Sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. You need to give at least a one months notice that you plan to marry.

Yes, I am happy to travel outside of Sydney. See ‘fees and packages’ for travel costs.

The ceremony length will be determined by your story and the elements you want to include. As a guide I would say to allow 30 minutes for most bespoke ceremonies from the moment the bride enters to moving on to the reception.

It’s best to aim to be ready on time as your guests will arrive early and be eagerly awaiting your arrival and your husband may well be waiting nervously. Trust me, you will make just as much of an entrance arriving on time.

A wet weather plan will give you peace of mind that no matter happens with the weather you are going to have a relaxing wedding. Although saying vows in the rain can be romantic, all of your beautiful clothes, hair and makeup wont have quite the same shimmer for your wedding photos afterwards.

Yes – reading your own vows is a beautiful and powerful part of the ceremony. I always recommend writing your vows although this can be a daunting task. You will find advice and recommendations in the information I will send you.

If the idea of sharing your feelings in front of a crowd brings you out in a cold sweat or writing your own vows just isn’t for you I can provide you with pre written ones you can use or adapt. I am sure you will find something which feels right for you.

Yes, if the times and locations work I can happily accommodate more than one wedding. Please keep this in mind if you are thinking of changing the time of your wedding.

If the venue does not provide audio equipment we can play music through a portable PA system from an ipad or iphone. You just need to load the tunes you have selected and nominate someone to operate them at the right moment. I’ll meet with that person before the ceremony and we can do a practice run through. You’ll need a song for the bride’s entrance and a couple for the end whilst the signing happens. I also highly recommend having a singalong song for the end and I can help you organise this. It ends the ceremony on a fun and upbeat note.

Yes – make sure your readers have their readings and you have your vows. I will also have a backup on my ipad.

I sure do. I meet and see lots of great people’s work. I will send you information about and recommendations.

Yes of course! We want all our guests to enjoy your ceremony. I am happy to work alongside a translator. I can provide a script for them to translate that is marked up so they know when I will pause for them to speak.

After you send your enquiry, I can provide a quote based on your requirements – my fees are also set out on the fees and services page. We usually chat on the phone, email, Skype or meet. To book my service and secure your date and time, I require a booking fee (non-refundable). This fee is deducted from the balance.

I will be smartly dressed in colours which complement your bridal party. I am happy to send you options in advance. And by the way in the photos where I am wearing white at a wedding I was requested to do so as the bridesmaids were in white, as well as the bride of course.

Civil ceremonies can take any style and vibe you like. They don’t need to be formal. They can be funny, quirky, casual, cool. The wedding will reflect you and that’s why I will get to know you before the day and build your personalities into the ceremony.

Yes this is completely possible and something I love. You can find details of this package in the fees and services page.

I can work with a friend or family member of yours to guide them through writing and presenting a ceremony. I will take care of the legal paperwork and on your wedding day I will say the legal lines to make the wedding official. The rest can be done by someone special to you.

I will of course be guiding you through all the legal requirements for your marriage to comply with the Marriage Act 1961 so there is no need to study them. However to prepare yourself you might like to read the information detailed below.

Legal requirements to marry in Australia

You must be over the age of 18 to marry (exceptions are permitted upon authority of the Court on a case by case basis) – See here for further information

Forms

There are two forms to fill out prior to the wedding: A Notice of Intended Marriage and a Form 14

A Notice of Intended Marriage form (NoIM) must be completed and provided to me at least one month prior to your wedding ceremony (and no more than 18 months before the ceremony). This will be sent to the BDM within 14 days of your ceremony- you can download the form here and I will send you a copy

In order to complete the NoIM your celebrant will need to see original copies of the following documents:

1. ID which shows your date and place of birth.

If you were born in Australia you need your original birth certificate or passport. If you don’t have access to ID stating your name and place of birth, your options need to be discussed with your celebrant

If you were born outside of Australia then your overseas passport is required. If this is not available you may provide your birth certificate.

2. proof of your identity (this can be your Driver’s Licence, Passport, or Australian Citizenship Certificate)

3. If you were previously married the original copy of your divorce certificate is required. In the circumstances of death the original death certificate of your partner is required. These need to be sighted by your celebrant at any time prior to the ceremony, and the certificate number is recorded on the NOIM.

All documents must be legible in English. If documents are in a language other than English you must provide a certified translation by NAATI. There is information on how to do this on their website. http://www.naati.com.au/

Prior to your marriage, you must sign a declaration (Form 14), stating there is no legal impediment to your marriage. This is to confirm that all details on the certificates on the day are correct and that you are still eligible to wed. We will usually sign this on the morning of the wedding. This will be sent to the BDM within 14 days of your ceremony

Happily Ever Before and After Document

In order to help support you on you journey as a married couple I am required to provide you with a document called the Happily Ever Before and After. This is an educational document about marriage which I will send to you as a PDF.

Witnesses to the Marriage

The marriage must be witnessed by two (2) people who are over 18 years. They will sign the marriage documents on the day so let those people know in advance.

Non English Speakers

If one of the wedding party does not speak English there must be a NAATI approved translator

Legal Wording

Particular wording must be incorporated in the ceremony (e.g. vows and the Monitum). I will discuss this and work with you to include this wording in the ceremony whilst still ensuring the ceremony is uniquely yours.

Paperwork to Sign at the Ceremony

During the ceremony, you and your two witnesses will sign three certificates:-

Certificate retained in the Marriage Register by your marriage celebrant

Certificate forwarded to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days of your marriage

A decorative certificate given to you as a record of your marriage. This certificate is an official document and evidence of marital status, but it is not a proof of identity document. It cannot be replaced.

I will provide you with the necessary forms and take care of lodging the legal documents with the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Changing your name

It is not a legal requirement for a person to change their last name to their spouse’s upon marriage. However, if you wish to do so, you must notify the relevant authorities and provide proof of marriage. Most authorities require a registry-issued marriage certificate as proof of marriage. I do not provide this as standard as it is an additional cost you may not require, The current fee for the standard marriage certificate is $53 and we can discuss this if you want to change our name.

Any further information can be found here:

Births Deaths and Marriages

Attorney Generals Dept

Registered Certificate fees and turnaround times