Initial meeting

It is very important that you are both comfortable with the celebrant you choose. I suggest an initial meeting (no obligation and no cost) where you get to decide if I am the person for you. This meeting can be at a place that suits you best. For example, your home, over a coffee, my office or we may meet in another mutually agreed place of your choosing. At this meeting you can get to know me a bit and we will walk through what legal requirements there are both before, during and after the wedding. We will also discuss what you may have in mind for your ceremony.

What will it cost and what are the legal requirements?

I will always give you an all-inclusive costing for your wedding, there will not be any extra surprises once you engage me as your celebrant. What does that cover? Everything! But to give you an idea of just what 'everything' is, let me explain.

• Once you engage me as your celebrant: I will only do one wedding per day so I will ask for a non-refundable deposit which locks that date in as yours. (I can then say no to other enquiries for your date.) That deposit/booking fee will cover all of the pre wedding legal work and associated tasks. It will also cover as many meetings as you wish. The balance is then payable by rehearsal. 
  
• Pre wedding legalities and the paperwork: A Notice of Intended Marriage needs to be completed and lodged with me at least one month and no more than 18 months prior to your wedding date. I have all the forms that you need to complete before, during and after your ceremony and I can walk you through the process required. I then take care of all the legal work from there. I will lodge them with the appropriate legal authorities as and when they are required. I will need to sight the originals of your birth certificates (extract or full certificate) and I will need to sight some photo identification for each of you. If you do not have or cannot obtain your birth certificate I can discuss your alternatives.
• Wedding ceremony: There are only three things legally required for the actual ceremony. The rest is up to you and I will work with you to develop a ceremony that suits both of you. I am happy with traditional or something a bit different, whichever you prefer. I am happy to provide you with many options and choices to help this decision making easier. I will also give you a copy of an actual ceremony so that you have an idea of how it may proceed as well as options for vows, exchange of rings and readings etc.
• Rehearsal: I recommend a practice run of the ceremony, preferably at your venue, for you and any others involved in the ceremony. It is not compulsory but I find it makes the actual day more enjoyable. You don't need to worry about where you are standing, how long it will take for your entry, who is holding flowers and all the little things that can make you nervous on the day.
• Meetings pre wedding: I am happy to meet with you as often or as little as YOU feel comfortable with. I am happy with face-to-face, email, phone and a combination of all of these. Whatever suits you.
• A draft of your ceremony: About four weeks prior to your actual wedding day and then you can make any changes before I finalise for the actual wedding.
• A memento of your ceremony: I will print it on parchment as a keepsake for you.
• Public Address (PA) system: I have a fully portable professional system (no mains power required) that is included in your fee. The system has a radio microphone that I use (people want to be able to hear what is happening) and another separate microphone that is available either for readings or for yourselves if you choose. The system will also play your ceremony music. (Entrance, signing and post wedding.) Separate speaker and stand to ensure good sound.
• Signing table: if required as well as white tablecloth and appropriate pen for signing of your certificates on the day.

On the Day

• Ceremony: Obviously I can do it all on the day but I am happy to share the event too. What I mean by that is that if you have special friends or family that would like to be involved in the ceremony, perhaps a reading, then I am happy to work with you (and them) to make that work best on the day.
• Marriage certificates: There will be three certificates to sign on the wedding day. One that I keep for my records, one that you have and one that goes to the Registrar. I have all of this - you just need to sign where I indicate. The certificate that you keep will be professionally printed (not just hand written)
• Change of name: If you intend to change your name following your marriage then I can assist with this paperwork too. I can lodge your application with the Registrar for your 'official' certificate at the time I lodge the other wedding paperwork and this will save you having to provide further proof of identity (unless the wedding is in ACT). The Registrar will then post you out the 'official' certificate that you will then use with places such as RMS, passport office etc. to make the change.
• Arrival: I will arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to ensure all is right at the wedding venue and to set up. I also ensure the groom and his attendants are confident with the process.
• Bride’s arrival: On the day I will usually meet the bridal car and just check that all is well with you, that there are no issues etc. Just to help you relax really and perhaps a quick run through of the initial processes so you are relaxed too (you will have other things on your mind).

That pretty well summarises things but if you have any questions then by all means give me a ring on 0417 293 119 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if that suits best. I want you both to be happy and comfortable so that your special day is memorable for all the right reasons.