Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrant FAQs

Why do we need to have a Celebrant marry us?

Under Australian Law, the only people allowed to perform a legally recognised marriage ceremony are:

1. Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants (civil ceremonies) - that’s me!

2. Ministers of Religion (religious ceremonies)

3. State Officials (at Registry Offices)

By using a Celebrant you get to create a ceremony that will contain all the legal requirements and you can choose to have your ceremony in any location you like. You also have the freedom to personalise your event and add in your own wording, vows, rituals, themes and activities!

What does a Civil Marriage Celebrant do?

An authorised Marriage Celebrant is appointed by the Federal Government to solemnise marriages according to the Marriage Act 1961 (which I proudly am). They may solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia including outside the State or Territory in which they reside. Your Celebrant is responsible for performing the ceremony, including ensuring the compulsory legal components are recited and witnessed; ensuring adequate sound for your guests to hear your vows clearly; and most importantly, completing and lodging all the legal paperwork

How far in advance should you book your Celebrant?

Basically the sooner the better. It means that is ticked off your to-do list and you know your Celebrant will be available. You can do it as early as 18 months before your planned wedding day to a minimum of 2 months in advance. Please note: there is a legal requirement that the latest you have to lodge your intention to marry is one calendar month and one day before your wedding.

Want to get married within 1 month - what can you do?

It is a possibility and you will need to apply to a prescribed authority for a ‘shortening of time’. If approved, your Celebrant can be given authorisation to solemnise your marriage despite not meeting the required one month lodgement.

Can we have a surprise wedding?

Yes and it can be so much fun! You can have a surprise wedding for your guests, but please note you can’t have a surprise wedding for your intended spouse. Both of you need to be fully aware that you are getting married, and you will both have to complete all the standard legal documentation required beforehand.

Do you have to get married on the weekend?

No! You can choose weekdays, evenings or even an entire week at a holiday destination with the wedding party. You can have a ceremony on any day of week. It can actually be more cost effective to choose a weekday wedding venue and it usually means the venues have more availability. As long as you meet your legal requirements and you have booked your Celebrant and at least 2 witnesses you can get married you can get married anytime / anywhere!

Do you need to attend any pre-marital courses?

No, however your Celebrant must ensure that information about marriage education and counselling is made available to you both.

Can you elope?

Yes, and this is a popular choice. This can happen as long as you lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage Form within the legal timeframes (maximum of 18 months to a minimum of one month and one day before your ceremony). There will also need to be two witnesses over 18 years old present during the elopment ceremony.

Will a Celebrant travel for the wedding?

Yes most will! Whilst in my case, I am based in the Sydney area and greater NSW region, I am more than happy to travel to your event location in Australia. A travel fee may apply dependent on the travel distance and availability of transport to the location of your wedding, just let me know and the time of your enquiry.

Will our wedding in Australia be recognised worldwide?

Yes! A Commonwealth-registered Civil Celebrant conducted Marriage is recognised by law in Australia, and in most circumstances recognised by law around the world. However, there are some countries that require specific religious rituals and authorities to be observed during weddings, which I may not be authorised to deliver. We can discuss this when we meet, and you can also reach out to these country authorities to understand.

What would happen if the Celebrant was sick / injured and unable to attend the Wedding Ceremony?

In the very highlighly unlikely event this happens (please rest assured, unless I am severely ill I will attend to your ceremony - but I am also mindful of the current situation that we should all act responsibly to ensure sickness is not spread). If I cannot physically be there, I have a group of certified local Celebrants who I can call to perform your ceremony, and I would brief them on all elements of your expectations and event requirements. I would certainly give you as much notice as possible if this circumstance ever arose.

What does a Celebrant wear to conduct a wedding / event?

This would be discussed in our initial meeting, so I can understand the nature of your event. I wear formal appropriate attire that is smart, neat and respectful of your event. This can be in the colour tone / theme of your wedding or not - it’s up to you!

Event FAQs

Should we plan for bad weather?

If you’re planning an outdoor event and given the changeable climate in Australia, it’s a great idea to have a venue Plan B, preferrably one indoors. This can help reduce the last minute panic if 50 degree heat or heavy storms and strong winds are forecasted! You’ll need to include in your plan how you will inform your event guests, Celebrant and other event suppliers of the venue change. Please note: as your Celebrant I would need a minimum of 3 hours notice of a venue change (preferrably via text message).

What about permits?

There are so many stunning outdoor options to choose from in Australia it’s hard to know where to start! If your are planning an outdoor ceremony within a public park or similar recreational area you are likely to need some form of permit. You will need to allow time in your event planning to check with the respective local councils, state government or the National Parks and Wildlife Services to see if your venue falls within public boundaries. Please note: there may be some locaiton / permit fees involved and this varies depending on the authority in charge. This may also mean no confetti or rice throwing, or pets during the ceremony, but the authory will let you know.

Should you have a wedding / event rehersal?

It’s up to you and how much time you have! It’s a great idea and I would recommend that you have a rehersal / run through of your wedding 1 to 2 weeks ahead of your planned day as it may help settle any nerves of the wedding party. It allows you to see how long there ceremony will last for, helps those involved in there ceremony practice their cues and readings / music to play, you can run through any rituals you are planning (such as exchange gifts / candle lighting and can answer any questions. Please note: this is the time you will need to sign the second legal document Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage.

How long will the wedding ceremony take?

Generally Civil Wedding Ceremonies can take 20-30 minutes. This will all depend on what you have planned for your ceremony including the number and length of readings, music played, rituals involved (such as the exchange of rings, wedding party gifts, candle lighting ceremony) and how long the signing photographs take. We can talk about this when you make your enquiry and also a wedding rehersal will allow you to understand the anticipated duration of your ceremony).

How long will the wedding ceremony take?

Generally Civil Wedding Ceremonies can take 20-30 minutes. This will all depend on what you have planned for your ceremony including the number and length of readings, music played, rituals involved (such as the exchange of rings, wedding party gifts, candle lighting ceremony) and how long the signing photographs take. We can talk about this when you make your enquiry and also a wedding rehersal will allow you to understand the anticipated duration of your ceremony).

What time will the Celebrant arrive on the day?

As a minimum expectation, I plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the bride is due to arrive at the venue. This enables me to liaise with the venue, greet any members of the wedding party (including the witnesses), set up, test my sound system and organise the required documentation.

What happens if you have to postpone or change the date of the wedding / event?

These things happen. The Notice of Intended Marriage document you will have completed is valid for 18 months from the date it is lodged. As long as you notify me at least one month ahead of the planned wedding date, I will work to accomodate your request to postpone or reschedule your wedding. I would just need to check that I am not booked out on your alternative date.

Other Useful Information

How many witnesses do you need?

On your wedding day, you will need two people as witnesses. who can speak and understand English, and are at least 18 years of age. This can be your children - as long as they meet these requirements.