When we decide to marry, what is the first thing we need to do?

A completed “Notice of Intended Marriage” form must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month and one day prior to your ceremony.

I can provide the form.

Alternatively, it may be downloaded from the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s by clicking here

After our first meeting with the celebrant, what are the next steps?

I will meet you both in order to get to know you and discuss your ideas for your ceremony. I will work with you to provide all the information and support you need. Together, we can plan the ceremony so it exactly meets your wishes.

Can we have a rehearsal?

Generally a rehearsal is not required, but if the ceremony is very formal, or you have any doubts about how it will proceed, then a rehearsal may be arranged at additional cost.

Can we face our guests?

Yes, it preferable to do so. Standing with your backs to your guests is not very inclusive of the guests, and perhaps detracts from the warmth of the ceremony.
However, some couples may feel a little nervous and prefer to face each other.

We know the vows we exchange are an important part of the ceremony. Do we have a choice?

The vows must start with a statement that is legally required to make the marriage lawful. However, once that is said, the couple can include whatever is important and meaningful to them.
The vows may be;

• repeated after the celebrant, or
• read by the couple from a card, or
• memorized by the couple, and spoken without prompting.

 I also encourage you to consider writing your own personalised vows, and I can help you with this,

Can we involve family and friends in our ceremony?

Yes, I can provide you with you meaningful readings and mini-cermonies that give you the opportunity to involve family and friends in ways that are truly meaningful to the couple.

Can we use music in our ceremony?

Yes, music can add to the atmosphere and meaning of your ceremony. You may choose to have friends or family members play an instrument.

Music of your choice can be very effective and meaningful as the bride walks down the aisle, and during the signing of the marriage certificates.

I can supply a high quality CD player if this is needed.

How long is the ceremony?

There are a number of legally required steps that must be included to make the marriage lawful, but beyond that, you as a couple have complete control over the content and length of your ceremony.

You do not want to make the ceremony so short that it appears to be over before you start, neither do you want it so long that guests get tired of standing.

The usual length is between 15-25 minutes.

Will our guests be able to hear the ceremony?

Because I use a high quality PA system, all your guests will be able to hear all the content.

How will you work with our photographer/videographer to allow us to capture lasting moments?

Your photographer will be free to take photographs, etc, during the ceremony. A good professional photographer will be able to do this without detracting from the ceremony itself.  Once your marriage certificates are signed, I stand aside and the photographer is able to capture shots of your certificate, rings and bouquet, as appropriate.

What do we do about witnesses?

You require two witnesses for your ceremony, who will need to be over the age of 18.  Generally the bride and groom choose them from the bridal party, but they may be chosen from any of your guests.