Lucy Carver Celebrant New Zealand

Kia ora! I’m Lucy

For me, connection is the kaupapa, and supporting people to articulate their authentic stories is at the heart of my work as a celebrant.

After being asked to lead two funerals for close friends in 2021 and 2023, I realised how much I love bringing depth and poise to important life transitions, and their potential for healing and hope.

My life has led me into wonderfully creative work including facilitation, communication, storytelling, education and rites of passage. All of these experiences enrich my ability to listen, design and deliver unique and beautiful ceremonies, tailored for you.

I live with my fiancé Nick beside the Motueka river. Despite our best efforts to live the simple life, life is full of good people and projects.

Relevant personal history:

  • Practising Medic with Peak Safety, 2024

  • Project Coordinator for non-profit organisations, since 2015

  • Bachelor of Leadership for Change, Otago Polytech; indigenous language, kupu Maori, as a means of increasing nature connection, 2021

  • The International School of Storytelling, UK; a 3 month residential course exploring the age old craft of storytelling, 2018

  • The Rites of Passage Foundation, Golden Bay; volunteer guide for young women’s nature-based camps since 2016, Board member since 2023

  • Orientation Aotearoa, Wellington; co-founder and coordinator of an 8 month residential programme for young aspiring changemakers; recognised for this work with the Young Wellingtonian of the Year Award 2015

  • The International Youth Initiative Programme, Sweden; student, and later, coordinator for a year-long social entrepreneurship programme, 2011, 2013

  • He uri tenei o Tainui. He akonga au i te reo Maori i raro te korowai aroha o Te Ataarangi o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Maui mai i te tau 2019, he kaiako au mai i te tau 2024

Testimonials

Ray & Kerri

“Lucy is an exceptional wedding celebrant who made our special day even more memorable. She dedicated time to truly understand us as a couple and our vision for the ceremony. Lucy was incredibly attentive, flexible, and creative in creating a personalised and meaningful service that truly reflected our personalities and values. With warmth, humour, and professionalism, she delivered the ceremony and made us feel comfortable and relaxed throughout. Our guests showered us with compliments on the beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. We cannot express enough gratitude to Lucy for being a part of our wedding, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone in search of a phenomenal celebrant.”

Renée & Cam

“Having worked in the Wedding & Events industry for over 10 years now, choosing Lucy to be our celebrant was the best decision we made. In the leadup to our wedding day, Lucy was attentive, kind and organised. During our ceremony, Lucy translated our ideas better than we could have imagined. Lucy shared exactly what we wanted in a clear, inclusive and beautiful manner. We couldn't recommend her enough.”

Karen

“My husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away in April. It was the wish of my husband and I for the tangi (funeral) to be held at home, for the service to be intimate and personal, and for our community to feel a part of it. We wanted a comfortable environment where people felt safe to cry and even laugh at funny stories, in their vulnerability. Lucy was extraordinary in her organisation and her confidence in the role as celebrant. She truly listened to me regarding what I wanted the service to look like and gently guided me through the process, offering her ideas as well. She is used to public speaking and delivered the service in a calm and relaxed manner. Her wonderful compassionate nature shone throughout the service and her deep knowledge of te reo and tikanga added another dimension too. I will never forget what Lucy did for me.”

Ange

“I witnessed Lucy overseeing an emotional life celebration and she immediately stood out to me as having a particular skill and feel for this role. With an insightful and caring nature, she is an intelligent and articular orator, an organised communicator, and a driven and mature worker. I have no doubt Lucy will be an asset to any ceremony.”

Freya

“I had a consultation with Lucy where she equipped me with some simple tools and ideas, giving me the strength to facilitate a memorial ceremony for my grandmother. She understands the importance of including everyone in the process whether their role be big or small, and provided practical tips to ensure the ceremony was easeful, impactful and appropriate. Thanks for your help and guidance Lucy.”