When should we book?

Some couples book me up to 18 months in advance so it’s advisable to book as soon as you have decided, certainly sooner than later and especially during the busy wedding season which tends to run from early October until late April.

Where is it best for us to meet?

I am flexible as where to meet, some couples like to catch up in a café, their own home and others are time poor and feel comfortable with a Zoom conversation, whatever works best for you.

Is there a limit to the times we can contact you?

Certainly not! Please feel free to make contact via email, text or by phone as often as you like, it’s important for us to work together to ensure your ceremony is exactly as you want it, no matter how long that takes.

What do you do on the day?

There are several 'behind the scenes' tasks that I am involved in before the ceremony starts. I arrive an hour before the ceremony, allowing me to become acquainted with the ceremony location, set up my PA system and to introduce myself to venue staff. I also liaise with your photographers and videographers to ensure we are all comfortable with positioning. Once the bridal party arrives, I help calm their nerves and try to create a relaxed atmosphere, setting the tone for the adventure which is about to unfold.

How do you create a ceremony for us?

Having worked in education and counselling for the past 25 years, I am not only a good writer but also a fabulous listener, so after hearing your story, I can create a ceremony to suit your personalities and one which I will make your ceremony unique to you. After our “Let’s get Planning” meeting and having gathered and listened to you both, I put together a completely personalised ceremony, reflecting your story, personality and values. I also incorporate any rituals and readings you've chosen to include.

How long is the ceremony?

Most ceremonies take between 20 to 30 minutes, a simple ceremony may only go for 15 minutes and a ceremony which includes several readings and perhaps a detailed cultural ritual may go for 35 minutes, each wedding is tailored to the couples’ individual needs, it’s your day and you can include what you would like but as a rule, you probably wouldn’t want the ceremony to go much over 30 minutes.

How do we write our personal vows?

Please don’t stress, I can certainly help and guide you in this area, you don’t have to have personal vows if you don’t wish to, it’s totally up to you.

Are others able to join in with our ceremony?

Certainly, you can include whomever you wish in your ceremony, members of your family, your friends, children, even your pets. It’s up to you, it’s totally flexible, we can talk about what you would like.

Can we include religious readings or rituals into our ceremony?

If it is something you'd like to incorporate into the ceremony, most definitely. Outside of the legal wording of the Monitum, civil ceremonies can be structured any way you'd like.

What are the legal requirements for marriages in Australia?

Both the participating parties must be over 18 years of age.

A Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with a Marriage Celebrant at least one month and one day prior to the wedding day service. You will need original forms of identification, such as passports and birth certificates. Copies of these documents cannot be accepted.

The marriage ceremony must have a minimum of two witnesses, who must be over 18 years of age, and be fluent in English.

How do I change my name after the Ceremony?

Either one of the couple can obtain a Marriage Certificate following the ceremony from the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Victoria, or whichever state the ceremony was performed in. They can then apply to departments that administer identification, such as the Electoral Office or Medicare to change their surname on their records. A marriage certificate will not change the name on an original birth certificate.

The marriage certificate you receive at the end of the ceremony is commemorative only, it will not support your application to change your name. I will lodge the official documentation with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages on your behalf. You should then contact the Registry directly to obtain a legally recognised certificate.

Do you have a sound system? Do you play music during the Ceremony?

I have a brilliant Bose sound system available for use which can be used to play music of your choice to open and close your ceremony and also during signing of the registry.

We are planning an outdoor wedding; do we need a backup plan?

You most certainly need a Plan B! Just on the odd chance that the weather might be inclement, it is essential to have alternative arrangements available.

Do you travel anywhere?

Certainly, I have never said no to a wedding based on location, however there would be a cost associated with having your wedding in regional Victoria. I would be very happy to discuss your destination wedding and I am sure we could come to a mutual arrangement.

We are keen to have our wedding in a public space, either at a park or at the beach, who do we speak to about this?

When holding a wedding in a public space you may be required to have a permit, it’s best to speak with your local council about the matter, they can guide you about what is required.

The thought of speaking in public makes me feel sick, Help!

Please don’t stress, I will be there to calm your nerves and make this experience as stress free as possible. Plus you will have done a rehearsal leading up to your wedding day so you will have a greater understanding of exactly what is going on. Having said that, I understand that you might still feel anxious, I will be there to help you through, we will take things slowly, you will have things written down, you can repeat after me, you can do some slow, deep breathing and I am standing right by your side.

What do you wear to the wedding?

I am happy to wear whatever is requested! I make sure to take all things into consideration when picking my outfit, the colour scheme of your wedding and the formality of the occasion, I certainly want to look professional and not clash with the setting. I am really comfortable in a dress or pants and am happy for you to set a dress code.

Do you do ‘legals only’ weddings?

I certainly do, feel free to contact me to discuss my ‘legals only’ price.

What does your fee include?

A professional, experienced celebrant service for all:

• I am trained, qualified, fully registered and insured celebrant and a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants

• I complete all your legal documentation and requirements and forward to Births Deaths and Marriages

• I supply my own professional BOSE PA speaker system with wireless microphones

• You will receive a keepsake Commonwealth Marriage Certificate

• You will have unlimited access to my services as professional assistance prior to and after the wedding

• Design and production of your unique wedding ceremony

• Inclusion of readings and wedding ritualss (if desired)

• Assistance with writing your vows

• Access to a wedding planner with loads of helpful ideas and tips which you might like to use

• Rehearsal (at your request)

• Highly competitive rates.