In Australia, celebrants are people who officiate different ceremonies in the community. This includes anything from weddings, to vow renewals, memorials, naming days, and even pet funerals.

In order to officiate legal weddings, a celebrant must be authorised by the Attorney Generals Office. A celebrant will work with the couple to create and perform a ceremony that is right for them, whilst also making sure the legal side of things are taken care of.

Such a great question.

I often tell my couples that finding a celebrant is a lot like dating. You want to make sure you get each other - after all, you’ll be spending a lot of time together, sharing details about your love story and creating the perfect ceremony.

Before you get into planning mode, take your time to get to know them. Whether that’s sitting down for a coffee or wine, or just checking their social media to see what their vibe is. It’s important to feel totally comfortable with them and like they’ve got your back.

Not feeling the sparks? No sweat. A good celebrant knows how important this step is and will respect your decision. Just like a good date should.

Most couples book their celebrant anywhere from 6-24 months in advance, it really depends. Peak wedding season in Australia is typically October-April, with weekends usually being the first to book out. However, weekday weddings have certainly been on the rise (and are usually a bit cheaper too!). I personally love the idea of a Wednesday or Thursday wedding that turns into a long weekend of love. If you have a particular date in mind, please fill out my enquiry form and I'll let you know my availability.

There are a few forms, but trust me - I’ll make it easy and straightforward for you.

I’ll need to see both of your birth certificates or passports, plus your driver's licences, and we’ll fill out three documents total.

1. Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

This is essentially your application to be married. It captures all your personal information as well as information about both your parents. The NOIM must be filled in at least one calendar month before your ceremony.

2. Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

This is a Statutory Declaration that says you are over 18 years old and entering into this marriage voluntarily. It also confirms that you are not related to one another and not already married to each other or someone else.

3. Official Certificate of Marriage

This is what we all sign on the day that you’re married, including your two witnesses. After the wedding, this then goes to Births Deaths and Marriages for them to register your marriage (YAY!).

There are two types of marriage certificates.

1. Official Certificate of Marriage
   This is the legal certificate that is signed on the day. I then send this to Births Deaths & Marriages to officially register your marriage.
   
   After your wedding, you may request a copy of this certificate from Births Deaths & Marriages. You can use this certificate as proof of your wedding for official purposes such as changing your name on a passport or driver licence. It usually take 4 weeks for this to be available and costs around $70.
   
   Learn more about changing your name after marriage here.
   

2. Couple’s Certificate of Marriage
   This is what I like to call the fancy certificate, or the party certificate. The one that couples often frame. This will also be signed on the day and yours to take home after the ceremony.
   
   Please note that this certificate is merely a memento from your special day. It is not the registered/legal marriage certificate. Most organisations won’t accept this certificate as official proof of marriage.

Look, I get it. We’re all a bit traumatised from COVID-days and the uncertainty that comes with it. Rest assured, in the unlikely event that I am unable to perform your ceremony on the day, I will work my hardest to get you an absolutely awesome replacement.

I am lucky enough to be a member of the Southside Celebrants Network where we all have each others back in situations like this and will do everything we possibly can to give you the ceremony of your dreams.

Us celebrants love to play hard to get when it comes to our fees. I know it's annoying. But the simple reason is that our fees are really dependent on what type of ceremony you're after. Because we work hard to create a beautifully bespoke experience for you, it’s almost impossible to have a set fee - no two weddings are the same.

I have price guides listed alongside my Ceremony Packages, but once I know more about what you're after I will be able to give you a more accurate quote.

I am based in Melbourne and perform ceremonies all over the city as well as surrounding areas. This includes Geelong, Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Daylesford and Mornington Peninsula. I also love travelling for ceremonies further afar and even interstate. Not sure if I work in your area, just ask! Please note a travel fee may apply for certain locations.

American movies really gave us all a false sense of who can marry someone. Before I became a celebrant, I thought a friend could just marry me as well. But alas, it is a lot more complicated than that.

To be an authorised marriage celebrant under the Australian Attorney General's Department, you must have completed your Certificate IV in Celebrancy, which usually takes about 12 months of study. Crazy, right? So technically, yes, a friend could marry you. But they'd need to do a whole bunch of lengthy (and costly) steps beforehand. Trust me, just leave it to the pros instead.

Unfortunately, no. For a legally binding marriage ceremony, we must have completed the Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one calendar month before your ceremony.

If time is of the essence and there are extenuating circumstances (such as a terminally ill family member), certain exceptions may be possible.

If you're just keen to get the party started, why not opt for a commitment ceremony? All the love, minus the legal bits.