FAQs
Planning a wedding isn’t something you do every day so there are going to be loads of questions you’ll think of along the way. Here are some of those questions with simple answers to shortcut your process. Don’t worry, if something’s not here just ask, there are no silly questions, only unanswered questions in regard to marriage. If you ask me something I’ve not come across before, I have a network of amazing colleagues I can collaborate with, several professional industry associations and the legal eagles in the Marriage Celebrant Licensing Section of the Attorney General’s Office. We’re not alone.
What if I have been married previously?
You will need to be either divorced and provide a copy of a divorce certificate or widowed and in possession of a death certificate.
Can you help me get my partner a visa to come to Australia to marry me?
Yes, once you lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage with me, and book my services, I can provide you a letter of support to send to the Department of Immigration along with your application for a visa.
Can we include our children in the ceremony?
Yes you can. I love working with families to create really special ceremonies. I have loads of ideas on how children can participate, including young and older children. Ask me how to personalise your wedding ceremony when we meet.
Can we include our pets in the ceremony?
Yes you can! I love working with people who share my values and family pets are a thing for me. I fyou want to arrive on your steed, have your pooch act as the ring-bearer or even have that pretty parrot swoop in with your vows, let’s create a moment to remember. I have loads of ideas on how pets can be included. Ask me how when we meet.
What happens if we have to postpone due to another pandemic or lockdown?
We will work together to re-schedule your special day to another date when I am free. If that’s not possible I’ll endeavour to find another Celebrant who is available to conduct your ceremony.
Can we include live music in our Ceremony?
Of course you can.
Remember, this is your special day and if live music is what you want, then you should have it.
Who can be the legal witnesses?
You must have two witnesses at your wedding ceremony. they must be over the age of 18. I cannot be your witness however anyone else (conditions mentioned previously met) can.
Can we write our own personal vows?
The simple answer is yes. There are some legal vows required but you can add to them with your own. Ask me for my vow writing template when we meet.
How can we include loved ones who have passed away?
There are loads of opportunities if you want to acknowledge loved ones who can only be with us in our hearts on your special day. Ask me how when we meet.
My friend had a ritual at their wedding, can we?
Rituals are a fantastic way to show your love through a symbolic activity during the ceremony. Whatever you’d like to do, let’s do it. Unity Candles, Sand blending, Handfasting, Time Capsule, Poems, Raffles, Tree Planting, Wine Tasting, Love Letters, Ring Warming, Puzzles, the list is endless. As me for ideas when we meet.
We have a family member with Autism, can we include them?
Yes, most definitely. We can work out a way for anyone with any disability to be included if you wish. That’s my passion, removing barriers so everyone is included in your special day. I’ve also been trained and participate in the Autism SA, Autism Friendly Charter.
I can’t find my divorce certificate, where can I get a new one?
You can apply here for a new copy of your Divorce Certificate: http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au
We’re not comfortable with public speaking how much do we need to say?
There are a few legal words you must each say including your vows, but apart from that the speaking can be left to me and/or anyone else you nominate. I love speaking so am happy to do it all or you can include your bestie, Aunt, Dad or whoever you want. Ask me how when we meet.
Do we have to exchange wedding rings?
There’s no legal requirement to exchange wedding rings. If you don’t wear them and aren’t planning to, let’s leave this ritual out. It’s your wedding ceremony and should be done your way.
How quickly can we be married?
Generally it’s one calendar month from the day you lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage form with me. There are exceptions to this with approval from the local Births Deaths and Marriages office. Ask me how when we meet.
How far in advance can we book you?
You need to confirm your booking with me at least one month in advance. There is no time limit into the future. We may need to re-do the Notice of Intended Marriage form but that’s not difficult.
How do I change my name after I’m married?
If you wish to change your name after marriage in Australia, that is take on your partner’s name, you don’t have to go through a Change of Name process. To change your name on important documents (driver’s licence, medicare card, passport etc) you will need to provide a copy of the Registered Marriage Certificate obtainable about one month after your ceremony from the Office of Births Deaths and Marriages.
Can we have a surprise wedding?
Your wedding ceremony can be a surprise for the guests but not each of you. Ask me how we can plan this amazing event when we meet.