A Christchurch woman is questioning the validity of her marriage after the man who oversaw the ceremony was convicted of falsely marrying another couple.
North Canterbury funeral director Geoffrey Hall, 56, was convicted of falsely passing himself off as a marriage celebrant during the wedding of Philip Ellis and Jeanette Hardey at the Kaiapoi Working Men's Club in 2006.
He and the Rev Maurice Gray, 54, of Cashmere, were convicted of making a false declaration when they signed documents after the wedding.
Sue Doig, 46, said she and her husband Murray were considering getting a Family Court ruling next year to see if their marriage was legitimate, The Press reported.
Hall had officiated at the funeral of Murray Doig's daughter in March 2004 and he agreed to oversee their nuptials when asked by the couple.
"We thought he was kind and compassionate. We thought he was just a good guy, and then this happened," Ms Doig said.
She said the couple felt betrayed and a question mark was hanging over their heads.
Mr Ellis married Jeanette Hardey in a ceremony conducted by Hall November 4, 2006. Miss Hardey has since died.
In Christchurch District Court yesterday, Judge Jane Farish remanded Gray and Hall at large for sentence on November 22. She ordered a victim impact statement be prepared from Mr Ellis, and asked for a report on the effect of the men's actions on the Anglican church.