Marriage Celebrant Services
From Here – Declaration Celebration Registration
So you decided to make it formal, so where to From Here? The principle premise of finding ‘the right’ marriage celebrant for you is that you have to meet them and make sure the person who is going to deliver your marriage vows or any significant celebration is someone you trust and have confidence in. I believe your special day should be what you set your heart on. So, we will talk through what I can do to make your celebration a time to remember. If you have some special practices of cultural or emotional significance let’s talk about incorporating them into your day to make it uniquely yours, and one you, your family and guest will remember always.
Wedding ceremonies
- Getting the formalities and notifications in on time – in one neat pack and someone to help you fill it all out
- The perfect vows and promises – writing them down
- Practice and rehearsals, what a great idea!
- Modern, traditional, gardens or grand halls – I will fit with your colour choices, surroundings and blend in with your ceremony ideas
- Those wedding jitters, it is normal to be nervous, don’t let it spoil your special day, so let’s talk.
- Do you have a Plan B or wet weather option? – Just in case the weather forgets it’s your day
- I will have my public announcement system so everyone can hear your vows.
- Registered to conduct legal marriages in Australia, and
- I am a member of a highly regarded association for Marriage Celebrants – for that extra confidence.
Changes to the Marriage Act 1961 are here …
From the 9th of December 2017, marriage in Australia is defined as “the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life” The right to marry under Australian law will no longer be determined by sex or gender.
So same sex couples can legally be joined in marriage. The usual requirements around giving Notice of Intended Marriage continue to apply with no less than 30 days notice of the wedding date needed. The earliest same sex couples can give notice is 9th December 2017.
We want something small and personal…keeping it special and simple
Maybe you want an old school, low key elopement or planning a unforgettable “pop-up” wedding…
I know some great spots, that are available at short notice, to help you make your event an event to remember. Because it is simple it certainly doesn’t mean it is not a big day! Do it your way.
- Small and informal, the ‘Any day afternoon’ in the park ceremony, the intimate dinner with friends announcement, the “… just us and the kids this time around…” day
- The “you thought it was an engagement party but we are getting married” spectacular
Renewal of vows
That place, that time, that season, for many more years to come
- A special, 3, 4, 5 or 6 “0” anniversary
- The empty next and the love next
- I love you still
Welcome to the family
To celebrate the arrival of a new family member, or if you simply want to mark your child’s naming day without a religious ceremony
What you can expect in three easy steps
Declaration
Step one, you have declared your love for one another and set a date. You should think about finding your marriage celebrant, we get booked up quickly so avoid disappointment. A good idea is to chat to a few registered marriage celebrants and choose the person who you are most comfortable with.
Legally you have to give at least a month notice of your attention to marry – I arrange that with you if you choose me as your celebrant. I will confirm your identity using your passport or other documents and fill out all the relevant forms with you.
Make that first call and if you want to meet I can come to a location suitable and we can talk more in privacy.
Celebration
Step two, you have given your notice, booked the day and started all of your planning. When we meet, we will talk about what kind of ceremony you would love. We will talk about your vows, what I have to say for your marriage to be legally witnessed and what you would like to add to personalise your day. Remember, this is your day and I want you to enjoy it; and help you to make it the day you remember for the rest of your life.
Before the big day we will have a rehearsal to alleviate your nerves and let everyone take a run through – the more complex your ceremony the more important this is.
And of course the major celebration is doing it with a gathering of your nearest, dearest.
Registration
Step three, now you are partners for life. On the day I will solemnise your marriage. Then after you and your witnesses sign the register, and you are presented for the first time as a married couple, I will ensure all of your documents are dispatched to the registry so you don’t have to worry about another thing.
It’s all official. Congratulations!
Rates
Rates for my services are reviewed annually, I offer a fixed rate, really, I don’t charge extras (for example travel, If we can see a new place and not lose out we’ll come) – if it is too costly to give you what you need I will advise you when we speak. I have two wedding packs available, one is where I come you, and you have a full service celebration (2020 $1050.00). The second is a fixed ceremony celebration held at our place ($575.00 until further notice).
What you get in the full service:
- My services to develop your ceremony words and vows
- Attendance at your rehearsal
- All the attention (phone and email or Facebook) you need to make your ceremony all about you.
- Me and my “roadie” attend your wedding in time to set up and help as needed; about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.
- We supply a signing table, chairs, PA system, a happy outlook and professional service
- I take your Notice, your No Impediment Declarations and lodge your documents after the event (generally on line and within 24 hours, system dependant)
- In this price I order you one standard copy of your formal Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages.
What you get in the fixed service:
- A lovely standard service, still with the happy and professional support you expect
- The use of my bush-land and landscaped garden (two hectares) for your service.
- Bring 2-10 people (including your photographer, or I know some great ones)
- It is a short service with all the legal requirements met, so you’ll have me and the yard for between 25 and 45 minutes.
- I can provide witnesses if you need me to help out there as well
- Any day of the week that is available
- I still take your Notice, your Declaration and lodge your marriage documents
- I still include ordering you one standard official Marriage Certificate
- After the service there are some lovely places to stay, celebrate and dine in the local town of Bungendore.