Wedding Ceremonies
Your wedding day is a one of the most joyful and special occasions you will experience in your life. A moment in time to cherish and treasure forever!
As an experienced marriage celebrant I know that there are many aspects to planning a wedding ceremony and I would be honoured to create one for you that is truly meaningful, heartfelt and unforgettable.
A special word for the Groom to be – don’t forget that it’s your special day too!
Rest assured that I am committed to being there for both Bride and Groom. I am on hand to answer any concerns you may have and will do everything in my power to make your day one that is happy, fun and relaxing.
Location
Civil Marriage Ceremonies can be performed by a Marriage Celebrant at any time of day and at any location or venue that you choose.
You may be inviting everyone you know to your wedding or choosing to elope, either way your ceremony could take place:
- On a sparkling blue ocean in a luxury vessel
- In a beautiful garden full of romantic colours and subtle perfumes
- On a spectacular beach with the waves calmly lapping in the background
- Surrounded by the sounds of nature in pristine rain forest under a canopy of trees
- In a hot air balloon at sunrise watching the sky change from night to day
- At a venue magnificently decorated with your special theme and colours
- In a dreamy non-denominational chapel full of history and tradition
- Under a night sky filled with glittering stars magically framing the moon
The choices are endless and you are only limited by your imagination! Wherever you choose to marry it should be somewhere that is special and meaningful to you both.
Booking Your Ceremony
All enquiries are welcome and I offer all couples an obligation free appointment.
Where possible, I generally prefer to get together and talk with couples in person. This is so you can meet me and feel confident that I am the person you would like as your Marriage Celebrant – a very important factor!
However if meeting in person is difficult, I am happy to communicate via phone/email.
Bookings are only confirmed once a non-refundable deposit is made, securing your time and date.
Legal Requirements
Once a booking is confirmed, we fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage together and you can download it from my website or obtain a copy of this from me.
This form must be lodged with me no more than 18 months beforehand and at least 1 month and 1 day prior to your ceremony date.
For those who were born in Australia, you must provide an original copy of your Birth Certificate (an extract is acceptable).
If you were born overseas, your original Birth Certificate is required, however a current overseas passport is acceptable (providing it shows both date and place of birth).
If you were married previously you will need to provide the original copy of your Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute.
If you are widowed, you need to provide an original copy of the Death Certificate of your late spouse.
If you have changed your name you need to provide a Change of Name Certificate.
If any of these documents are not in English, they will need to be officially translated and authorised by a legally recognised translator.
On your wedding day you will need 2 witnesses over the age of 18 at the ceremony.
Dependent on your individual circumstances, any other further legal requirements can be explained and handled accordingly on further consultation.
Planning your Ceremony
We will talk about your history and life together as a couple. We will discuss your ceremony wishes and ideas and select any rituals, poetry, music or readings you want included.
Your vows are a very personal pledge to each other and require considerable thought. I can help you find or write what it is you want to promise to each other.
My focus is on creating a ceremony that reflects your own values, hopes, beliefs, personalities and unique style.
My service as a Marriage Celebrant includes unlimited consultations and we will edit the ceremony until you are both completely happy with it.
You will receive a complete copy of your ceremony to approve at least 1 week prior to the wedding day.
Rehearsals
Part of my service includes a rehearsal and I strongly recommend making time to have one prior to your wedding ceremony.
This helps everyone to know their roles and assists with feeling prepared and calm on the big day (especially the bridal party!).
A rehearsal gives everyone, such as relatives and friends who may be participating in readings or rituals, a chance to practice their part.
For little ones who are ring bearers or flower girls it assists in easing any stage fright.
If you’re having a flower dog or another furry friend involved, I will be armed with pats and treats!
Once a rehearsal has taken place, you can all relax on the wedding day and enjoy what you are truly there for– to proclaim your love to each other and celebrate your marriage.
Your Wedding Day
On the day of your wedding I arrive at least 30 minutes early to ensure all preparations are in place for your ceremony.
I am on hand to put your family and friends at ease and to brief any others who are providing services for your wedding.
During the ceremony, along with your witnesses, you will need to sign 3 documents:
- The Certificate of Marriage,
- The Marriage Register and
- A presentation Marriage Certificate
You will then receive your presentation Marriage Certificate as a beautiful memento of your wedding day. After the ceremony I will lodge the Certificate of Marriage and all other necessary paperwork with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Weekday Wedding Specials
If you are looking for an affordable alternative why not consider one of my special packages for “Weekday Weddings”?
I provide the same exceptional service and dedication as I do for any of my other ceremonies.
A weekday wedding can be a savvy option for couples wanting to host their dream wedding and still stay within budget.