I recommend booking your Celebrant at least a year before your intended wedding date. Two months prior to your wedding date is the recommended minimum time to book your Celebrant.
You will need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage Form (go to Links to download). This is a legal document that must be officially lodged with me no earlier than 18 months before and no later than one month before the date of the marriage. You will also need to provide proof of identification, such as an original birth certificate AND driver's licence, Proof of Age card, or passport, OR a current or expired (but not cancelled) passport.
You will need to show me the original divorce document - from the court OR a death certificate if you are a widow or widower.
Shortening of the statutory period (one month) of notice under the Marriage Act can only be granted in extraordinary circumstances, such as:- Employment related or other travel commitments- Wedding celebration arrangements, or religious considerations- Medical reasons- Legal proceedings, or- An error in giving notice.
In most cases, no. The minimum marriageable age in Australia is 18 years. If one party is 18 or over and the other is still a minor, AND if the following two requirements can be met, a Celebrant may be able to solemnise the marriage.
1. A judge or magistrate has made an order authorising the person to marry a particular person of marriageable age (over 18 years); and
2. The required consents (usually parents) have been given to the marriage.
A marriage in Australia may be solemnised on any day, at any time, and at any place. The marriage must be registered in the State or Territory where the marriage was solemnised.
Yes! I mainly service the Sydney metropolitan area, however I am able to travel to your preferred location in Australia. A travel fee will apply dependent on the distance I will need to travel and availability of transport to the location of your wedding.
Yes! This can happen as long as you lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage Form within the legal time frames. There will also need to be two witnesses over 18 years old present during the ceremony.
That's ok. I can provide you with plenty of ideas, suggestions and resources. I will guide through the process and discuss what works and what doesn't so that we can create a memorable ceremony.
Yes! I do recommend a Plan B option in the even of poor weather. Ensure your alternative venue is indoors.
If your ceremony is at an outdoor venue, that is within a public park or recreation area, then most likely you will need a permit. You will need to check with the local council, state government or National Parks and Wildlife Services to se if your venue falls within their boundaries. Some parks, recreational areas and National Parks do not permit confetti or rice throwing, or pets during the ceremony.
I do recommend a rehearsal, preferably 1-2 weeks prior to the ceremony date. A rehearsal will help ensure your actual wedding day will run smoothly and stress free. I attend the rehearsals as part of my standard fee.
I generally arrive at least 30 to 40 minutes before the bride is due to arrive at the venue.
The Notice of Intended Marriage Form is valid for 18 months from the date it is lodged. I am happy to postpone or reschedule your wedding as long as the one month minimum time requirement has been fulfilled and I am not booked out on your alternative date.
Generally, most ceremonies are around 20 to 30 minutes long. However, your ceremony can be as short or as long as you like depending on what you would like to include.
Provided that you have obtained written approval from the local council, State government or national authority to hold your wedding at that particular site, you have the right to ask them to move on. As I am at the venue earlier than the bridal party's arrival, I can attend to the people who are not your guests.
You will need 2 witnesses who are 18 years or over and understand English.
I will wear appropriate attire to suit the formality of your wedding.
No, you will need to arrange with the Captain of the boat to take me back to the pick up location or provide me with access to a water taxi. An additional fee is required for the water taxi.
On your wedding day I will supply you a Commonwealth Certificate of Marriage, however, this is not the document that many institutions recognise for legal changes of names. Official Marriage Certificate is obtains from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state that your marriage was solemnised.
Yes. All marriages I conduct are recognised by law in Australia, and in most circumstances, recognised by law around the world. However, there are some countries that require specific religious rituals and authorities to be observed during weddings, which I may not be authorised to deliver.
Please feel free to contact me if I haven't answered your questions above, or to discuss your wedding in more detail