SOUTH CANTERBURY • LAKE TEKAPO • LAKE PUKAKI • AORAKI MT COOK • MACKENZIE BASIN • NZ

Creating ceremonies and weddings that feel real, relaxed, and completely you!

Getting married can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Whether you're dreaming of an intimate Lake Tekapo elopement, a relaxed South Canterbury celebration, or a snowy Heli wedding in the mountains in the​Mackenzie Basin, I'm here to help make the process simple, calm, and fun.
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I am a registered wedding celebrant, elopement planner, coordinator, and MC based in Timaru, South Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Jade Whaley, a marriage celebrant and MC, just married a young bride and groom, smiling at each other with colourful flowers by Floral Harvest Timaru at Stonebridge Weddings in Geraldine.
Jade Celebrant | Laura Johns Photography | Stonebridge ♡ Alice + Sam
Jade Whaley Wedding Celebrant, Elopement Planner, Wedding Coordinator & MC South Canterbury • Lake Tekapo • Mackenzie Basin • New Zealand
In my happy place ... all smiles after a beautiful Lake Tekapo elopement | Agnes Grace Photography
Kia Ora, I'm Jade Whaley
Since 2017, I've helped over 400 couples from New Zealand and around the world create days that feel natural, personal, and unforgettable.

​From celebrant-only services to custom-built packages, I am with you every single step of the way.

Your wedding day should be exactly how you want it to be stress-free, wonderful, and one of the best days of your life. Let's make that happen!
→ Lets Chat About Your Day           
​→ See Elopement Packages

Celebrant • Planner • Coordinator • MC

Heli wedding couple eloping at Lake Tekapo with snowy mountains. Bride and groom laughing holding hands winter in New Zealand.
Jade Celebrant + Planner + Coordinator | Focus Photography ♡ Jem + Ben
Everything you need, all in one place.
Juggling multiple vendors can be exhausting. When we work together, you get one experienced person to bring every detail together.
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  • No vendor juggling. One main point of contact for your whole day.
  • No confusion. Clear communication and seamless planning.
  • No stress. Just pure excitement for your wedding.

​Just one experienced person helping you bring it all together.

I work with an amazing team of vendors so can help with as much or little as you like.

wedding services

 ♡  Wedding Celebrant 
Personalised ceremonies that reflect your unique love story. Whether you want an intimate micro-wedding or a traditional full-scale celebration, let’s get you married!
→ Explore Celebrant Services

 ♡  Elopement Packages
Stress-free, beautiful elopement experiences across New Zealand. Specialising in Timaru, South Canterbury, Lake Tekapo, Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mt Cook, and beyond.
→ View Elopement Packages  

 ♡  Wedding Day Coordination 
Behind-the-scenes support to keep your day running flawlessly. Relax and enjoy a stress-free, fabulous day while I handle the logistics.
​→ See How I Can Help

 ♡  Wedding Planning 
Expert guidance, custom timelines, and trusted supplier support. Remove the pressure and completely enjoy the build-up to your big day.
→ Start Planning Now 

 ♡  MC Services 
Professional hosting to keep your wedding reception engaging and fun. Leave the timeline to me so you don't have to worry about a thing!
→ Book Me As Your MC 

why couples work with me

Every wedding is beautifully unique, but what couples want is usually the same:
  • To feel calm and supported throughout the entire process.
  • To enjoy the build-up as much as the day itself.
  • To trust that every behind-the-scenes detail is taken care of.
  • To have a ceremony that actually sounds and feels like them.
With hundreds of weddings under my belt across Canterbury and the Mackenzie, I bring local knowledge, practical guidance, and a sense of fun to your celebration.

From intimate sunrise vows by lakes and snow-capped mountains to lively tipi celebrations or a low-key backyard BBQ, I've seen it all, and I know exactly how to bring your vision to life.
Lupin elopement with couple at Lake Tekapo. Bride and groom with their white dog. Jade NZ elopement and intimate weddings
Jade Celebrant + Lupin Elopement Planner . Their dog was ring bearer | Photographer Focus Photography ♡ Chelsea + Evan ( love her pink wedding dress!)

love is love

Same-sex female couple eloping in NZ at Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mt Cook. Beautiful brides smiling at each other with white floral bouquets.
Jade Celebrant + Elopement Planner + Coordinator | Laura Johns Photography | Lake Pukaki + Mt Cook ♡ Emma + Amanda
Every couple is welcome here.
I proudly support and celebrate all genders, identities, cultures, and backgrounds. The LGBTTQIA+ community and people from all walks of life, religions, and beliefs are safe, welcomed, and celebrated here.
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​No two love stories are the same, and your ceremony should be as unique as you are. Your love deserves to be celebrated exactly as it is!
tow males same sex wedding cutting elopement cake at Lake Pukaki with Aoraki Mt Cook in the background.
Jade Celebrant + Elopement Planner + Coordinator | Focus Photography | Lake Pukaki ♡ David + Arbe
Bride and groom walking down the aisle smiling after Jade Whaley celebrant married them.
Ashleigh + Paul | St Andrews | Photographer: Holleman Photography
Jade is truly one above the rest - she created the most incredible, perfect ceremony for us that ran without a hitch. In the weeks/days prior, Jade kept in touch with us, helped us with anything we needed and made the process so unbelievably easy.

When the day arrived, she had everything and everyone organised, calm and content. Jade told our story perfectly, and we couldn't have asked for anything or anyone better to marry us.
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​Jade, your personality and nature are so easygoing, and it is obvious that you love what you do. Thank you so much; Paul and I will always be the first to recommend you to anyone wanting to tie the knot.
Ashleigh + Paul |  St Andrews