Click through to your Step By Step Guide to what to expect when planning your ceremony.
Marriage Related Questions
WHAT DOCUMENTS DOES THE CELEBRANT NEED TO VIEW?
Please refer to 'Handy Links' Click here to apply for documents you may be missing.
To complete the 'Notice of Intended Marriage' process I will need to sight original documentation which establishes who you are ─ ie evidence of your date and place of birth, and of your identity - so I'll also need to see photo ID. See the list below.
If you have been married before it is necessary for me to verify the circumstances that brought about the end of that marriage.
PLEASE BRING TO OUR FIRST MEETING, as appropriate:
- Your original Birth Certificate (apply for one here if you were born in NSW. Or apply to the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages in your state, linked from this Australian Government page ).
- If you were born overseas and don’t have your Birth Certificate, your passport will need to be sighted.
- Photographic proof of identity – e.g. a driver’s licence or Australian Passport.
- If you are divorced I must sight your Divorce Decree Absolute, or the legal equivalent for overseas termination.
- If you have been widowed, I must view the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.
NB A current or expired passport is suitable. A cancelled passport is not suitable.
Please refer to 'Handy Links' Click here to apply for documents you may be missing.
To complete the 'Notice of Intended Marriage' process I will need to sight original documentation which establishes who you are ─ ie evidence of your date and place of birth, and of your identity - so I'll also need to see photo ID. See the list below.
If you have been married before it is necessary for me to verify the circumstances that brought about the end of that marriage.
PLEASE BRING TO OUR FIRST MEETING, as appropriate:
- Your original Birth Certificate (apply for one here if you were born in NSW. Or apply to the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages in your state, linked from this Australian Government page ).
- If you were born overseas and don’t have your Birth Certificate, your passport will need to be sighted.
- Photographic proof of identity – e.g. a driver’s licence or Australian Passport.
- If you are divorced I must sight your Divorce Decree Absolute, or the legal equivalent for overseas termination.
- If you have been widowed, I must view the Death Certificate of the deceased spouse.
NB A current or expired passport is suitable. A cancelled passport is not suitable.
WHO CAN WITNESS A WEDDING?
A wedding ceremony must be 'witnessed' by two people aged at least eighteen. (If they do not speak or understand English, an interpreter will be required).
These 'witnesses' will be required to sign all three copies of the marriage certificate signed by the couple at the wedding.
A wedding ceremony must be 'witnessed' by two people aged at least eighteen. (If they do not speak or understand English, an interpreter will be required).
These 'witnesses' will be required to sign all three copies of the marriage certificate signed by the couple at the wedding.
DO WE HAVE TO ATTEND PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING OR COURSES?
No. There is no requirement to attend any pre-marital counselling or courses before you marry. I am required to provide you with a copy of a brochure prepared by the Attorney General's Department titled 'Happily Ever Before and After'.
However, if you would like information about personal and relationship services and resources, please ask. You can raise any specific interests or needs in this area (you can phone me if you'd prefer). I'll do my best to help you access the most appropriate resources.
It's a good idea to be proactive in dealing with personal and relationship matters.
Relationships Australia is one service that can be accessed right across Australia via 1300 364 277 or www.relationships.com.au. Click here to download their brochure on building relationships here partners-a-guide-to-successful-relationships
In addition a range of services exist at various locations. I have prepared a Blue Mountains brochure which is available on request. It includes link addresses for a broad range of online resources.
Visit my facebook page for links to some of these.
No. There is no requirement to attend any pre-marital counselling or courses before you marry. I am required to provide you with a copy of a brochure prepared by the Attorney General's Department titled 'Happily Ever Before and After'.
However, if you would like information about personal and relationship services and resources, please ask. You can raise any specific interests or needs in this area (you can phone me if you'd prefer). I'll do my best to help you access the most appropriate resources.
It's a good idea to be proactive in dealing with personal and relationship matters.
Relationships Australia is one service that can be accessed right across Australia via 1300 364 277 or www.relationships.com.au. Click here to download their brochure on building relationships here partners-a-guide-to-successful-relationships
In addition a range of services exist at various locations. I have prepared a Blue Mountains brochure which is available on request. It includes link addresses for a broad range of online resources.
Visit my facebook page for links to some of these.
Additional information on Previous Change of Name can be found here.
TO KEEP OR TO CHANGE?
Changing a name after marriage is a matter of choice. The tradition of a wife taking a husband's surname is increasingly given careful consideration, rather than being accepted as inevitable. If you choose to change your name the process is outlined below.
Changing your name after marriage:
If you were married in Australia a formal Change of Name is not required if you wish to take your spouse's name. The process is as follows:
Once I have registered your marriage with the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (NSW) shortly after the wedding (within 14 days), you can apply for a standard Marriage Certificate.
Once you have received your standard Marriage Certificate, usually personal documentation (such as your driver's licence and passport) can be changed to your married surname when you present your Certificate.
Additional information on Change of Name, and relevant links, can be found here.
TO KEEP OR TO CHANGE?
Changing a name after marriage is a matter of choice. The tradition of a wife taking a husband's surname is increasingly given careful consideration, rather than being accepted as inevitable. If you choose to change your name the process is outlined below.
Changing your name after marriage:
If you were married in Australia a formal Change of Name is not required if you wish to take your spouse's name. The process is as follows:
Once I have registered your marriage with the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (NSW) shortly after the wedding (within 14 days), you can apply for a standard Marriage Certificate.
Once you have received your standard Marriage Certificate, usually personal documentation (such as your driver's licence and passport) can be changed to your married surname when you present your Certificate.
Additional information on Change of Name, and relevant links, can be found here.
WHAT ARE THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MARRIAGE IN AUSTRALIA?
Please refer to 'Handy Links' Click here to apply for documents you may be missing.
1. A 'Notice of Intended Marriage' (NOIM) must be received by me at least one calendar month prior to the ceremony. I will prepare the NOIM document and witness your signatures.
It is required that I sight your original documents stating date and place of birth, as well as photo identification. See more above in 'Documents to Bring'.
2. If either party has been previously married then I need to sight an original Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate.
3. Generally both parties must be over 18 years of age.
4. Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
5. There is no other existing marriage between one party and another person.
You don't have to be an Australian Citizen or Resident to marry in Australia.
Getting Documentation - to obtain a copy of your NSW Birth Certificate or NSW Death Certificate of your former, spouse contact the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. If you require a copy of your Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute, contact the Family Law Court in the state in which the marriage was dissolved. For further details visit Family Law Courts.
* Foreign language documents must be translated into English and a NAATI accredited Translation Certificate supplied. Refer to 'Handy Links' under the 'INFORMATION' tab.
Please refer to 'Handy Links' Click here to apply for documents you may be missing.
1. A 'Notice of Intended Marriage' (NOIM) must be received by me at least one calendar month prior to the ceremony. I will prepare the NOIM document and witness your signatures.
It is required that I sight your original documents stating date and place of birth, as well as photo identification. See more above in 'Documents to Bring'.
2. If either party has been previously married then I need to sight an original Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate.
3. Generally both parties must be over 18 years of age.
4. Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
5. There is no other existing marriage between one party and another person.
You don't have to be an Australian Citizen or Resident to marry in Australia.
Getting Documentation - to obtain a copy of your NSW Birth Certificate or NSW Death Certificate of your former, spouse contact the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages. If you require a copy of your Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute, contact the Family Law Court in the state in which the marriage was dissolved. For further details visit Family Law Courts.
* Foreign language documents must be translated into English and a NAATI accredited Translation Certificate supplied. Refer to 'Handy Links' under the 'INFORMATION' tab.
CAN A FRIEND PERFORM OUR WEDDING?
Your friend would need to be an Australian registered civil celebrant to perform your wedding entirely, however they can work in tandem with a willing registered celebrant to play a central role in the ceremony.
Legal Requirements:
The registered celebrant is accountable for the validity of your marriage, not your friend. They must ensure all legal requirements are met for your marriage to be valid. To ensure your marriage is legal, your registered celebrant will organise and oversee the paperwork from the Notice of Intended Marriage (at least a month before the wedding), through to the preparation, signing and witnessing of documents during the wedding, and registering the marriage following the wedding.
During the Wedding your registered celebrant is required to
• identify themselves as the authorised celebrant
• state the definition of marriage according to Australian law - called the Monitum
• ensure the vows, containing the legal phrases required, are included and can be heard
• prepare the papers to be signed and witnessed, and sign certificates.
When considering inviting a friend to take on the role of writing the ceremony and leading you through the ceremony, ask yourselves:
Are we both comfortable discussing and working with our friend to create a meaningful ceremony, which accommodates our values and aspirations, and includes participation by family and/or friends, as we wish?
If you feel confident to proceed, please feel free to contact me and I will provide you with the information you need to ensure that the ceremony they write includes accommodation for the words that need to be said—by you as a couple, and by me as authorised celebrant— to meet the legal requirements for marriage in Australia; and I will happily work with you to complete the necessary requirements leading up to the ceremony, on the day and following.
Your friend would need to be an Australian registered civil celebrant to perform your wedding entirely, however they can work in tandem with a willing registered celebrant to play a central role in the ceremony.
Legal Requirements:
The registered celebrant is accountable for the validity of your marriage, not your friend. They must ensure all legal requirements are met for your marriage to be valid. To ensure your marriage is legal, your registered celebrant will organise and oversee the paperwork from the Notice of Intended Marriage (at least a month before the wedding), through to the preparation, signing and witnessing of documents during the wedding, and registering the marriage following the wedding.
During the Wedding your registered celebrant is required to
• identify themselves as the authorised celebrant
• state the definition of marriage according to Australian law - called the Monitum
• ensure the vows, containing the legal phrases required, are included and can be heard
• prepare the papers to be signed and witnessed, and sign certificates.
When considering inviting a friend to take on the role of writing the ceremony and leading you through the ceremony, ask yourselves:
Are we both comfortable discussing and working with our friend to create a meaningful ceremony, which accommodates our values and aspirations, and includes participation by family and/or friends, as we wish?
If you feel confident to proceed, please feel free to contact me and I will provide you with the information you need to ensure that the ceremony they write includes accommodation for the words that need to be said—by you as a couple, and by me as authorised celebrant— to meet the legal requirements for marriage in Australia; and I will happily work with you to complete the necessary requirements leading up to the ceremony, on the day and following.
Planning the Ceremony
DO WE NEED A REHEARSAL?
It would be a rare event that doesn’t require a rehearsal.
The rehearsal is held as close as possible to the event - ideally the previous day.
We will go through the ceremony as prepared, the ‘flow’ or choreography, the timing, audio (including working out how to accommodate guests with special needs), and the needs of the photographer.
Going through the ceremony with you and other other participants at the rehearsal will put your mind at ease. This planning will also make it easier to accommodate last minute contingencies, eg participating guests who arrive on the day and may need my attention.
It would be a rare event that doesn’t require a rehearsal.
The rehearsal is held as close as possible to the event - ideally the previous day.
We will go through the ceremony as prepared, the ‘flow’ or choreography, the timing, audio (including working out how to accommodate guests with special needs), and the needs of the photographer.
Going through the ceremony with you and other other participants at the rehearsal will put your mind at ease. This planning will also make it easier to accommodate last minute contingencies, eg participating guests who arrive on the day and may need my attention.
IS AMPLIFICATION OF THE CEREMONY NECESSARY?
Yes, in almost all settings. If this is not provided by the venue I will bring a PA system which will suit the ceremony, as it is essential that guests and witnesses are able to hear the announcement of vows. You will probably need to speak into a microphone.
If any of the guests have impaired hearing please let me know. We will aim to make arrangements (eg ensuring the seating is favourable) so that they have the best opportunity to hear the ceremony.
Yes, in almost all settings. If this is not provided by the venue I will bring a PA system which will suit the ceremony, as it is essential that guests and witnesses are able to hear the announcement of vows. You will probably need to speak into a microphone.
If any of the guests have impaired hearing please let me know. We will aim to make arrangements (eg ensuring the seating is favourable) so that they have the best opportunity to hear the ceremony.
WHEN SHOULD WE ARRIVE? WHEN DO YOU ARRIVE?
On the day of the ceremony, I plan to arrive 40 minutes before the scheduled start of the ceremony. Whilst not expecting to need this, I aim to allow for a 20 minute delay in the start in the event that we need to accommodate late arrivals.
You can decide on the time of your wedding party's arrival. We will ideally have rehearsed the flow of the ceremony the previous day with all the participants.
However, please note that if some participants in the ceremony can only arrive on the day it is helpful for allowance to be made for me to discuss with them the flow and their role, to make sure they are clear and comfortable with the planned proceedings.
On the day of the ceremony, I plan to arrive 40 minutes before the scheduled start of the ceremony. Whilst not expecting to need this, I aim to allow for a 20 minute delay in the start in the event that we need to accommodate late arrivals.
You can decide on the time of your wedding party's arrival. We will ideally have rehearsed the flow of the ceremony the previous day with all the participants.
However, please note that if some participants in the ceremony can only arrive on the day it is helpful for allowance to be made for me to discuss with them the flow and their role, to make sure they are clear and comfortable with the planned proceedings.
WHO BRINGS THE SIGNING FURNITURE?
I can supply a table and chairs for signing certificates where these are not supplied by the venue. Of course not all Blue Mountains locations accommodate furniture, so we can work creatively to find the perfect solution.
Once certificates have been signed on the day the presentation of the certificate to the couple is generally the moment when the ceremony concludes. We will face the gathering and I will announce the presentation and congratulate you.
This is a very happy moment and your photographer will be alert to this!
I can supply a table and chairs for signing certificates where these are not supplied by the venue. Of course not all Blue Mountains locations accommodate furniture, so we can work creatively to find the perfect solution.
Once certificates have been signed on the day the presentation of the certificate to the couple is generally the moment when the ceremony concludes. We will face the gathering and I will announce the presentation and congratulate you.
This is a very happy moment and your photographer will be alert to this!
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF PRESENTATION? WHAT WILL YOU BE WEARING?
My presentation style is warm and welcoming, professional and friendly.
Having worked as an having been an ABC broadcaster for 7 years I am very familiar with the need to be perfectly prepared, but to also be prepared to go with the 'magic of the moment'. Click here to learn more about your celebrant.
The ceremony is your day, and the celebrant has the privilege to officiate. I will provide you with a portfolio of possible outfits to ensure that your ceremony leaves the visual impression you want from all of the effort you put into the preparations for your day. (A sample of outfits can be found via the above link).
My presentation style is warm and welcoming, professional and friendly.
Having worked as an having been an ABC broadcaster for 7 years I am very familiar with the need to be perfectly prepared, but to also be prepared to go with the 'magic of the moment'. Click here to learn more about your celebrant.
The ceremony is your day, and the celebrant has the privilege to officiate. I will provide you with a portfolio of possible outfits to ensure that your ceremony leaves the visual impression you want from all of the effort you put into the preparations for your day. (A sample of outfits can be found via the above link).
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON PHOTOGRAPY BY GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY
The choice of who takes photographs on the day is your call. There are pros and cons to consider.
You may intend to employ a professional photographer or appoint a family member or friend to photograph the ceremony. Guests may also take photos unless you prefer that they did not.
The range of angles and perspectives from guests using phone cameras can add to the record of day - mind you that means they may post on social media before you get a chance to see the image. You can request that they send the images to you or an 'editor' before posting.
Having someone in the role of official photographer limits the number of people aiming to position themselves for the best shot at your ceremony. You may want to make sure your guests are 'in the moment' with you, but you may miss getting a record of spontaneous moments.
You can choose to let your guests know your choice, and ask for their cooperation for a guest photography-free ceremony (or reception). You may ask for guests to send any image they want to post to X before posting (a member of the official party perhaps).
Whatever your choice, I can mention this at the outset, to reinforce what you may wish to note in the invitation correspondence.
The choice of who takes photographs on the day is your call. There are pros and cons to consider.
You may intend to employ a professional photographer or appoint a family member or friend to photograph the ceremony. Guests may also take photos unless you prefer that they did not.
The range of angles and perspectives from guests using phone cameras can add to the record of day - mind you that means they may post on social media before you get a chance to see the image. You can request that they send the images to you or an 'editor' before posting.
Having someone in the role of official photographer limits the number of people aiming to position themselves for the best shot at your ceremony. You may want to make sure your guests are 'in the moment' with you, but you may miss getting a record of spontaneous moments.
You can choose to let your guests know your choice, and ask for their cooperation for a guest photography-free ceremony (or reception). You may ask for guests to send any image they want to post to X before posting (a member of the official party perhaps).
Whatever your choice, I can mention this at the outset, to reinforce what you may wish to note in the invitation correspondence.
HOW DO YOU SET YOUR FEES?
Each celebrant sets their own fees. I have set mine based upon an estimation of the cost involved in
1. maintaining the legal and administrative requirements of the office I hold;
2. being able, within my role, to give each client the time they need to feel confident that their ceremony is exactly what they want.
The NSW government website provides an indication of the fees for a non-customised registry office ceremony for a weekend wedding:
"Registry Marriage, Special arrangement: Friday 6pm to 8pm, or weekend. Fee includes Lodge Notice; ceremony; standard marriage certificate - $521".
If you genuinely have trouble being able to afford my fees, and are in receipt of income support, please give me a call and we can discuss.
Each celebrant sets their own fees. I have set mine based upon an estimation of the cost involved in
1. maintaining the legal and administrative requirements of the office I hold;
2. being able, within my role, to give each client the time they need to feel confident that their ceremony is exactly what they want.
The NSW government website provides an indication of the fees for a non-customised registry office ceremony for a weekend wedding:
"Registry Marriage, Special arrangement: Friday 6pm to 8pm, or weekend. Fee includes Lodge Notice; ceremony; standard marriage certificate - $521".
If you genuinely have trouble being able to afford my fees, and are in receipt of income support, please give me a call and we can discuss.