let me answer a few of your frequent questions

---

As a Commonwealth registered marriage celebrant in Australia, I:

• Legally marry couples in civil ceremonies as a representative of the Attorney General
• Follow the professional Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants
• Learn about you as a couple to tell your unique story on your wedding day
• Ensure all legal requirements are properly handled
• Create a meaningful, personalised ceremony that reflects your relationship
• Guide you through this special milestone in your lives
• Assist in coordinating on-the-day arrangements, including keeping you relaxed, calm and collected so you can enjoy one of the most amazing days of your lives.

To legally marry in Australia, you must:

• Be single (not already married)
• Not be marrying a close relative (parent, child, grandchild, or sibling)
• Be at least 18 years old (unless you have Court approval)
• Understand what marriage means and freely consent to marry
• Use specific legal wording during the ceremony
• Submit a Notice of Intended Marriage form to an authorised celebrant at least one month before (and no more than 18 months before) your wedding
• Be married by an authorised marriage celebrant

You do not need to be:

• An Australian citizen
• A permanent resident of Australia

For more information on legal requirements, have a look at the Attorney General's website.

You'll need to provide:

• Evidence of date and place of birth (passport or birth certificate)
• Photo identification (passport or driver's license)
• Evidence of any previous marriages ending (divorce order, decree absolute, or death certificate)

If you need help locating these documents, contact Births, Deaths & Marriages in your state or visit the Commonwealth Courts portal.

I recommend booking as soon as you've confirmed your wedding date. Professional celebrants often have busy schedules and dates can fill up quickly. Securing your marriage celebrant early ensures you get the person you want for your special day.

You can get married almost anywhere in Australia! Popular options include:

• Private homes
• Parks and gardens
• Function centres and venues
• Beaches
• Meaningful locations special to your relationship

Some public locations may require permits (especially council-owned land), so check requirements for your chosen spot.

Yes! While celebrants conduct civil ceremonies rather than religious weddings, you can incorporate religious or spiritual readings, scriptures, or traditions that are meaningful to you.

No, pre-marriage counselling is not legally required for civil ceremonies in Australia. Some religious organisations may recommend it, but it's entirely optional. I can provide information about these services if you're interested.

You'll need two adult witnesses (18+ years) who are present for your ceremony. They can be friends, family members, or anyone else who can witness your marriage.

As your celebrant, I dress in neutral, professional attire that complements your wedding party. If you have specific colour preferences (either colours to match or avoid), please let me know in advance.

Absolutely! I encourage personalised vows and provide a vow writing guide to help you craft meaningful promises. Your ceremony must include certain legal wording, but you can add your personal touch to make it uniquely yours.

Most ceremonies last between 15-30 minutes, including the signing of legal documents. The duration depends on how many elements you choose to include in your ceremony.

If circumstances require postponement and I'm unavailable on your new date, your Notice of Intended Marriage can be transferred to another celebrant. I have a network of trusted colleagues I can recommend.

In certain circumstances, permission may be granted to marry with less than the standard one-month notice period. Contact me directly to discuss your situation and available options.

There's no requirement to change your name after marriage. If you choose to do so, you'll need to wait until you receive your official marriage certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages (not the ceremonial certificate provided on your wedding day). Services like Easy Name Change can simplify the process. More information can also be found on the BDM website.

The cost of a celebrant can vary depending on the type of ceremony, location, and the level of personalisation you’re after. I offer a range of packages to suit different needs and budgets, and I'm always happy to tailor something just for you. For a detailed breakdown of what's included and current pricing, see more about my fees here.