Your Wedding Day is precisely that. It’s your day and everything about it should reflect your wishes and dreams as well as those of your fiancé. It’s a day to look forward to and to plan for with excitement and joyful anticipation. There are so many things to think of. The dress and the shoes, the bridesmaids and best man, the venue, the invitations, the reception, the photographer, the cake, the music, the list goes on …….. The most important part of this day however will be your Wedding Ceremony, your marriage to each other. No matter whether you celebrate this event with hundreds of friends and family in attendance, or if you choose to be with just two witnesses, the loving commitment you make to each other remains the same.
I believe that your Wedding Ceremony should be a very personal, romantic and intimate expression of the love you feel for each other, so that it truly reflects your beliefs and values. It should be a beautiful Ceremony that is unique to you and your fiancé. A civil Ceremony by its very nature is non-denominational, however that’s not to say that it can’t be spiritual in content if you so desire. Wedding Traditions can be incorporated within the framework of your Ceremony as can Cultural Rites and Rituals. The beauty of having a Celebrant to marry you is that the choice is yours every step of the way. There are some Legal Requirements that need to be satisfied, such as the completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage Form, and for Couples From Overseas there are additional requirements to comply with. Once this is done your next step is to contact me so that we can meet and start to plan your very special day.
When you engage me to be your Wedding Celebrant I give you a commitment to conduct your ceremony in a meaningful, warm, friendly and professional manner. I will work closely with you to prepare a Ceremony that reflects your loving feelings for each other. I will give you a selection of Vows, and Verses, Poems and Readings to read through, some of which you may choose to use, or alternatively you may want me to incorporate Vows into the Ceremony that you have written yourselves.
My services also include, any number of consultations by phone, email and in person at my office; advice and support throughout the process to make it a pleasurable, stress free experience; suggestions on ways to include children and step children in your Ceremony so that they feel special; I confirm details in writing at each stage during the preparation of your Ceremony, so that nothing is left in doubt; you are given a draft Ceremony for your perusal; copies of Readings for your readers; a rehearsal on site (or at a mutually convenient location within a reasonable distance); provision of a professional PA system incorporating a CD player on the day if required; suitable clothed table and chairs if required; and of course my officiation at your Ceremony. Please note that depending on the location chosen, there may be an additional charge for travelling to the venue.
On your Wedding Day you will receive your Marriage Certificate together with a beautifully presented transcript of your Wedding Ceremony to keep. Once you are married I can also request your official Marriage Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages if required. This Certificate has your Marriage Registration Number on it and it is what you will require as legal proof of your marriage with regard to changing your surname on personal documentation.
Tips and Hints. If you are thinking of an outdoor wedding in a public park or on a beach, you will need to contact the relevant council for permission in the way of a permit. Check that there is adequate provision for your bridal party and guests to shelter somewhere should it be raining, or if it’s in the full sun. Is there adequate parking for the bridal cars and guests? Is the location easy to access for everyone? Is there power to the site for a PA or stereo? Are there toilets located nearby? Is noise going to be a problem – from passing cars, a building worksite, neighbours, dogs or crows for instance? It’s a good idea to visit the location on the same day of the week and time that you are thinking of having the ceremony. For beach weddings, check the tides (see my link) and sunrises/sunsets if appropriate. Remind guests to use sunscreen, bring sunglasses, hats or umbrellas and to choose shoes/sandals that are easy to walk in on sand.