Question 1

How much notice do we need to give before we can get married?

Accepted Answer

The minimum notice that you need to give a celebrant is 1 calendar month before your wedding date.
However, there are a few exceptions, where a “Shortening of Time” can be applied for, to get married with less than 1 calendar months notice.
I can advise you of the legal steps you need to take, if this is the case for you.

Question 2

What is the paperwork we need to complete to get married?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 1 calendar month before your wedding, you need to complete,“The Notice of Intended Marriage” (NOIM)  and sign with me in person. If you cant meet me in person, the signing can now be done via a video call. 
You will need to produce some specific identification ie Passports/Birth Certificate (original only) and if applicable, any evidence of previous marriage.

All of the information you give me on the NOIM, is then entered into a database with Births, Deaths and Marriages. From that information, I will print out the “Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage” form, which needs to be signed BEFORE your wedding.
This is usually done at a final meeting (this cannot be done via video call)  or on your wedding day, BEFORE the ceremony starts. Easy!

AFTER the ceremony, you and your 2 witnesses, will sign 3 Official Marriage Certificates.
One of those certificates, is yours to take home on the day you get married!

Question 3

Do you travel for weddings?

Accepted Answer

Of course! There would be an extra travel fee added, for weddings further than the 50km radius from my home.

Question 4

How many times do we meet?

Accepted Answer

It is great to meet my couples at least twice, if possible, but Video Chats are always good for a 2nd meeting, if distance and job commitments make it difficult.
Sometimes just 1 meeting plus lots of emails and phone calls, is all that some couples need too.
My fees include unlimited contact.
If you are coming from interstate/overseas, we may not be able to meet until  your wedding day, so Video Chats are great to get to know each other.

Question 5

What if the weather is awful?

Accepted Answer

No one ever expects the weather to be less than perfect on their day however rest assured your wedding can still be perfect.  We will discuss your back up plan to ensure you are prepared for whatever the day may bring.

Question 6

Do I have to memorise my vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not!!! And I would never encourage that either. Your wedding day is such a high emotion day, you do not need that extra stress on top of all the excitement. 
I always offer to print your vows on a card for you to read to your loved one, or you can repeat each line of your vow after me. Whatever you are comfortable with, is what we will work with.

Question 7

Are there Standards and Guidelines that you need to work by?

Accepted Answer

Getting married is a serious legal union between 2 people. As an Authorised Marriage Celebrant we must follow the Marriage Act 1961 and the Celebrant Code of Practice.
To see the Code of Practice, click here.

Question 8

Do you have a PA?

Accepted Answer

I have a professional Mipro PA.  There is no extra fee for the use of my PA during the ceremony.

Question 9

How does my marriage get registered?

Accepted Answer

Within 2 weeks of your wedding I will lodge your marriage with Births, Deaths & Marriages and send you a confirmation.  You may then apply for your official Marriage Certificate.

Question 10

How do we book?

Accepted Answer

I ask my couples for a NON REFUNDABLE $200 booking fee, that will lock in your date and time. Final balance is due no later than 5 weeks before your wedding date.
Complete your details on my Contact page and I will be in touch.

Frequently asked questions