A rise in the number of couples opting for friends to officiate their wedding, is leaving professional independent celebrants out in the cold.

Numbers have spiked, with more than 4,500 independent marriage and civil union celebrants in New Zealand.

Prior to 2013, there were only around 2,000, but there's been a steady influx since the registration process was relaxed in 2013.

The Celebrant School Director, Kathrine Fraser says with no training required, couples are paying for a friend's registration, as it’s cheaper than hiring a professional.

She says couples don't realise what they're missing out on, as well as the position they're putting their friend in, to do something they may not have the skills for.

LISTEN ABOVE