FAQs
Where Do We Start?
As I do get busy, I recommend booking your wedding date with me as soon as possible. Once your date is secured, we'll arrange a time to meet and discuss your plans, ideas, and ceremony requirements.
My most frequently asked questions include:
Legal Requirements & Paperwork
What Are the Legal Requirements?
You must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one calendar month before your wedding day, and no more than 18 months before the ceremony.Before your wedding, you will need to provide:• Your original Birth Certificate or Passport.• Photo identification, such as a Driver's Licence.• If previously married, either:o Your Divorce Certificate, oro The Death Certificate of your former spouse.If your divorce is not yet finalised, you can still lodge your NOIM. It will be lodged as "divorce pending", however a copy of your Divorce Certificate must be provided before your marriage can take place.You must also have two witnesses over the age of 18 years present on your wedding day.
What Do I Do If I Can't Find My Documents?
If you were born in Australia , you can obtain a copy of your Birth Certificate (and if applicable, the Death Certificate of former spouse) from Births, Deaths & Marriages, in the state in which you were born.If you require a copy of your Divorce Certificate, this can be obtained through the Family Court or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
What If We Live Overseas?
The only additional requirement for couples living overseas and getting married in Australia is that the NOIM must be signed before an authorised witness and then lodged with your chosen celebrant.
Do You Lodge My Marriage Paperwork?
Yes. As a Registered Marriage Celebrant, I am legally required to lodge all marriage documents with the relevant Births, Deaths and Marriages office within 14 days of your wedding.
The Ceremony & Vows
Can We Write Our Own Vows?
Absolutely! You are welcome to write your own personalised vows. The Marriage Act requires certain legal wording to be included, but I will guide you through this and provide all the information you need.
Can We Include Rituals or Cultural Traditions?
Yes. Your ceremony can include readings, poems, cultural traditions, symbolic rituals, religious wording, or anything else that reflects your personalities, values, and beliefs. I will work with you to create a ceremony that is uniquely yours.
How Long Does the Ceremony Take?
Most ceremonies run for approximately 20 minutes, although this can vary depending on the number of readings, rituals, poems, or special elements you choose to include.
Do You Supply a PA System and Microphone?
Yes. I provide a professional portable PA system that does not require power with a wireless handheld microphone. I can also play your ceremony music, and your videographer is welcome to connect directly to my PA system for improved audio quality in your wedding video.
Do We Need to Use a Microphone?
No. The only legal requirement is that your two witnesses can hear you make your legal vows.However, I highly recommend using a microphone so your family and friends can clearly hear every special moment of your ceremony.
Do We Have to Have a Rehearsal?
Not at all. I understand how busy things become in the lead-up to your wedding. While I don't require a rehearsal, I do recommend one, even if it's simply a phone call or video chat.
Regardless, I will guide you through every step of the ceremony so you feel relaxed and confident on the day.
Do You Have a Signing Table and Chairs We Can Use?
Yes. I provide a beautiful signing table and chairs for your ceremony should you wish to use them.
Fees & Logistics
Is Your Price Negotiable?
No.As a Registered Marriage Celebrant, I play an important role in your wedding day before, during, and after the ceremony.I don't negotiate on my fee because I don't negotiate on the quality of my service.My comprehensive Client Service Agreement outlines:• What happens if I am unable to perform your ceremony.• What happens if you need to change your wedding date or time.• Cancellation and postponement policies.• Refund terms.• Payment schedules and requirements.• The importance of a backup wet-weather plan for outdoor ceremonies.
Do You Travel?
Yes. For ceremonies outside the Colac area, additional travel fees may apply. I am also available to travel interstate, provided travel and accommodation costs are covered.
Do You Have Professional Insurance?
Yes. I hold Professional Indemnity Insurance, Public Liability Insurance, and Copyright Insurance for your peace of mind.
After Your Wedding
How Do I Change My Name After Marriage?
While you will receive a commemorative marriage certificate on your wedding day, this document cannot be used for official name changes as it is not recognised as a primary identification document by government agencies.To change your name, you will need to purchase an Official Marriage Certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages office in the state or territory where your marriage was registered.For marriages registered in Victoria, I can arrange the online application for your Official Marriage Certificate at the time I register your marriage.