GETTING MARRIED

So you have made the decision to marry, possibly the most important decision you will make in your life. The following hopefully will provide you with some information to guide you on the next step, that is, choosing the type of wedding ceremony and Marriage Celebrant

Civil Marriage Ceremonies conducted by Authorised Marriage Celebrants

Today Civil Marriage Ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to Church or Registry Office weddings.

One of the main reasons is the flexibility that these type of ceremonies afford the couples due to the range of venues, the flexibility with times and also the ability to create a ceremony that suits the personalities and lifestyle of the couple to be wed.

You can plan to have your ceremony in a huge range of locations such as

• Your home, your parents home or a friends home
• Public or private function facilities, resorts, hotels, etc.
• Rainforest or gardens, both private or public
• Beaches, headland overlooking the ocean.
• River settings, parks, reserves or the top of a mountain.
• Boat on a river, lake, marina
• Just about any place that has special significance, atmosphere or beauty.
• Any place that is special for you to make your vows on your special day.

 The time of day you choose, such as dawn or dusk may suit the type of ceremony you have created. Also being able to craft the content of the ceremony with your own special vows, readings, rituals or even a theme gives the flexibility that many couples now wish for their marriage ceremony.

With all the above flexibility in mind, your Authorised Marriage Celebrant will ensure that even though you have a ceremony tailored to your personal needs, all the legal requirements are met and that your marriage is registered in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961

What next The first meeting

Well the next step as far as the legal side of the event, is to set a date and choose a Marriage Celebrant, that is, if you have decided on a civil ceremony. It is important to book a celebrant early, just as venues can be booked out for your intended date so can celebrants.

I hope that by visiting this website you are thinking of engaging me as your Authorised Marriage Celebrant for your special day.

To do this, contact me either by phone or email and I will take some basic details and we will discuss a date for a preliminary consultation, once this is arranged I will send out an information pack.

The first meeting can be at any location convenient for you, either my home office, your home or other suitable location, (but should be free of disruption and distraction as we will be discussing your special day)

At this meeting we will discuss all aspects of the ceremony such as date, time, venue, type of ceremony, vows, and all elements that will make the day. I normally allow 1 ½ - 2 hours for this first meeting. If you decide then to confirm the use of my services as your Authorised Marriage Celebrant , we will also start the process by completing the Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM) which must be signed in my presence as witness. This form must be held by me for a period of one month plus one day before you can be married. It is valid for eighteen months from that time. We will also discuss a timetable to take us right through to your wedding day.

As well as having proof of identity (drivers licence or photo ID), you will also need to bring the following documents to the first meeting as proof of birthdate and marital status.

1. Your original birth certificate if born in Australia (photocopies cannot be accepted).
2. If you were born outside Australia, your overseas passport can be provided in the absence of a translated birth certificate. Australian passports are not acceptable as proof of identity for Marriage.
3. If previously married, proof of dissolution - Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute, if previous spouse is deceased a Death Certificate is required.
4. If either the intended Bride or Groom is under 18, the required form of consent (Only one can be under 18, not both).

Two witnesses will also be required to witness the ceremony on the day and they must be at least 18 years of age.

The Second Meeting

A second meeting shortly before the wedding day will be arranged. At this meeting we will discuss all the final arrangements, check that all parts of the ceremony are correct and as discussed. A Statutory Declaration will be prepared for each partner to sign, be witnessed in my presence and will state that each knows of no legal reason why they should not marry and also that they are both over 18. I will also have the Marriage Certificate printed to ensure that the names are correct.

This meeting will normally be used to have a rehearsal of how everything will happen on the special day. We will go through the ceremony itself and who stands where, who holds the rings and so on. It will be an opportunity for any last minute questions or changes to be discussed

During this pre-wedding period I will be available by phone and email to work with you to craft your ceremony, Also if we need to sit down together to go through details, discuss ideas or make arrangements during this period this can also be arranged. My goal as your Celebrant is to ensure that your ceremony is a meaningful and memorable occasion that meets your expectations.

The Ceremony itself

Many ceremonies take the form of the following example but it is your ceremony and you can change it all around, add or delete parts to suit your own style. 

Together we will craft a personaIised unique ceremony that will reflect your beliefs and ensure that your special day meets your dream expectations. I will ensure all the legal parts required under the Marriage Act are included;