It is important that your wedding ceremony accurately reflects you and your partner’s values and beliefs and your shared vision for the future. Planning for your ceremony provides an opportunity to discuss with each other those matters that are closest to your heart.

My role as your celebrant is to facilitate this collaborative process and provide resources to ensure that the ceremony is crafted to your unique and individual requirements.

No two ceremonies are ever the same.

The Legalities

Currently in Australia you are unable to legally marry another person of the same sex under the Marriage Act 1961.
Refer to commitment ceremony section below.

Once you have chosen your celebrant you need to submit a “Notice of Intended Marriage” Form no later than one month and a day before your wedding date.

You will need to show original birth certificates and, if previously married, divorce or death certificates also. If born overseas your passport is sufficient proof of identity.

The Ceremony

While there are some mandatory aspects of the marriage ceremony there is plenty of room for creativity and innovation.

You may wish to include some cultural specific symbols and rites and other rituals including:

• Warming of the rings
• Hand fasting
• Rose ceremony
• Candle lighting
• Wine sharing
• Acknowledgement of the earth and the elements

Or you may just want something short and sweet. The decision is yours. Here is a ceremony outline and some suggested vows and readings to get things started.

Ceremony Outline
Example Wedding Vows
Readings

There are also many ways to involve valued friends, parents and children in your ceremony. See an example ceremony below.

Example Ceremony

I can provide contact details of previous clients willing to provide a reference.

The Venue

If you are considering holding your wedding ceremony along the Great Ocean Road or in the Otway Ranges, I can assist you with information and photos of possible venues - from private coves for intimate elopements to accommodation/reception facilities suitable for large gatherings and weekend long celebrations.

Relationship Education

You may consider the value of relationship education prior to marrying and there are a range of affordable services to choose from. I recommend the following sites:

www.lifeworks.com.au
www.relationships.com.au
www.relatewell.com.au

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual – Commitment Ceremonies

Couples who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender can consider a meaningful Commitment Ceremony, and further information is below.

Commitment Ceremonies

Marriage Celebrant Code of Practice

All celebrants are bound by the Celebrant Code of Practice and I can assure you will receive a quality service from me. I can provide you with phone contacts of previous clients that are happy to provide a reference.

The fee schedule contains details of my all inclusive fee of $700.