FAQS

Before The Ceremony

  • Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime moment - you want it to be perfect and finding the right celebrant that fits your vision for the ceremony is crucial. The only way to find the perfect celebrant is to reach out and meet with them, starting with celebrants that have websites and testimonials that resonate with you.

  • By law, the latest you can lodge your intention to marry is one calendar month before your wedding. Two months prior to your wedding date is the recommended minimum time to book your celebrant. Book as early as you're able, to allow plenty of time to ensure you have the right ceremony for you.

  • In terms of legal documentation for your marriage, you will need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage Form. This can be officially lodged with your celebrant no earlier than 18 months and no later than one month before the date of the marriage. You also need to provide proof of identification and address (e.g. passport or driving licence). If either of you have been previously married, you'll need to provide proof the previous marriage/s ended and that you are therefore legally able to marry again.

  • If any of your documents are not in English, you will be required to have them translated by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited translator. In the event that a translator needs to be present at any meetings and even the wedding ceremony, again, only a NAATI accredited translator can be used.

  • A marriage occurring in Australia may be solemnised on any day, at any time, and at any place. The marriage must be registered in the State or Territory where the marriage was solemnised.

  • I predominately service the greater Melbourne area, however, I am more than happy to travel to your preferred location in Australia. A travel fee will apply, depending on the distance I need to travel and the availability of transport to the location of your wedding.

  • The Australian Marriage Act 1961 has a few legal requirements that must be included in the ceremony, but other than this, I will work with you to co-create the ceremony you want so you can have as much or as little input as you like.

  • Don’t worry, it's my job to guide you and provide ideas and suggestions.

  • I recommend a rehearsal, preferably, 1-2 weeks before the ceremony. A rehearsal will help to ensure your actual wedding day is stress free and enjoyable. I would attend the rehearsal as part of my inclusive package fee. A rehearsal allows everyone involved in the ceremony to run through their roles and understand what will happen and when. The rehearsal also provides the ideal time for the couple to sign a final piece of official paperwork, the statutory declaration confirming that there is no legal impediment to your marriage.

On The Day

  • I will arrive at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start time. This allows plenty of time to make sure everything is as it needs to be.

  • The Notice of Intended Marriage document is valid for 18 months from the date it is lodged. I would be happy to postpone or reschedule your wedding with you as long as the one-month minimum time requirement has been fulfilled and I am not already booked for another wedding on your chosen date. If that were the case, I would help you to find a replacement celebrant.

  • Most are around 20 minutes long. However, it can be as short or as long as you like depending on what you would like to include as long as the minimum legal requirements are covered. The legal minimum requirements could be covered in just a few minutes.

  • You will need to have two witnesses who are 18 years or over and who understand English. They will be required to sign the marriage certification on the day.

  • I have a portable PA system available which can operate from the mains or its own battery, if one is not available at the venue.

  • Your choice of music, whether live or recorded, can all be included as part of the ceremony.

  • I’d discuss this with you beforehand. I would wear appropriate attire to suit the formality or informality of your wedding. If your wedding is to be themed in a special way, I would be happy to dress accordingly.

What Happens Next?

  • On your wedding day I will supply you with a wedding certificate for you to keep as a memento. I can arrange for the official marriage certificate to be sent after the wedding from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This official certificate is needed to confirm that your marital status has legally changed and that you are now married. If you plan to change your name or alter any official documents then the official marriage certificate would be needed.

  • No. On your wedding day, I will supply you with a wedding certificate, however this is not a document recognised for legal changes of names. You will need the official marriage certificate from the local Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for this purpose. I can arrange for this to be sent to you, usually within two weeks, of your wedding

  • Yes! All marriages conducted by an authorised civil celebrant are recognised by law in Australia, and in most circumstances recognised by law around the world.