Beautiful words representing even more beautiful intentions … the thoughts and words expressed in your vows should mean something special to you.
It can be quick and easy. Apart from a few minutes of legalities, you choose the ceremony length and every single word, it can be extremely short and simple. I could send you laid-back ceremonies. The most usual comment I receive from grooms after the wedding is “you made it so easy”.
OR
I can help you write a wedding ceremony and vows reflecting your relationship, values, aspirations and who you are.
Pre-written ceremonies include: meaningful, relaxed, contemporary, romantic, simple, short, elegant, spiritual, inspirational, aspirational, philosophical.
- Couples can select one of the 15 pre-written ceremonies
- They can mix and match selections from each
- They can write their own ceremony
Ways to include children in the ceremony
Children do not have to be just flowergirls, pageboys or ring bearers, there are numerous ways to involve both biological, non-biological, small and adult children in your ceremony.
Children can simply be mentioned by name, do readings, or they can participate in various mini-ceremonies, procedures, rituals, etc.
I have pages of suggestions, special wording, etc.
Eloping?
We can arrange everything at short notice (one month, one day minimum), and by email/mail. I will send you the legalities and procedure, what you need to provide, how to get it, etc.
Contact me for “elopement friendly” Hunter Valley venues, accommodation, etc., who will similarly expedite your marriage. I can also recommend other wedding suppliers if you require them (hairdressers, photographers, etc.). I’ll send an elopement pack including ceremonies, incidentally, rings are not a legal requirement.
Please visit the Eloping in the Hunter Valley page for more details and stories
From overseas but want to marry in the Hunter Valley?
Email me, I will advise on the legalities and procedure (quite simple) and send a written quote. We can arrange it all by email/mail and meet when you arrive in Australia. If you are unsure where to marry in the Hunter Valley, email me for venue, reception and accommodation suggestions. I can also recommend hairdressers, photographers and other reliable wedding suppliers if required. When I receive the Notice, I email you sample ceremonies, optional words/readings, etc., as mentioned above
Renewal of Vows Ceremonies
I celebrate numerous renewals each year, some are very similar to weddings, with beautiful gowns, attendants, friends reading poems, guests from overseas, flowers, music and rings! Whilst the couple are legally married already, for some this ceremony is the true joining of their hearts. Couples often want to just reaffirm their commitment to each other or celebrate an anniversary ... sometimes this involves just the couple on a private weekend away.
Many renewals are held because the couple’s family and friends did not attend their original ceremony, others because their original marriage was disappointing, or was simply a legal procedure for visa purposes.
I provide a renewal of vows pack with a choice of ceremonies, similar to the wedding pack, you can choose virtually every single word.
Commitment Ceremonies
These ceremonies are social, ie, non legally binding, where two people commit to each other. Usually commitment ceremonies involve two people of the same gender, but sometimes it is a man and a woman. Commitment ceremonies can be similar to wedding ceremonies, with great venues, receptions, photographers, etc. A commitment ceremony pack is available with a wide range of ceremonies and options.
What is included in my celebrant fee?
I provide a Wedding Pack customised for each couple, which can include:
- guidelines on how to write your own vows/ceremony
- additional FAQS relating to the ceremony, protocols and traditions
- numerous alternative vows
- suggestions for different ways of doing things
- contemporary alternatives for old traditions
- ways to include or acknowledge your close family members apart from mere words
- how to include guest participation in your ceremony
- suggestions, paragraphs and readings on how to incorporate fun and humour in the ceremony
- different ideas such as ring warmings, the giving of roses, candle and sand ceremonies
- ideas on involving children
- acknowledging guests who travelled distances, remembering loved ones now deceased
- optional sections acknowledging your different cultures/nationality
- wedding tips, do’s and don’ts
- 2000’s order of service samples
When you have chosen your ceremony
I will advise you if there are recommended procedures or common risks at your venue, or potential problems with your ceremony ... and how best to manage them.
- A guaranteed legal marriage
- Unlimited personal interviews and phone/email consultations
- All legal documentation and registration of your marriage
- A presentation copy of your marriage ceremony if requested
- Letters for passports/visas, etc.
- Celebrant’s use of a personal PA system
FAQ's
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). If in Australia, contact me for availability, download the Notice from this site and have your signatures witnessed by me, 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.
What are the fees and when are they paid?
Contact me for a written quote. When you return the Notice, a $130 (2009) processing fee is payable, the balance being due prior to your marriage. Pay by electronic banking, cash, cheque or money order. You can obtain both higher and lower quotes, with the Registry Office charging well over $400 for a weekend marriage. FYI, the majority of Australian celebrants have been appointed since 2007 ... so some will offer a lower quote commensurate with their experience or as an incentive for you to help them “gain practice”.
What must you provide
- Both birth certificates and, if divorced, divorce certificates
- If widowed, your late spouse’s death certificate
Please note originals are required, not photocopies. I return all documents immediately.
What if I was born overseas and do not have 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 you and other celebrants before choosing the one who best suits us?
Yes, I am happy to meet you on weekdays or weekends in no obligation meetings and can show you my existing ceremonies, and discuss additional ideas and options for your ceremony at the same time. Remember that your booking is not secured until a deposit is made, similar to venues, photographers, hire cars, etc.
Do I have a choice of ceremony and can I write my own vows?
Yes. All clients also receive a wedding pack and guidelines on how to create a unique and personal ceremony reflecting their relationship, values and who they are. You can choose a pre-written ceremony, mix and match sections from various ceremonies, write one yourself, or I’ll help you write it.
How long does it all take?
The length is your choice, it depends on the service and readings you choose, it can be 5 or up to 45 minutes. On average, allow 30 minutes all up.
Do we have to remember any words?
No, most couples choose to repeat a few words at a time after me. However, if you prefer, you could use palm cards, as memorising is difficult.
We don’t like speaking in public/we don’t want to say much/we don’t want to have a microphone. OK?
Many couples feel the same, I can limit the words you say to the necessities, and as a matter of course I do not place a microphone near couples unless they request it.
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, two witnesses over 18 are required. After the signing, I present the marriage certificate and leave shortly after, not attending the reception.
Must we see the celebrant beforehand?
The majority of the paperwork and contact can be via mail/email/phone, however both parties need to sign declarations in my presence before the wedding. If we cannot meet beforehand, you can sign them 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 pack. Please contact me for a free, no obligation meeting or quotation