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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for marriage in Australia?
To get married in Australia, both individuals must be at least 18 years old. If one person is under 18, marriage can still occur with parental consent, as outlined in Section 12 of the Marriage Act. A Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with a celebrant at least one calendar month before the wedding ceremony. This form must be received by your celebrant no later than one month prior to the wedding date.
What documents do I need to provide?
If you were born in Australia, you will need to provide either your passport, your birth certificate, or a birth extract. If either party was born overseas, an overseas birth certificate or a translated copy of their overseas passport in English is required. If either party has been previously married, an original Divorce or Death Certificate must be presented.
Translated documents must be accompanied by a NAATI-accredited Translation Certificate. You can find translation services here.
Do I need witnesses?
You will need two witnesses present at the ceremony. By law, witnesses must be over 18 years old and understand English. If they do not, an interpreter must be present.
How do you create our personalised ceremony?
To create a personalised ceremony, I start by connecting with both of you through engaging conversations to uncover unique insights about your relationship. This deeper understanding allows us to highlight what makes your ceremony special.
After our discussion, I’ll send each of you a questionnaire. This adds excitement and often leads to interesting and varied responses that enrich the narrative.
Once I have crafted the script, we will review it together. You can suggest edits until it perfectly reflects your vision. My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable sharing your stories and excited to celebrate your unique journey together.
Can you include religious readings or rituals?
If you would like to incorporate religious readings or rituals into the ceremony, that is absolutely possible. Aside from the legal wording of the monitum and specific wording in your vows, civil ceremonies can be structured however you prefer.
Can we meet before booking you?
I would love to meet both of you in person. Choosing a celebrant is an important part of making your day memorable. This initial chat will help us gauge how well we connect and whether I am the right celebrant for you. If meeting in person is challenging, I also offer video calls most evenings and weekends (outside of ceremony commitments) via Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime.
Do we need a ceremony rehearsal?
Absolutely! A ceremony rehearsal the week of the wedding can help build your confidence for the big day. If we can do it at your venue, that would be ideal. It’s also great if your wedding party or special guests can join. If a full rehearsal isn’t possible, we can always come up with alternative options. Even being able to practice putting on your rings or discussing how you will stand on the day can help you feel prepared and confident. Ultimately, if you prefer not to have a rehearsal, that’s perfectly fine too.
Do you marry same-sex couples?
Of course! Love should be celebrated in all its forms. Your ceremony is about you and your story, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity.
I know couples who have paid less for their celebrant; why do you charge more?
Celebrant rates can vary based on location, experience, and demand for their services. With me as your celebrant, you’re not just hiring someone to officiate your event; you’re gaining a professional with an extensive background in event and wedding planning, complemented by a rich experience in public relations and media. Some celebrants charge less because their ceremonies are based on pre-written templates and lack customisation, resulting in less attention to detail. This is one of the most significant days of your life, and your celebrant should be a worthwhile investment.
How far in advance do we need to book you?
I recommend getting in touch as soon as your date is confirmed, as a celebrant plays a crucial role in your wedding. I am happy to work with you on dates if you are flexible. Consider a wedding outside the traditional Saturday, as more days are becoming popular, which might open up options if your preferred venue is booked.
How do I book my services?
To secure your date, a non-refundable booking fee of $400 is required. Once you book with me, I will provide a Service Agreement that outlines the terms of our collaboration. This agreement must be signed and returned.
So, we’ve booked you. What happens next?
What an exciting moment for both of us! After you book me, there may be a quiet period depending on how far away your wedding date is. Rest assured, I will reach out to initiate the planning process about 4-6 months before your big day. This is where the fun begins! We will have a ceremony planning chat and start addressing initial legal requirements, such as completing your Notice of Intended Marriage. As the wedding day approaches, we’ll work through everything from finalising your ceremony draft to conducting a rehearsal, and ultimately, I’ll marry you on the day. If you’d like to reach out at any point during your planning for a chat, advice, or to brainstorm ideas, please don’t hesitate to call me. I have extensive experience in wedding and event planning and can offer valuable insights.
Where do you travel?
While I mostly conduct weddings in the Central Coast, Hunter Valley, and Newcastle, I can travel anywhere you wish to get married. Prefer Mudgee over the Hunter Valley? No problem! Want to elope to the South Coast? Count me in! Looking to go international? I’ll meet you at the airport! Some travel arrangements may incur additional costs, which we can discuss during our planning meetings.
Can you help us with our personal vows?
I would be happy to help you with your personal vows! I can guide you through the process and provide tips to assist you. Additionally, I can review your vows together beforehand to ensure they complement each other in length and tone.
While personal vows can create a beautiful moment to share, it’s essential to do what feels right for you as a couple. You are not required to share personal vows during your ceremony. If you’re not comfortable with public speaking or prefer to keep this aspect private, there are ways we can incorporate your wishes into your special day. I am here to help you make that decision, as it should reflect what is best for you.
However, specific legal words must be included in the ceremony, but we can work through that together.
Do we receive a draft of the ceremony before the event?
Drafts are provided exclusively for couples who select my “Always and Forever” package, which enables me to create a personalised ceremony. Once I’ve crafted the script, we’ll review it together, and you’re welcome to suggest edits until it perfectly matches your vision. My goal is to ensure you feel comfortable sharing your stories and excited to celebrate your unique journey together.
How long do your ceremonies last?
Most of my fully personalised ceremonies last about 20-25 minutes; however, we can adjust the length to suit your preferences. Please note that some of your guests may be standing, and we frequently host events outdoors, so ensuring their comfort is crucial.
What do you wear on the day?
I take pride in my appearance and have a variety of outfits suitable for different occasions. During the planning process, I will discuss the colour scheme with you, including what your wedding party will wear and the tones of your florals, so that I can coordinate my outfit accordingly.
Can we use your PA system for ceremony music?
You are more than welcome to use my PA system to play recorded music during the ceremony. I recommend nominating a guest to control the music, ensuring they are clear about the specific tracks to play at the correct times.