My name is Barbara Joy Johnson, and I am an experienced celebrant based in Northcote on Auckland’s North Shore.

As a celebrant, I have the privilege of helping people mark some of life’s most meaningful moments. I conduct weddings, registry-style marriages, civil unions, funerals, memorials and family ceremonies, and I always aim to create ceremonies that feel warm, sincere and personal.

Celebrant work brings together many things I value deeply: people, spirituality, creativity, writing, literature and public speaking. It is very special to be invited into people’s lives at such important times, whether they are celebrating love, honouring a life, or gathering family together for a meaningful occasion.

My Qualifications

My qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, LTCL in Speech and Drama, and a Certificate in Celebrant Studiesfrom the New Zealand Celebrant School, which I completed in 2016.

I have been registered with the Celebrants Association of New Zealand, also known as CANZ, since 2013. I was also a member of the Auckland Branch Committee for approximately three years.

In December 2018, I became a Validated CANZ Member after completing an advanced accreditation process. This professional validation enables me to conduct registry-style weddings.

Where I Am Based

I am based in Northcote and travel throughout Auckland’s North Shore and wider Auckland area.

Couples choose and book their own ceremony venue, and I am happy to come to homes, gardens, beaches, parks, community spaces and wedding venues. During summer, many ceremonies take place outdoors in our beautiful North Shore locations, from Takapuna to North Head, Lake Pupuke and nearby beaches and reserves.

Between spring and autumn, couples also often choose venues such as the Lake House Arts Centre on Fred Thomas Drive. I also conduct many relaxed and personal weddings in people’s homes.

My Experience

I gain great satisfaction from celebrant work because it allows me to support people through major family milestones and important life moments.

As a full-time celebrant, I have the flexibility to be available at short notice where possible. This can be especially helpful for registry-style weddings and funeral or memorial enquiries, where timing can sometimes be important.

In 2018, I was appointed by the Department of Internal Affairs to conduct registry office weddings. Registry-style weddings now make up a large part of my work, as they offer couples a simple, affordable and legally recognised way to get married with a minimum of fuss.

I also conduct larger personalised weddings, particularly on weekends, as well as funerals and memorial services for families who are looking for a thoughtful and respectful ceremony.

My Approach

Whether you are planning a small registry-style wedding, a personalised wedding ceremony, a civil union, a funeral, a memorial, or another important family occasion, I will work with you to create a ceremony that feels appropriate, meaningful and true to the people involved.

Please feel welcome to look through my testimonial pages for photos and kind words from couples and families I have worked with.