MARRIAGE CEREMONIES

STEP 1 – IN THE BEGINNING

Once you have set the date and arranged the wedding venue, it is time to select and book your Celebrant. The earlier you book your Celebrant, the more likely it will be that your choice of Celebrant will be available – to leave it too late could lead to disappointment.

Once we have had our initial discussion, I will arrange a meeting at my home. It is important that I get to know a little bit about you both so that I can develop the style of ceremony that you would like.

STEP 2 – NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE

Under Australian law, there is a requirement to complete a “Notice of Intended Marriage” (NIM) form – this must be done at least one month and one day (and no more than 18 months) before the wedding. The NIM is an official legal document that will be signed and witnessed by me at our meeting.

Some documentary evidence is required and this will be advised when making your booking to see me.

It is an offence, under the Marriage Act, for any person to sign the NIM if, to that person’s knowledge, the Notice contains a false statement or an error or is defective. Press the following link to download a copy of the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.

STEP 3 – REHEARSAL

It is highly recommended that a rehearsal be held one or two days prior to the wedding ceremony. This will help to ensure that all parties (Bride, Groom, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, etc) are aware of what they are required to do (and where they stand) on the day.

I will be happy to attend this rehearsal at the Venue or some other agreed location and I will be happy to discuss this with you.

STEP 4 – ON THE DAY

The Wedding Day is the most important day for the happy couple. We will have developed a Wedding Ceremony that will reflect you. You will be given an opportunity to write sections of the ceremony and to select special readings if you so choose. Also I would be happy to discuss additional inclusions to give your ceremony that special touch, e.g. Rose Ceremony, Warming of the Rings (to name a few options).

Part of my role is to ensure that all your guests are able to hear all the words of the ceremony. To make sure that this happens, I will provide a portable PA system suitable for outdoor venues as well as indoor venues.

On the day, I will arrive well in advance of the ceremony start time. My lovely wife, Patricia, will assist me to ensure that the wedding party is in place ready for the ceremony to begin and to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

VENUE:

I will be happy to perform the Wedding Ceremony at the venue of your choice. A word of warning though - should you choose an outdoor venue for the ceremony, a contingency plan should be considered in the event that the weather is not kind to you on the day!!