WHAT TYPE OF CEREMONIES?
I can conduct all kinds of Ceremonies, specifically Marriages, Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vow Ceremonies and Baby Naming Ceremonies. I am also able to fulfill the role as MC and have conducted Funerals on occasion.
MAKE CONTACT
Lets talk! Please reach out to check whether I am available on the date and time you have planned your ceremony. I work simply on a first in, first served basis – whoever decides to book first is able to take the date in my calendar.
MEETINGS
Lets do coffee! We can meet obligation free in person or via FaceTime or WhatsApp. It’s essential that you’re happy and comfortable with your choice of Celebrant.
As the person to represent you, manage your legal preparations, and conduct your marriage ceremony in front of your family and friends, I understand you really want to trust your Celebrant. Take your time and discuss things through before you make a choice.
When we meet, feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Nothing is too big, small or too silly to discuss – as I’ve conducted over a thousand ceremonies and that experience will shine through.
You may know exactly what kind of marriage ceremony you want, or you may want advice. Sometimes thinking about what you don’t like about ceremonies can also give me a strong sense of your ideals.
A collaboration with you will create your unique ceremony that fits your relationship and style and not a cookie cutter wedding!
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
To start, I provide you with a copy of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form, which is the first legal form that needs to be completed for your marriage to proceed. It is due one month prior to the wedding date.
You will need to provide me with your original birth certificates or passports and if you have been previously married, a Decree Absolute; or the Death certificate of a previous spouse.
In Australia you need to be over 18 to marry. If born overseas, then your birth certificate or passport from your country of birth. If your documentation is in a language other than English it will need an official translation included.
On your wedding day, you will need two witnesses over the age of 18.
FURTHER CONTACT
After your booking, I am available for further contact according to your requirements. We can be in touch via phone, email, Skype or in person. Where possible, personal appointments should be made a week in advance, but I may be available for a quick coffee so if you’re in the area please send me a text.
Most Saturdays you’ll find me at a wedding, however Saturday morning appointments may be made in advance. I am based in Bundanoon NSW.
I have materials and resources for you and will happily do research if you need something a little different, and my questionnaire is designed to help us create the perfect day for you!
Closer to the day, I will email you a copy of your ceremony to review. By this stage we would have had many conversations and I aim to capture all of your thoughts, and script them into the ceremony. You can select or write your own vows, you can have it short or long, it’s all up to you!
There are a few spoken legal statements that are required to be included in the ceremony according to the Marriage Act.
You will also need to sign a statutory declaration form, stating that there is no impediment to your marriage, prior to the ceremony. I will have prepared this form for you both before the wedding day.
COVID Specific Details -
In the lead up to your day, please refer to the guidelines from NSW Health, and check with your venue about their preparations for the wellbeing of your guests & suppliers.
I offer one transfer of deposit to a new agreed date at no further cost. Any ongoing postponements to new dates may incur a fee, as I only take one booking per day and want to keep my business viable.
WEDDING REHEARSAL
If you’d like a rehearsal onsite there may be an additional fee. I am happy to explain the setup/rehearse from my office for free. Please confirm with me as soon as you know your plans as most often you may not need a rehearsal but just to talk through the details (and I’m all about details!).
I am able to script your ceremony essentially as a play would be written, so both words and movements are included and clarified for each person involved.
WEDDING RELATED SERVICES
If you need any help or suggestions about wedding related services for the Southern Highlands, I may be able to assist in guiding you with various local options, please ask.
Fees & Contract
Ceremonies vary in price from $750 - $1050. Please email or call me to discuss your requirements (including the ceremony location, date and time).
I request a non-refundable deposit to secure your booking in my calendar. I ask that the final remaining payment be settled one month prior to the wedding date. (For any cancellations within a month of the wedding full fees are payable.)
WHAT IS INCLUDED
A fully portable professional PA system, which music can be played through (iPod connection). Portable microphone.
A unique ceremony scripted and conducted.
Legal paperwork preparation and lodgement of your NOIM.
Unlimited access by phone, email and Skype.
Ceremony materials and preparations for personal content and context.
Travel and administration
Rehearsal meeting if requested. Additional travel fee may occur.
I always arrive a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the ceremony (as legally required).
On the day of your ceremony, I will liaise with your family, photographer, venue or wedding coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly as we’ve planned.
If your ceremony is over 50km from my office (in the Southern Highlands) then there may be an additional travel fee. Please ask for a specific quote as I am happy to travel to your wedding venue. If you change the venue after my quote is given, there may be additional fees that apply according to the new location.