Marriage is an exciting time for all involved and remember, it’s YOUR special day! It’s important that your perfect ceremony flows in a style that suits you both. With this in mind, I’d like to encourage you to work closely with me in putting together a ceremony that will always be remembered.

Your ceremony can be formal, but can also be more relaxed and lighthearted if that’s what suits you more as a couple.

A Civil Marriage Celebrant has certain obligations under the Marriage Act 1961 and these will be explained to you at your first meeting. Other than the few legal requirements that need to be in there, your marriage ceremony is totally your choice.

After you’ve paid your deposit, I’ll send you with samples of vows and verses that can be used, although you’re not obliged to use any of them. Additionally, you could mix and match parts of ceremonies to arrive at the most suitable ceremony for your particular requirements.

It may well be that you are able to compose your complete ceremony and this is acceptable providing it complies with the obligations of the Marriage Celebrant under the Marriage Act.

Family and friends can also be involved. You can have certain readings or verses that you would like them to read for you. Some couples arrange for music to be played at the ceremony, this could be taped music; it could be a trio of musicians or even a Piper.

I have a portable PA system that we can play your music through as well. Almost whatever it takes to complete your special day is possible. At the completion of the ceremony, you will be required to sign the Marriage Register and Marriage Certificates, together with two witnesses and the Marriage Celebrant.

NIM 20005[1] to download a Notice of Intent to Marry form

While I try to keep my approach to my work joyful and light hearted, it’s just as important for me to be thorough and organised with the preparation that goes into your ceremony. I make everything about your ceremony nice and simple for you. Here’s how it works:

 
1. EMAIL ME TO MAKE SURE I’M AVAILABLE & TELL ME:

● Who You Are – Your names & a bit about you
● The ceremony Date, Time & Location
● Anything Specific I need to know

2. WE LOCK IN A TIME TO MEET AT MY HOME OFFICE IN BRONTE

● You’ll tell me all about you, & the type of ceremony you want
● I’ll outline the whole legal ceremony process for you
● You can ask as many questions as you like & I’ll happily answer them

3. ONCE WE’VE ESTABLISHED WE’RE A PERFECT FIT, THEN:
● I’ll invoice you a deposit + some inspirational stuff
● You’ll pay the deposit and giggle over some of the funny vows I sent
● I’ll email your personalised draft & will take care of all legal paperwork

4.WE STAY IN TOUCH REGARDING ALL LITTLE LOGISTICS
● I have a bit of OCD so I love to be involved with the finer details
● No question is a silly question so ask me anything – anytime, ok?
● I can help, if you get stuck with anything tricky or overwhelming

5. WE CHAT TO FINE TUNE ALL IMPORTANT LOGISTICS
● This is where we prep all legal documents
● Remember you can make any last-minute edits to your ceremony
● We go over the ceremony thoroughly so you’re less nervous on the day

6. MY FAVORITE PART – YOUR WEDDING DAY!
● I get there early to hold the space as your guests arrive
● You get married with a perfect ceremony that you + your guests love
● I make sure all legal documents are signed by you and your witnesses.

The only option for a pre wedding rehearsal is if you have chosen the ‘PERFECT CEREMONY’ package, and it can either be online, or at my home office in Rose Bay.

After your ceremony, If you’d prefer, I can take your certificate, so it doesn’t get trashed on the day. I then lodge all the essential paperwork with Births Deaths & Marriages.

Regarding certificates, you receive the commemorative certificate from me (the pretty one). Should you wish to legally change your name, or if there are visa requirements, you will need to APPLY for the ‘standard certificate’ from Births Deaths and Marriages.

This is usually ready 8-12 weeks after the ceremony. Should you need your certificate sooner, please let me know in advance so I can make the appropriate arrangements.

Once you’re back from your honeymoon, I can either post your commemorative certificate to you, or we can meet up for a coffee so I can see all the pics from your wedding.