Frequently Asked Questions

• What documentation do we need to be      married in Australia?
• How do we go about putting our Wedding Ceremony together?
• Can you supply a table and chair for the signing of the documents?
• Are you able to give us any hints on what our personalised gift will be from you on our Wedding Day?

• How much notice do we need to give to get married?
• Can you tell me about changing my name?
• Do we need to have witnesses?
• Do we receive a Marriage Certificate?
• Will we see a copy of our Ceremony before the day?
• How do you personalise our Ceremony?

• How old do I need to be to get married?
• Do I need to make a new will when I marry?
• What are your thoughts on Marriage and Relationship Counseling?
• What do you think about a rehearsal before our Wedding?
• How much can I expect to pay for the services of a Marriage Celebrant?

ANSWER:
A Birth Certificate/Extract or Passport showing date and place of birth along with photo ID is required if person has never been married.

Certificate of Divorce or Decree of Nullity along with a Birth Certificate/Extract or Passport plus photo ID for a person has been married previously.

A Death Certificate along with a Birth Certificate/Extract or Passport and photo ID is required if person is widowed.

All Certificates MUST be original or certified copies and need to be produced prior to your Ceremony

ANSWER:
This is where I can help by giving you suggestions on the order of your Ceremony, plus suggestions for your readings, vows etc. You are very welcome to change them to suit yourselves or come up with your own.

There are only TWO things that are legally required in a wedding ceremony. The following wording; I am duly authorised by law to solemnize marriages according to law.

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Plus
“I call upon the people here present to witness that I bride/groom, take you groom/bride to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”

ANSWER:
Yes, I certainly can.

ANSWER:
No, and thank you for asking. You will have to wait until the day!

ANSWER:
In order to be married you must lodge a “Notice of Intended Marriage “ (NOIM) with me (Celebrant) at least one month and one day prior to your wedding, and no more that 18 months prior.

ANSWER:
For many years it has been a custom for a woman to change her surname to her husband’s surname when she marries. This is a widely practiced custom, both in Australia and in other societies. It is, however, a matter of choice. You are not legally required to change your name and many women do continue to use their own surname after marriage.

ANSWER:
A marriage shall not be solemnized unless at least 2 persons who are over the age of 18 years are present as witnesses.

ANSWER:
A Presentation Certificate is signed and presented to you at your Ceremony. This is conclusive evidence that your marriage has been solemnized. It is an important document and is best kept in a safe place as it cannot be replaced if lost.

This Certificate will not replace the need for you to obtain your Official Marriage Certificate which you apply for through Births, Deaths and Marriages for the purpose of name change, passport etc.

ANSWER:
Once I receive your choices back relating to each area of your Ceremony, I will do up a draft copy, which I will run by you to ensure that all information is correct. This too ensures there are no unwanted surprises on your special day.

I will also give you a copy of your Ceremony as a special keepsake.

ANSWER:
This is a “trade secret” and I am happy to discuss it with you at our first meeting.

ANSWER:
You must be over the age of 18 to be married in Australia, except in limited circumstances where one party is between 16 and 18 years old and wishes to marry a person over 18. In this case you must have a Court Order as well as parental consent.

ANSWER:
If you already have a will before you marry, the marriage usually means that the will no longer applies. A solicitor can help you with this.

​ANSWER:
Real life knowledge of marriage is available in programs run by trained marriage educators. Courses can be practical, fun, and do not push a particular moral or religious view.

Courses teach attitudes and skills which enrich family life and enhance successful marriages. Counselors will not tell you what to do. They help you to find the best way to resolve any difficulty together.

ANSWER:
Where practical, I think it’s a great idea. It gives us an opportunity to see where the sun will be on the day so that none of us are looking into it.

We can work out between us where each will be standing for your Ceremony so that there are no surprises on the day. It also ensures that we all know where we need to turn up to on the day!

ANSWER:
Celebrants charges in Queensland vary greatly. Keep in mind that Celebrants need to value their time in order to deliver a professional service to you as there are many hours put in behind the scenes to ensure your Ceremony is very personalised and special.