Weddings

As a marriage celebrant, I have two main tasks:

To make your ceremony everything you
want it to be
To take care of the legalities and paperwork.

You decide what you want to say and do during the ceremony. Whether you know exactly what you want or need ideas and suggestions, we will work together to create a wedding ceremony that's just right for you.

I will provide an order of ceremony (a "script" to make sure everything runs smoothly), run a rehearsal and provide a PA system if required for the ceremony.

I will make sure that all the legal requirements are fulfilled in the lead-up to the big day and during the ceremony. I will also lodge the required paperwork to ensure your marriage is properly registered.

I am delighted that Autralian marriage law has been changed to allow me to offer marriage ceremonies to same-sex couples.

Let's chat

It's an important decision - I know you probably want to meet me before choosing me as your celebrant. Give me a call or email and we can organise a free, no-obligation meeting at a convenient time.

Your wedding ceremony

We always felt that our satisfaction was your only aim. It all resulted in a ceremony that was perfect for us. If we were to do it again, we wouldn't change a single thing.

Dean and Andrea

The words and symbols you choose for your wedding ceremony are almost entirely up to you. You may already have a clear idea of what you want. If not, here's a sample ceremony to get you started.

Music and poetry in your ceremony

Many couples will want to enrich their marriage ceremony with poetry readings and music. I can help you with your selection. To really enliven the ceremony and bring the guests together in a very special way, some couples like to have the guests sing a song together. It's an unforgettable experience! I am also a group-singing leader, with lots of ideas and experience in how to get large groups singing together.

Cultural dimensions

We totally enjoyed having Alan as our celebrant, he ensured the whole event ran smoothly. He was flexible and unfazed when our plans were changing as fast as the weather was. He went above and beyond what we would expect of a celebrant to ensure the whole day ran smoothly.
We can not recommend him highly enough.

Alistair and Sarah

Many couples will want to acknowledge and respect their cultural heritage in their ceremony. This will enrich the ceremony and provide a deep link with tradition for the couple and their families. Talk to me about any rituals, readings or other component that you would like to include in the ceremony.

Need an interpreter?

If one or both of the couple do not speak English, we will need to use an interpreter during the ceremony, and also for our first meeting. The interpreter must be accredited by NAATI - the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters. The interpreter will provide documentation to verify that the translation was accurately and faithfully performed. I can provide contact details for interpreter services if you need them.

Legal requirements

There are a few legal requirements that you'll need to take into account.

A "Notice of Intended Marriage" form must be signed and witnessed at least a month before the wedding.
During the ceremony, as an authorised marriage celebrant
I must say the following words:
"I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."
During the ceremony, each partner must say the following words:
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, xxxxxxxx, take you, yyyyyyyy, to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse."
Three separate Marriage Certificates must be signed and witnessed immediately after the ceremony.

These legal requirements are specified in the Marriage Act 1961. As an Authorised Marriage Celebrant, I keep my knowledge of marriage law up to date with annual Ongoing Professional Development.

Alan wrote the most beautiful and fitting ceremony for us - it was perfect. Many of our guests commented that we had found a great celebrant!

Sarah and Patrik

Privacy

I understand that confidential matters sometimes need to be discussed in preparing for a marriage ceremony, and I will maintain strict confidentiality.

All meetings will be in a private space unless you decide that's not necessary
All forms and documents will be kept in secure storage
All computer files will be kept in secure storage.

Fees

My standard fee for a wedding ceremony is $500.
At our first meeting I will require a $100 non-refundable deposit.
This deposit secures your date in my calendar and covers the initial paperwork.
The balance of $400 is payable 14 days before the wedding date.
Any refund on cancellation after that date is at my discretion.

Feedback for me

Once your ceremony is over I would appreciate your feedback. Did the ceremony meet your expectations? What were the highlights, and were there any problems? This will help me understand what went right (or wrong) for you and improve my procedures in future.
I have an online feedback form you can use give me your thoughts.

Not happy?

If you have any concerns or complaints about my conduct as a celebrant, you are entitled to make a complaint to the Attorney-General's Department.
See the Attorney-General's Department website for more information.