Celebrating your love: Celebrant Ashley South
Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, renewing your vows or gathering for a big celebration, the right celebrant creates ceremonies that reflect the people at their heart.
With 44 years of wedded bliss under his belt, celebrant Ashley South knows a thing or two about marriage. Now, as a registered independent celebrant and Justice of the Peace, he’s helping other couples begin their own journey together with ceremonies that are heartfelt and personal.
“What appeals to me about weddings is helping people complete a journey,” Ashley says. “It’s about bringing people together to celebrate their love.”
Calm and community-minded as well as an outdoor landscape painter, Ashley believes his greatest strength is “the depth of life experience” that allows him to connect with couples from all walks of life. From intimate elopements to vow renewals and larger celebrations, Ashley works closely with each couple to create a ceremony that reflects their personalities and values.
As a non-religious celebrant, he welcomes couples of all backgrounds and orientations.
“You can get married on a hilltop, by the river, by the sea – wherever the inspiration strikes,” he says. “It’s about creating the ceremony that people want.”
Based in Christchurch but available to travel, Ashley offers everything from simple legal ceremonies to fully personalised celebrations, helping couples start married life with a ceremony they’ll treasure for years to come. He is now taking bookings for the November 2026 to April 2027 wedding season (around Valentine’s Day is the most popular time to get married so book now to lock in plans for your February wedding).
To enquire, email ashley@ashleysouthcelebrant.co.nz, text him on 022 538 5485, or visit the website.
