Question 1

How far in advance should we book a Marriage Celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Legally you can only book the Celebrant at a maximum 18 months before your intended wedding date. However, most couples usually book about one year in advance. If you wait too long and the Big Day is only a few months you may find that your Celebrant is already booked. Remember, you MUST have completed the NOIM at least 30 days prior to Ceremony Day.

Question 2

What paperwork do we need to lodge for our wedding ?

Accepted Answer

Legal documentation for your marriage is the Notice of Intended Marriage Form (usually called the NOIM). This can only be officially lodged with me no earlier than 18 months and no later than one month before the date of the marriage. You also need to provide proof of identification, address and eligibility to marry during this time. Please email me if you need more info on this process and I will shoot back an easy-to-follow Wedding Process Advice Sheet.

Question 3

I don’t have one month, can I apply for a ‘Shortening of Time' ?

Accepted Answer

Shortening of the statutory period (1 month) of notice under the Marriage Act can only be granted in extraordinary circumstances as per below:
• Employment-related or other travel commitments
• Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
• Medical reasons
• Legal proceedings
• Error in giving notice
If you need advice on this matter you will need to contact a Lawyer for help.

Question 4

What if my identification documents are not in English ?

Accepted Answer

If any of your documents are not in English, you will be required to have them translated by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited translator. In the event that a translator needs to be present at any meetings and even the wedding ceremony, again, only a NAATI accredited translator can be used.

Question 5

Can I be married if I am under 18 years of age?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. The minimum marriageable age in Australia is 18 years. However, if one party is 18 or over and the other is still a minor, AND if the following two requirements can be met, a celebrant may be 
able to solemnise the marriage:
1. A judge or magistrate has made an order authorizing the person to marry a particular person of marriageable age (over 18 years); and
2. The required consents (usually parental) have been given to the marriage.

Question 6

Do we need to attend any pre-marital courses?

Accepted Answer

No, however all celebrants must ensure that information about marriage education and counselling is made available to the couple. Thats why we are duty-bound as specified by the Attorney General Dept to give you a booklet called, Happily Ever ... Before and After.

Question 7

When and where can a couple marry?

Accepted Answer

A marriage occurring in Australia may be solemnised on any day, at any time, and at any place. The marriage must be registered in the State or Territory where the marriage was solemnised. You can choose ANY location you like. A park, a club, a church, your kitchen table, even in a helicopter. You can pick ANY spot you like. Note : any location you do choose may or may not be subject to a booking procedure, a fee or payment, and any spot you do choose MUST be safe and fit-for-purpose for all persons in attendance.

Question 8

Are you prepared to travel for our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  I predominately service the Sydney metropolitan area ( I live in  Campbelltown NSW ). Happy to travel to your preferred location in  Sydney or Beyond. A travel fee 'may' apply dependent on the distance I  will need to travel. Usually any locale that is further than 25klm from Campbelltown Post Office will incur a small travel fee.

Question 9

Can we elope?

Accepted Answer

Yes, elopements are very popular. Lots of Couples run-away together and get hitched at their fave spot with just the Celebrant and 2  witnesses who are over 18 years.  This can happen as long as you lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage  Form within the legal time frames. There will also need to be two (2) witnesses over 18 years old present during the ceremony.

Question 10

How much input can we have for our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I encourage as much input from all my couples for their ceremony - after  all it is your wedding! The Australian Marriage Act 1961 has a few legal  requirements that must be said in the ceremony, but other than this, I  am more than happy to incorporate your ideas, and involve whomever  you want in your ceremony. Note that if you are choosing the Marry-Me- Kwik option, your options are somewhat limited in that you are choosing  from pre-written ceremony samples.

Question 11

What if we don’t know what we want in our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

If you are unsure of what to include in your ceremony, I am here to  provide plenty of ideas, suggestions and resources! I will guide you  through the process and discuss what works and what doesn’t so that we  create a memorable ceremony that is unique and tailored to reflect both  your personalities as a couple.

Question 12

Should we have a 'Plan B' Wet Weather Option?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely if your ceremony is going to be outdoors, I recommend a  'Plan B' option in the event of poor weather to take away the stress and  last minute panic. Please ensure that your 'Plan B' Location is indoors or  Undercover so nobody will get wet whilst we conduct your ceremony.

Question 13

Do we need a park permit?

Accepted Answer

Most likely yes, if your ceremony is at an outdoor venue that is within a  public park or recreation area. You will need to check with the  respective local council, state government or the National Parks and  Wildlife Service to see if your venue falls within public boundaries. There  are usually some fees involved and this varies depending on the  authority in charge. You will also be allocated a timeframe within which  to use the space, and you will be provided with guidelines for ensuring  that the venue is left the way it was when you arrived. This may mean  no confetti or rice throwing, or no pets, during the ceremony.

Question 14

Should we have a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

Not Really. Why is that? Having performed over 3,000 Weddings in  my decades in the wedding industry I am well at ease, and skilled, in  advising all people where, when and how to move/stand/sit/position  themselves. That means you are safe with me on the day. We can have a  Zoom chat 1 week prior so I may offer advice/tips/help etc. If you really feel you need a rehearsal at the venue/location that can be arranged. A  fee will be involved depending on the distance to the locale.

Question 15

What time will you arrive on the day?

Accepted Answer

I generally arrive at least 60 minutes before the bride is due to arrive at  the venue. This gives me a chance to set up and test my PA system and  organise all the documents and witnesses for signing. Then when its  30mins before start time, I play some soft easy-listening music so all guests  may enjoy as they arrive/mingle/chat.

Question 16

What happens in the event that we have to postpone or change the date of our wedding?

Accepted Answer

The Notice of Intended Marriage document is valid for 18 months from  the date it is lodged. I am more than happy to postpone or reschedule  your wedding with you as long as the one month minimum time  requirement has been fulfilled and I am not booked out on your alternate  date. Your 'new' wedding date will need to 'fit' into my schedule. You will  NOT receive any financial penalties. All monies paid by you will be  allocated to the new date.

Question 17

What would happen if you were to get sick?

Accepted Answer

Rest assured, unless I am severely unwell I will attend to your ceremony. I  have never missed a ceremony in my entire career. In the event that I  cannot physically be there, I have a group of certified celebrants who I  can call to perform your ceremony. I would certainly give you due notice if this circumstance arises.

Question 18

Are you able help us find other wedding service providers for our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Generally my advice is to refer you to trusted colleagues who work  in the industry. Any referrals I give you DO NOT mean that I get  any financial gain. I'm happy to pass on names of trusted suppliers so you may be in  the hands of someone who is professional and caring.

Question 19

How long does the ceremony take?

Accepted Answer

The majority of ceremonies are between 6mins OR 35mins, depending  on which option you have chosen. However, it can be as short or as long as  you like depending on what you would like to include, as long as the  minimum legal requirements are covered.

Question 20

If there are people around where we intend to get married, can we ask them to move?

Accepted Answer

Provided that you have obtained written approval from your private,  council, state or national authority to hold your wedding at that  particular site, you have the right to ask them to move on. As I am at  the venue a little earlier than the bridal party’s arrival, I can attend to  the people who are not your guests, and have a polite chat with them,  explain that a wedding is occuring, and usually they oblige and move to  another location.

Question 21

How many witnesses do we need?

Accepted Answer

You will need to have two (2) witnesses who are 18 years or over and  understand English. You may want to ask someone to be your witness  that you could not include in the bridal party. This way they still play a  role in your wedding. They ( both of the witness ) will be required to sign  the marriage certificate on the day.

Question 22

Do you have a PA System?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I use a Bose S1 PA system for most of my wedding ceremonies  ( the industry standard ) and this is included in the standard fee.

Question 23

Can you play our choice of music?

Accepted Answer

Yes, my PA system plays via my mobile phone with mp3 files pre-loaded.  I play all the music you have specified.

Question 24

What will you wear during the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

I always wear a 3 piece suit ( with a tie ). The dignity of your wedding  ceremony necessitates this type of formal wear. If you require me to  wear something different, pls advise, and I will do so. For example, you  may have a Hawaiin theme, and ask me to wear that style of shirt. Thats  ok. I will do so.

Question 25

If we have the ceremony and reception on a boat, would you stay onboard afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Immediately following the Ceremony you will need to pay for a Water Taxi to take me back to the wharf where we boarded. If that is not  possible ( some Captains do not allow it ) you will need to engage me as your MC for the Reception to follow which means a fee for my time at the Reception as the MC.

Question 26

What paperwork do we need to handle after the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory documents that need to be handled after the  ceremony, however you may wish to apply for a NSW Official Marriage  Certificate. This gives you the option to change your legal name. I can  apply for this on your behalf for an additional fee, or you can complete  the application yourself directly.

Please note that on your wedding day, I will supply you with an official  Certificate of Marriage from the Australian Commonwealth Government.  This certificate confirms that your legal status has changed, and that you  are now married. After your wedding day, I also register your marriage  online with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in NSW. If you  need to change your name you will need an Official Marriage Certificate  from Births Deaths and Marriages. You apply for it. Cost is usually  around $85 as they have a few options to choose from, and it is mailed  to you approx 14 to 28 days from date of application.

Question 27

Will my name be automatically changed after I get married?

Accepted Answer

No. On your wedding day, I supply you with a Commonwealth Certificate  of Marriage, however this is not a document that many institutions  recognise for legal changes of names. You will need to apply for a NSW Official Marriage Certificate from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and  Marriages. I can order one for you if you ask me no later than 60 days after the ceremony. Cost is $65 ( 65 is charged by BDM ). If 60 days has expired you will need to go online and order it yourself. Same cost but you will have to upload all your personal identity documents etc.

Question 28

Will our wedding in Australia be recognized worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Yes and No .... Yes, ALL marriages in Australia are recognised by law in Australia, and in  most circumstances recognised by law around the world. For the No case, there  are some countries that require specific religious rituals and traditions to  be observed during weddings to make them legal in that country. Check with a lawyer in that country to ascertain if your marriage documents from Australia are valid in that country.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions