Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I start?
A Notice of Intention to Marry is provided by/returned to me between 1-18 calendar months before the wedding (you must be over 18 … if under 18, contact me for legalities). Vineyard weddings are often booked up to 12 months in advance, so if you have a specific time/venue between September-May (particularly 3-6pm), book as soon as possible. If in Australia, contact me for availability, download the Notice from this site and have your signatures witnessed by a JP, doctor, solicitor, or member of the police force … and post to me. Email me first for overseas enquiries, there are different signatories required for witnessing the Notice.
A holding deposit (non refundable) can secure your booking until you send the Notice.
What are the fees and when are they paid?
Contact me for a written quote. When you return the Notice, a $130 (2007) non-refundable processing fee is payable, the balance being due prior to your marriage. Pay by electronic banking, cash, cheque or money order. As a cost comparison, were you to marry on a Friday night/weekend at a Registry Office, the total fee is $378, however only a small number of guests can attend, and there is no choice of ceremony, so you expect to pay more for celebrants who travel to your venue and provide additional services.
What must you provide …
NOTE: ORIGINALS REQUIRED NOT PHOTOCOPIES
- Both birth certificates and, if divorced, divorce decrees
- If widowed, your late spouse’s death certificate
All documents are returned by the celebrant immediately.
What if I was born overseas and cannot obtain a birth certificate?
If you were born overseas, a passport from that country is OK if you cannot obtain a birth certificate in time.
Can we meet a number of celebrants before choosing one?
Many of us are happy to meet couples in no obligation meetings, but it is not unusual for us to meet two couples wanting to marry on the same date/time. Arrange to meet your selected celebrants early on, as we are regularly booked on the spot, via phone or email, or following recommendations, and obviously accept the first confirmed booking. Remember that celebrant bookings are not secured until a deposit is made, similar to venues, photographers and hire cars.
Do I have a choice of ceremony and can I write my own vows?
Yes, see Your Wedding page. I ask your preferences when you book and provide up to 15 ceremonies: contemporary, elegant, romantic, short, simple, relaxed, traditional, spiritual, meaningful, etc. All clients receive a wedding pack and guidelines on how to create a unique and personal ceremony reflecting their relationship, values and who they are, they can mix and match sections from various ceremonies, or I can help write one especially at no cost.
How long does it all take?
Allow 30 minutes on average. The length depends on the service and readings chosen (it can be 10 or up to 45 minutes).
Do we have to remember any words?
No, most couples choose to repeat a few words at a time after me.
What time do I put on the invitations?
Have your invitations printed with a starting time 15 minutes before the time you have booked with me. This allows the bride to arrive “late” whilst not holding up the reception/photographs.
Signing of the register
Signed immediately at ceremony end and requiring a small table and chairs provided by the venue. Two witnesses over 18 are required (attendants/parents/guests). After the signing, the celebrant presents the marriage certificate and leaves shortly after, not attending the reception.
Must we see the celebrant beforehand?
The majority of the paperwork and contact can be via mail/email/fax/phone, however both parties need to sign declarations in the celebrant’s presence before the wedding. If you are unable to call in before, you need to allow time for the signing before the ceremony on your wedding day.
Will the celebrant be able to be heard by every guest?
Yes, I have a portable PA system if needed.
What does the celebrant wear?
Usually semi-formal, but I can dress to suit you.
More FAQs are provided in your Wedding kit.
EMAIL ME, OR CALL ME FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION MEETING OR A QUOTATION.
Download your copy of the Notice of Intended Marriage Form .