Upon booking your venue, it is time to secure your Celebrant.

Australian regulations require that the "Notice of Intended Marriage" form must be submitted no less than 1 Month and 1 Day and no more than 18 months prior to the Ceremony.

With sound reason, it may be possible to have the State Registrar authorise a 'shortening of time' for your wedding date. I will guide you through this process, if required.

It is a good idea to confirm your venue and Celebrant, especially in the wedding season, (September through to the end of April) as soon as possible.

At our first meeting we will fill out the 'Notice of Intent to Marry' form (NOIM), unless you have already done so, discuss the type  of ceremony  you  require, e.g. formal, casual, family-oriented. I will then present a power-point demonstrating the different wording components that can make up the ceremony.

You will have the opportunity to ask whatever questions you may have, discuss comfortably how you would like things to flow for the ceremony and should you require any other information on other service providers or suitable venues, I will have that information for you as well. We  might  discuss  whether you have children, is this a second marriage and  any other information  that  you think is relevant and are comfortable in sharing with me.

This information will enable me to be able to guide you through the basics of a ceremony, which will  be personal  to  your story. 

I am  happy to read for you at  this time. This will give you an indication of how my voice sounds, my diction and the delivery style I present.

Whatever the style of marriage, wherever the location and whatever the circumstances, your marriage ceremony should reflect who you both are.  Each  wedding ceremony is individually created and unique. 

You will have  the opportunity to write sections of the Ceremony, if you so choose. 

Otherwise I can still provide  you  with  a  fully  personalised Ceremony based on the information we have  discussed. 

(Please note: The legal aspects are highlighted in a purple font and must by law be included within the wedding ceremony.)

THE INTRODUCTION; an introduction can include a welcome to your guests. The opportunity to introduce the members of the bridal party to your guests as well as an explanation on the meaning of marriage to yourselves.

THE GIVING AWAY: This is optional. Although  the Bride's father  usually gives her away, other  people may  do so. Her mother  may  perform this  ritual, or both  parents together. Other family members or friends may also be requested to give the bride to the care of the Groom,  and the reciprocal  may also   be a  consideration, with both  parties being given away to each others care.

ITHE ASKING; This is also an optional inclusion. Should you wish, I can ask each of you whether you will take each other as husband and wife. Traditionally - and oft heard response is usually "I do." Please note that there is no legal requirement for this option and some couples now skip this section.

CELEBRANT AUTHORITY: It is a requirement of the Marriage Act 1961, that I, your celebrant use a given definition of my authority with which to conduct the ceremony, and also the nature of the marriage relationship. This wording will be explained at our interview.

THE VOWS: The Bride  and Groom, exchange their  vows and make their legal commitment to each other.

The legal requirements are for a minimum wording of...

"I call upon the persons here present, to witness that I, First Name, Middle Name, Surname (Family name), take you, First Name, Middle Name, Surname (Family name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband."

Exceptions to this are, to leave the middle names (if applicable) out, or under certain circumstances, it may be possible to use First Name and Middle Name only. This can be done only if the couple state their full names prior to the vows, usually stated during the opening address.

SYMBOLIC RITUALS: There are rituals which may be incorporated into a ceremony, which demonstrate or symbolise aspects of the commitment that the Bride and  Groom are making to each other. Couples marrying with children may wish to include a family component, such as a sand blending or candle lighting.

READINGS: Readings may be inserted as and where you would like. They may be self penned, or chosen from a vast resource folder that I will have to show you at our interview. Readings may be in the form of poetry, verse or a statement from any relevant party. They may be read by whomever you choose, your friends, family, yourself or myself.

CONCLUDING REMARKS: This will include comments of good will for your future happiness and prosperity and will conclude with a statement by myself declaring you to be husband and wife. The usual final response at this point is the sealing of your marriage with a kiss. Cultural and individual wishes are considered within this aspect.

THE RECESSIONAL: A short time out whereby the documentation is signed and witnessed, prior to the final presentation and conclusion to the service.

THE PRESENTATION: Unless otherwise discussed all couples are presented formally with their certificate, addressed to their guests in the manner which they are comfortable with, such as "It is now my pleasure to present Mr and Mrs Surname or John and Mary, your happily married couple.