Fees and Giving Back.

A Celebrant Who Gives with Heart

John Pauwels donating a $300 cheque to charity as part of his celebrant fee goes to charity.

Giving Back to Christchurch.

When you book John Pauwels as your Christchurch wedding celebrant, you're not just choosing someone to lead your ceremony - you're choosing someone who believes in community, integrity, and paying it forward.

John sees each ceremony as a chance not only to celebrate love but also to make a meaningful contribution to the place we all call home. That’s why a significant portion of his fee goes straight to a local Christchurch charity of your choice.

It’s your love story - let it ripple out to do some good.

  • $300 donation to a registered Christchurch-based charity of your choice

    (See example charities below.
    Note - John will provide an official donation receipt.)

A Simple, Transparent Fee Structure

John’s celebrant fee is $500 total - with every dollar put to good use. Here's how it breaks down:

  • $200 covers essentials like:

    • Your personalised ceremony scripting

    • Registration and admin

    • Website and communication tools

    • Local transport to your venue

A $100 deposit confirms your booking. The remaining balance is due either immediately or no later than one month before your wedding date.

Out-of-town travel and accommodation, if required, are additional and can be discussed upfront.

  • Thank you very much, we love the idea of giving some money to charity, a really lovely thing you do!

    DANIELLE AND CHRIS BURRETT

  • We heard a lot of good feedback from our family and friends as well and I'm happy to tell them about how kind and generous John is (that he donates more than half of his fee to charities). I highly recommend John. 5 stars to you Captain!

    MR AND MRS DAYAO

  • After researching a few celebrants we were delighted to discover John, particularly because we agreed that a charitable donation is a beautiful way to commemorate a wedding. John was a joy to work with - highly professional with a wonderful sense of humour.

    GEMMA AND ERFAN

NOMINATE A CHARITY OF YOUR OWN ChOOSING

  • Black and white image of a daisy flower with text reading 'Arthritis NZ Mateponapono Aotearoa'.
  • A cartoon illustration of a Bulldog lying on its back with a stitched bandage on its side. Above, text reads 'Christ Church Bull Breed Rescue' and a heart shape is in the background.
  • Cancer Society logo with a stylized flower and plant on the left, and text in English and Māori on the right.
  • Kidney Kids NZ logo with a stylized kidney shape and six connected dots
  • Koru Care Christchurch logo featuring a stylized heart with an infinity symbol, with the text 'Koru Care Christchurch' beside it.
  • Logo of Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson's Canterbury with a stylized brain and text.
  • Logo for The Neonatal Trust with a heart outline as part of the design
  • Logo for the Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ featuring a stylized letter P and the name of the organization.
  • Logo with a gray circle containing a white star-like symbol, and the text "Hato Hone St John" below.
  • Logo with a large 'W' and the word 'Rescue' underneath

Cancellations

Plans change — and that’s okay. Here’s how cancellation works:

  • Cancelled more than 2 months in advance: Full refund (if paid directly to John)

  • Cancelled within 2 months of the ceremony: 100% cancellation fee applies

John accepts online payment — just get in touch for account details.

Minimalist line drawing of a water droplet falling into a ripple on water surface - representing the ripple effect of giving to charity.

A Ripple Effect of Kindness

So far, couples have chosen to support a range of incredible local charities - from the Christchurch Charity Hospital to mental health services, food support networks, and wildlife protection. When you book John, you join a circle of generosity that’s already made a difference to many lives.

Outline illustration of an open book - representing the wedding ceremony.

What You’re Really Getting

Yes, you’re getting a licensed, professional celebrant.
But you’re also getting:

  • A warm and calming presence on your big day

  • A storyteller who crafts a ceremony that feels true to you

  • And a human being committed to doing good in the world

If that sounds like your kind of person…