is crucial to events running smoothly, to time and with all key information communication and with James in charge you know you are in safe hands. James is the obvious choice for the MC role again.

Hayley - Event Manager

James did a great job at our wedding, I would recommend him to anyone! Thanks again! 🙂

Gemma & Kerry

We had an amazing wedding at the Rose and Smith in South Wairarapa. James was our celebrant and MC for our wedding - the day went perfectly. He worked with us to make sure the ceremony was just what we wanted. Thanks James!

Chris & Lousia

“From start to finish, James was an epic MC for our wedding day! He balanced professionalism with genuine warmth, making every guest feel included and engaged. He kept our evening flowing and people laughing and helped make our day so special!"

Kat and Michael

“James did a great job of dad's funerial, he sat and talked with us and made sure the day reflected what we wanted, and what dad would have wanted."

Sarah R-D

“James was a perfect for our day. He effortlessly kept the wedding on track while cracking jokes and sharing stories. He made the night unforgettable! Heaps of our friends commended on how good he was."

David and Alicia

What you can expect from me!

1. Our initial chat

Months before

We can catch up in person or over a video call, totally up to you! No pressure at all, it’s just a chance for you to get a feel for me and see if I’m the right vibe for your big day.

2. Choose me

When you’re ready

Once you’re ready, you just say, ‘Let’s do it!’ You lock in the date, pop through the deposit, and I save it in my calendar. Done and dusted! From that point on, I’m all yours!

3. Plan your perfect ceremony

Two months out

I’ll send you a wedding questionnaire for you both to fill out. Just tell me all about you! The more stories and details, the better. I’ll use your answers to write a ceremony that really reflects your love and life together. Then I’ll share it with you, and we’ll shape it together into something that feels just right.

4. Sort out the reception

A month to go

If I’m also your M.C. for the reception, I’ll send you an extra questionnaire. You can let me know things like the timing, who’s speaking, who’s hitting the dance floor, stuff like that. I’ll put together a little run sheet so everything flows super smoothly on the night!

5. Order your marriage license

Three weeks to go

This one’s your part to do, but don’t worry, I’ll remind you! It needs to be done at least three business days before the big day (but please don’t leave it this late)! It’s valid for three months, so best to get onto it about a month out.

6. Final check

Two weeks to go

We'll catch up again over video or email, whatever works best for you! I’ll make sure you’re feeling totally happy with everything. I’ll also double-check that nothing’s been missed and we’ve got all those last little details sorted.

7. Run it through!

The day before

If needed, we have a rehearsal with the bridal party just to make sure everyone knows where to stand, how fast (or slow!) to walk down the aisle, and what to expect on the day.

8. Today is the day!

The big day!

Before the bride arrives, I like to have a quick, friendly chat with your guests just to let them know about things like whether they can take photos, your social media preferences, switching phones to silent, and a few other little housekeeping bits to keep everything running smoothly.

For the ceremony, I stick to exactly what we planned together. No surprises! Just the moments you were expecting and looking forward to. Right after, I’ll hand you your signed wedding certificate and take care of filing the other copy online with the registrar. Easy as that. If I’m also your M.C. for the reception, I’ll help sort everyone for group photos and then keep things running smoothly all evening - so you can relax and enjoy the party.