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Congratulations on your Engagement and
thankyou for taking the time to view my Website. I hope that
you will find this information useful when planning your
most special day ~ your Wedding Day ~ a day that reflects
your individuality while celebrating one of the most
memorable days of your life.
I offer friendly, relaxed ceremonies with a personal touch
and I can advise you on your Wedding Ceremony and help to
create a Ceremony that reflects the both of you ~ whether it
be casual or formal, we will work together to create
something that is memorable and unique.
Choosing the right Celebrant is a very important decision,
so please feel free to contact me either by email or phone
if you would like to have a chat.
It is important that on your Wedding Day your Ceremony is
just perfect for you both. You are most welcome to include
your own vows, special poems or readings. Maybe you would
like to ask a close friend or relative to do a reading for
you. It’s a way of including people to contribute on your
special day. I have a Ceremony Guide available to all
couples with sample ceremonies/vows/poems and other useful
information to make things easier for you.
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Dear Louise,
When we first met you we knew you were the
Celebrant for us. Your warm and friendly
personality shone through on the day. Thanks for
all the other special touches, and we LOVE the
copy of the ceremony that you prepared for us.
Also, thanks for suggesting the most beautiful
spot to be married at. It was just perfect for
us, and we now have our “special place” that we
can go to anytime and reflect on what was a most
magical day. We wish you all the very best for
the future.
~ Bill & Sharon |
LEGALITIES Before your Wedding you will need to complete a
Notice of
Intended Marriage Form (NIM) at least one month and one day
prior to your Wedding (I would suggest earlier rather than
later to secure your date and time). It can also be lodged
with me up to 18 months in advance of the Wedding (a Booking
Fee is required at this stage ~ the balance of your Fee is
due approximately two weeks prior to your wedding date when
you will also sign a declaration stating that there is no
legal impediment to your marriage).
The documents you need to supply are:
s If born in Australia ~ your Original Birth Certificate (If
you need a copy please contact Births Deaths and Marriages
in the State that you were born).
s If born abroad ~ your Original Birth Certificate or
Overseas Passport.
s If either of you have been previously married then your
Original Divorce Decree papers or Death Certificate of a
previous spouse. (If you need a copy of your Divorce Paper
please contact the Family Law Court in the State you were
Divorced).
s Any documents in a foreign language must be translated
into English and a Translation Certificate supplied.
WITNESSES
You are required to have two witnesses who are both over the
age of 18 present to sign the Marriage Register and
Certificates.
WHAT DOES THE
CELEBRANT DO?
s Complete and lodge all the legal paperwork with Births
Deaths and Marriages.
s Help and advise you with your Ceremony.
s Solemnize your marriage according to Australian Law.
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Dear Louise,
You are the most lovely person in this
world. You do your job with passion, love and
care. Thanks so much for making us feel so
comfortable and relaxed. We couldn’t think of
anyone better for such an important occasion.
We hope one day we can become good friends.
Thanks for all you have done for us.
~ Adriana & Patrick |
HOW LONG DOES A
CEREMONY TAKE?
A Civil Ceremony usually takes about 20 minutes depending on
the type of ceremony you choose. It’s your special day and
should be everything you want it to be.
WEDDING CEREMONY FEE
INCLUDES
ü Completion of all legal
paperwork.
ü All meetings with me & all
my administrative costs.
ü My Wedding Ceremony Guide.
ü A copy of your personalised
ceremony in a presentation folder.
ü Your keepsake Marriage
Certificate.
ü Conducting your ceremony.
ü Registering your marriage
with Births Deaths & Marriages.
I also have available at no additional cost:
ü A table/tablecloth & chair
for signing the Marriage Register.
ü A portable PA system
ensuring audibility and CD player.
ü A Change of Name Kit (for
Australian Residents) if Bride is taking Groom’s Surname.
Legalities/Deposit $175.00
Ceremony $400.00
TOTAL FEE $575.00
Note: For Wedding Rehearsals at the venue, an additional fee
may be incurred depending on the location.
FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE
s
City Parking Fees & Tolls.
s Water Taxi Fees for Harbour
Weddings.
s Travel Fee & Road Tolls (if
applicable).
s Your Official Registered
Marriage Certificate from Births Deaths & Marriages.
(You will require this certificate for change of name
purposes).
Please note that after the Wedding all couples should obtain
their Official Registered Marriage Certificate from Births
Deaths & Marriages ~ BD&M will charge a fee for this as
outlined on their form. (I have the forms available and can
organise this for you so it’s one less thing to worry
about). You will require this certificate for change of name
purposes.
WHEN DO I NEED TO BOOK?
As most Celebrants are busy and take bookings well in
advance, it is best to book as soon as you have decided on
the place, time and venue of your Wedding.
Please be advised to contact me as soon as you can to ensure
my availability.
SHORTENING OF TIME
It is possible
to shorten this minimum time if special circumstances set
out in the regulations are met.
Firstly, you need to meet with me to fill out the Notice of
Intended Marriage Form.
Secondly you will need to approach a prescribed authority
for approval (your Local Court or Registry Officials) They
are the only ones that can shorten the required period if
they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the
regulations are met: These circumstances are:
1. Employment related or other travel commitments.
2. Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious
considerations.
3. Medical reasons
4. Legal proceedings.
5. Error in giving notice.
The reason for seeking a shortening of time must fall within
one of these categories and it is up to the prescribed
authority to approve the application ~ it is not an
automatic process.
LOCATIONS
Your Wedding can be anywhere you choose ~ at home, by the
beach, at a restaurant, on the harbour or in the National
Park. The options are limitless. I do however recommend you
have a “Plan B” for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather.
Please be advised to check with the relevant Council for
outdoor weddings with regard to permits, booking dates and
fees to ensure you obtain the location of your choice.
Please view my links page for local Northern Beaches
Councils.
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Dear Louise,
Thankyou
for helping to make our day so special. Your
attention to detail, your professionalism and
feeling made the ceremony run smoothly. We were
a little nervous at first but with your help the
day turned out better than we expected. It was
simple, elegant and all about us. Thank you for
taking the time and care to get everything
perfect. All the little touches, from the
tablecloth to the champagne glasses, were
wonderful. We would not hesitate to recommend
you to anyone who needed the services of a
Celebrant. Thank you once again.
~ Mr & Mrs Henry |
ELEMENTS OF A CEREMONY
s Entrance
(Music can be played as you make your entrance)
s Welcome
(To family and friends)
s Introduction
(Sharing how you met or your journey so far as a couple or
family)
s Reading (1st)
(For a good balance to the ceremony two readings are
recommended)
s Monitum
(The legal part of the Ceremony which must be said by the
Celebrant)
s Giving the Bride Away
(You don’t have to be given away if you don’t want to)
s Asking
(I will ask if you are willing to take one another as
husband and wife)
s Vows
(The marriage commitment )
s Exchange of Rings
(There is no legal requirement to exchange rings – it’s your
choice)
s Other Symbol (optional)
(Such as Candle Ceremony, Blending of Sands, Rose Ceremony)
s Reading (2nd)
s Declaration and Kiss
(Declaration of marriage)
s Signing of the Marriage Register & Certificates
(Some more music is best played here while you sign the
legal paperwork)
s Presentation of Newlyweds
(This can include a blessing, reading, words of
congratulations, or even a Butterfly Release or Dove
Release. You will be presented with your Marriage
Certificate and announced as Husband and Wife for the very
first time).
WEDDING DAY TIPS
s A little Vaseline or soap inside the rings help them slide
on easily.
s Take things slowly – don’t rush – you want to remember
everything!
s Council approval may be required for some locations.
s Have a large umbrella in the Wedding car in case of rain.
s Always have a back-up location in case of bad weather.
s Consider having chairs for older guests.
s Remember to breathe…relax…and above all….have fun.
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