FAQ’s

Its not everyday that you marry your soulmate, so therefore it goes without saying that it is natural to have many questions about the Marriage process.

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that brides and grooms often ask.  These are some common questions, but if there is anything else that you would like to know, please touch base and I can try and assist where possible.

Q. When should we book our celebrant?

It is wise to book in early and for this reason I often suggest to clients to check off the big three first; Venue, Date, Celebrant.

Peak wedding season is between August and October. So these months are often booked well in advance. Regardless, weddings are popular all year round so if you have a particular date in mind it is best to lock your celebrant in early.

Q. How much notice do we need to give to get married?

One calendar month (or no more than 18 months before expected marriage)

For example if you wish to marry on the 25th October, your Notice of Intended Marriage must be returned and lodged with your celebrant no later than the 25th September.

NB: A shortening of time can be requested through the courts, and is entirely at the courts discretion whether it is granted.

Q: What documentation do we need?

• Your original Full Birth Certificates or current passport for evidence of age and place of birth
• If an overseas Birth Certificate is used, it must be in English or a NAATI accredited translation must be provided as well as the original Birth Certificate
• Evidence of how any previous marriage/s ended (Certificate of Divorce or Death Certificate) if applicable
• Some type of photo ID with signature – current Driver’s License, 18+ card, or some other government issued ID 

Q. How many times to we need to see you leading up to the wedding day?

This is dependent on a number of factors, however and you are welcome to make as many or as few appointments with me as time, necessity or availability allows.

Generally speaking, most couples only require two face-to-face appointments (once for the initial meeting and again at a rehearsal) as a great deal of our planning and communication can be made via emails, Skype, or over Facebook.

Q. What if we live interstate or overseas?

If you are travelling to the Gold Coast for a destination wedding a great deal of our planning and communication can be made via traditional mail, emails, Skype and over Facebook.

You can download the NOIM from the ‘links and forms’ section of this website. Once completed you can sign the document in front of an authorised person (see notes section of document for prescribed witnesses) and post the original via registered post to my office where the NOIM will be lodged.

It is important to note however that as your celebrant I MUST witness originals of all identification before the wedding can legally take place. Be sure to bring them with you.

Q. Do we have to do any pre-marriage education/counselling?

No. However as your celebrant I will provide you with a range of services that are available, designed to enhance and sustain marrying couples, should you require them either now or in the future.

Q. When and where can we be married?


The joy of selecting a celebrant to legalise your marriage is that you can be married anywhere in Australia, at any time and at any location.

It is important to note that some locations will require special permission from relevant authorities (eg. Councils, property owners etc.) For example, if you want to be married on one of the Gold Coast’s amazing parks or beaches, you will need to contact the local councils to obtain a permit.

Q. How long does the ceremony take?

The ceremony usually takes 20-30 minutes, depending on how many components you include, how many people participate, and whether you include a sub-ceremony.

Q. What is a sub ceremony?

A sub ceremony (aka a ceremony ritual) is a way to further personalise your ceremony. They also offer a means to incorporate children or other family members into your ceremonies. Some common examples of sub ceremonies are the sand or candle lighting ceremony, butterfly/dove release, binding of the hands, wine box/love letter ceremony, rose ceremony or tree planting ceremony.

Q. Do we need to have witnesses?

Yes, you need to have 2 witnesses who are over the age of 18 in order to solemnise your marriage. They do not necessarily need to be from your bridal party, and can be selected from your greater guest list.

Q. Can others take part in the ceremony?

Absolutely! A wedding is a celebration of love, friendship and family and I always invite couples to suggest loved ones to be involved in the ceremony. There are numerous ways we can include others, from readings, to involvement in sub ceremonies, or we can even discuss ways of including pets. Anything is possible, just talk to me further about your ideas and we can see about making it all happen.

Q. Can we choose our own ceremony words?  Will you help us?

Each relationship is unique so it goes without saying that your ceremony wording should be personalised to reflect this. I will work alongside you to create the wording for your ceremony. We will use a combination of material I already have, new material, your own ideas and much more.

As a celebrant I constantly try to keep up to date with current trends in the industry, so I have lots of fresh ideas to suggest and advice to share.

Q. Can we write our own vows?

Sure! I have lots of sample vows, and a vow writing guide that you can even use for inspiration. It is important to note however that to be legal, your vows must contain the legally binding element. As your celebrant I will share more details of the legal elements of vows throughout the planning process.

Many couples opt to keep their vows a surprise for their partner at the ceremony, so If you choose to go this way I will gladly be your ‘proof reader’ to check them over before the big day arrives.

Q. How do we deliver our vows? Do we have to memorise them?

Vows can be delivered in a number of ways; you can memorize them, repeat them after the celebrant or read from small prompt cards. Basically however you feel most comfortable.

Q. Will we have a rehearsal?

Rehearsals are optional, however they are highly encouraged.

They can be enormously helpful towards the smooth running of the ceremony on the day, and offer a relaxed atmosphere to answer any logistical questions you may have. You can have as many people or as few people as you like at your rehearsal however I often see it as a stress-free opportunity for everyone to meet, especially if you have bridal party members from interstate/overseas.

Q. Does the bride sign with her new signature on the day of the Wedding?

The bride generally signs with her maiden name on all documentation.

(There are a few exceptions to this rule, but I would notify you in advance if this applied to you.)

Q. Should we invite the celebrant to the reception?

Unless the celebrant is a family friend or relative and would normally be invited to the reception, usually the celebrant is not invited to the reception. While flattered to be thought of, there is no expectation of an invitation to your reception and I certainly will not be offended if you do not ask. That said, I could always be tempted to stay and share a glass of bubbles post ceremony to celebrate the happy occasion!!

Q. How do we apply for our official Marriage certificate?

Your official Marriage certificate can be ordered from the office of Births, Deaths and Marriages of the state you were married in. This can be done independently after your marriage documents have been lodged, or as your celebrant, I can submit the application for you with my ceremony documents.

NB: The application fee for your certificate is separate from your celebrants fee as it is paid directly to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. 

Q. Do we need to see our celebrant after our Wedding?

There is no requirement for you to meet with me after your wedding day however, for professional development purposes, I will send you an email following your ceremony with a link to a small survey which will gather feedback on my services leading up to and including your wedding day.

Beyond this, like most celebrants I love to receive letters, emails or photos sharing highlights of your big day. You are also welcome to leave a testimonial for my services on my Facebook page, and or tag any pictures with me in them.