Special wedding discounts for certain professionals and volunteers
The Wedding Day Preparation
The Booking
The Big Day is an important time of your lives and once we have agreed to work together, it will be my obligation to ensure all paperwork is completed to the regulations of the Marriage Act 1961.
I will also help structure your wedding the way you wish to structure it. I have an example structure below. It is your wedding, so you can structure it however you want notwithstanding my obligation to ensure the relevant words are spoken and exchanged within the confines of the Marriage Act 1961.
The form Notice of Intended Marriage will need to be completed, and I will be available to help with any questions you have on completing this form.
Australia is a wonderful country with a temperate to allow outdoor weddings in beautiful settings, like wineries or beaches, but there are days when conditions will not allow such weddings to take place (rain/storm) in which case we will discuss contingencies.
If you wish additional rituals to be added we can discuss these along with any requests for a themed wedding.
Once we are happy with the structure I will send you the proposed ceremony for your approval.
There maybe a need for a rehearsal that we can decide upon during our discussions and if you need help with any vows to be written I can help with that as well, maybe additional costs for this type of thing.
I will be guiding you along the way and trying to make the day as seamless as possible. Nerves may well be prevalent on the day and I will do my best to make you feel at ease.
Post the ceremony I will ensure the relevant paperwork is sent to the Register of Death Births and Marriages.
I hope that you will select me as your celebrant, as I get great joy in being part of it as well.
Overview
This is one of the most important days in your lives. I will highlight a typical structure of a wedding and where couples can add additional rituals or speakers. Everything is flexible except for the legal vows and monitum. I am here to help you enjoy your big day.
Typical Wedding Structure
Structure
The Wedding Pre ceremony house keeping
This is where I will carry out various instructions before the bride arrives. This could be requesting that mobile phones are switched off, photograph protocol, or any special instructions you wish me to give to the guests.
This could be announced to a back drop of soft music.
Processional (or Bridal March).
The Bridesmaids enter, followed by the Bride and the person who is giving her away. (If you are to be given away?). Music is usually played when the bridal party enter. I have some examples of commonly used songs that may help you decide which song (if you wish to have one) you wish to be played.
Welcoming. I introduce myself as the Authorised Marriage Celebrant and welcome you family/friends the “guests”
Giving away
If you wish this to be part of the ceremony
Introduction.
This is where I speak about your commitment to each other and what marriage means to you. Your input is welcome here as I can speak about anything else you believe. meaningful and/or significant. (How you met perhaps?)
Reading. Here you can use verses or poetry, and it is usual to have a close friend or family member do these readings. I have some poems/readings that have been used.
Monitum – Mandatory
“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”.
The asking
In this section you both get the opportunity to say ‘I do,’ although not required in a ceremony. I have some examples of wording, but am also happy to help you write your own.
Legal Vows (Mandatory)
Section 45 Marriage Act I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, A.B. (or C.D.), take thee, C.D. (or A.B.), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband, or spouse).
Vows (additional/personal)
This might include a selection of either custom written or poetic vows. (I can help you with this if you require.)
Ring exchange
If you wish to exchange rings this seems the most fitting place.
The Pronouncing
I announce you as ‘Husband and Wife or Spouse’ (or however you wish me to announce you) and then I say ‘you may kiss’.
Signing of the Register (Mandatory) – Music is normally played and I have a list some commonly used songs below. This is not an exclusive list, you can select your own.
You and your two witnesses sign the Marriage Register, Certificate of Marriage and the Marriage Certificate.
I will advise your guests that we will be back!
Optional ritual section.
This is where you can add a closing ritual or light a unity candle , as an example
Conclusion.
I will say a few words on the ceremony and this will allow the attendees to acknowledge you both. I will announce any further details or instructions that you wish me to make to the guests
Summing up
I will say a few words and wish you both well
Congratulations and presentation.
I will congratulate you to your friends and family by introducing you as your preference as a married couple. i.e.
‘Introducing Mr and Mrs…’. (or however you wish to be announced)
Recessional. (This is normally accompanied by music and I have some favourites, note this is your choice and can be anything you wish to have)
This is where you leave the ceremony area followed by the guests.
