MARRIAGE CEREMONIES
WELCOME AND CONGRATULATIONS ...
Once you have chosen the date for your wedding it is advisable to book your marriage celebrant, along with the other service providers you may require. If you are looking for someone who is warm, caring and professional on the day you exchange your wedding vows, someone who will deliver your ceremony in a personalised way that you and your guests will enjoy and remember, then please contact me now. I will gladly guide you through the legal formalities, offer a selection of ceremonies and coordinate and most importantly incorporate your ideas.
Legal Requirements
The Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged with your celebrant not more than 18 months nor less than one month prior to the date of the wedding. You must be at least 18 years of age to marry in Australia, however, special arrangements need to be considered if either party is under 18 years of age. If Australian born you must present an original birth certificate (or extract). If born outside Australia, you are required to show your birth certificate and/or passport from your country of birth. If you have been previously married, you must present your Divorce Certificate/Decree Absolut or Death Certificate of a previous spouse. You are required to have two witnesses to the ceremony, and witnesses must be aged at least 18 years of age.
Selection of Ceremonies
When we meet you will receive a folder containing a sample selection of ceremonies and verses that you may like to use or just to give you ideas. You may wish to integrate various paragraphs from the samples given or if you prefer, you can compose your own unique ceremony and this is acceptable providing it includes the mandatory sections as identified in the Marriage Act 1961. Of course, I am more than happy to work with you on the composition of your wording. Whatever you decide to do, it is important to have a wedding ceremony which reflects your thoughts and personalities.
A second meeting is held prior to the wedding day to ensure that you are happy to proceed with your chosen ceremony, to confirm all details, and sign the declaration document required by law.
On the day of your marriage you will need to sign three sets of documentation that will be witnessed and also signed by the celebrant. To commemorate this special day I will present you with a personalised bound copy of your wedding ceremony.
Ceremonies and rituals you can choose from:
Couples may choose to incorporate some form of ritual within their wedding ceremony. Below, please find a brief summary of various rituals that could be included.