Can a family member or friend do the service?

Persons not authorised as marriage celebrants may participate in aspects of a marriage ceremony as long as an authorised marriage celebrant conducts the ceremony and fulfils all the legal requirements for a marriage.
An authorised marriage celebrant must:

• take a public role in the ceremony
• be responsible for ensuring the validity of the marriage according to law
• say the words required by section 46 in the presence of the parties, the formal witnesses and the guests.
• It is the exchange of vows that constitutes the marriage and the celebrant should ensure that they see and hear them exchanged.
• be part of the ceremonial group,
• sign the papers required by the Act.

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Can we get married next weekend?

In Australia:
If you have lodged a notice of intent to marry form in the required time - a month and a day before your wedding date, and fulfilled the required legal requirements, then yes, you can. If you haven't lodged the notice of intent to marry form within this time frame, then no, you cannot. The notice of intended marriage form needs to be lodged with an authorised celebrant (religious or civil). This form is valid for eighteen months from the date of lodgement.

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Can we have a naming ceremony at the same time as our wedding?

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Do we have to exchange wedding rings?

You are not legally required to exchange wedding rings. However, it is a tradition since early times to honour the commitment you are making to each other.  The ring has come to symbolise the never ending nature of love. 

Nowadays some grooms are choosing not to wear a wedding ring due to occupational health and safety concerns. Some may exchange a ring on the day and wear it only on social occasions.  If only one ring is being exchanged, it can be acknowledged that this ring is the symbol for them both of their shared love and commitment.

Gifts other than a ring can be either substituted or given as well as…like a dowry from more ancient times.

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Do we have to have wedding attendants?

No, this is a personal choice.  If you do decide to have wedding attendants, you may wish to choose from one to six for your bridal party. It is also ok to ask them for equal support rather than having to choose one person to be the best man or chief bridesmaid.

Be clear with your attendants what you expect from them: What tasks would you like them to undertake? Are they paying for their outfits? When do you want them to arrive to help - before the wedding, on the day of the wedding? Get clear about everything and then have lots of fun.

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How can I involve a few special family members and friends?

There are many ways to include family and friends.  The traditional role has been to have them as attendants in your bridal party or you can invite them to:

• Present a reading, sing a special song, or play an instrument.
• Be the ring bearer (even if they are not in the bridal party, they can come forward when requested).
• Be witnesses for the signing of the legal certificates and register, although the witnesses are traditionally members of the wedding party, although they don’t have to be.
• Co-ordinate the music if you are using recorded music.
• Greet and usher guests to the ceremonial area or their seats.
• Take responsibility for handing out orders of service, petals, bubbles etc.
• Be the wedding day co-ordinator - someone who has a clear picture of your vision and ensures that everything is unfolding as you would like. This person can make decisions on your behalf. They can introduce themselves to the celebrant, venue and reception co-ordinators, musicians, etc
• Provide support for a parent who may be attending on their own. Your friend or family member can take them to their seats, provide them with transport from the ceremony to the reception, ask for the first dance etc.
• Be the chauffeurs. Be sure the ceremony starts after they have returned from parking the cars.

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What do we need to do now we've decided to get married?

You need to find an authorised celebrant who can conduct the ceremony at the venue you have chosen, at the date and time you want and find out what is legally required in the country you are getting married. 

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What documents will we need to provide?

If you were born in Australia you will need to provide your original birth certificate. If you were born overseas, your original birth certificate is preferred; however a current passport issued by your country of birth is acceptable.

If you have been married before, you will need to provide the celebrant with proof that any prior marriage has ended whether by divorce or by the death of the other party.

Should any of the above documents be in a foreign language, you will need to provide a certified translation in English.

If one of you is under 18 years of age, the written consent of your parents or guardian will be required. You will also need an order from the court. (Section 10-21 of The Marriage Act 1961) can be downloaded for further information.

Please refer to the legal requirements in your country.

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What do all the traditions of a wedding mean?

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Can we write our own vows?

I always encourage it as this is the most significant part of the service and it is better if you know what you are promising to your partner because it has come from your heart. I can supply you with sample vows if you wish or write them for you and get your approval. You don’t have to remember them verbatim on the day unless you have a good memory. I can say them a section at a time and all you have to do is repeat after me as you speak to your partner. Too easy!

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How much does a celebrant cost?

Please refer to the prices section of my site for more detailed costs according to the ceremony you choose. Most wedding celebrants in Coffs Harbour will charge between $350 and $450. I charge $400 for a wedding for example. Just watch for additional costs from others such as travel or admin. costs. I have a set price that covers everything with no hidden surprises. Remember you get what you pay for…I have had over 20 years experience and I do my work well. You will not be disappointed.

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