Useful Information For Planning Your Wedding
Ensure you book your wedding day with me in plenty of time. Usually the first meeting will be at my home, at a mutually convenient time, to discuss the documentation required to perform a valid marriage.
SAME SEX MARRIAGES
As of 9th January 2018 it is legal for same sex partners to marry. I am delighted to say I have a wedding booked for 20th January 2018 for two beautiful young men.
I happily look forward to many more requests to perform ceremonies for same sex couples who love each other and wish to marry.
The following requirements are relevant for all couples wishing to marry.
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LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) by law must be filled in 31days prior to the ceremony. If you are filling it in, please write neatly or type the information. Please note that your mothers’ maiden names are required, and the years of birth of children of your previous marriages, if applicable.
As well as the NOIM, each party must have proof of birth, e.g. birth certificates, or extracts of birth, if you are Australian born. Full birth certificates or passports for overseas born. Note that Australian passports are not acceptable (from a recent ruling by the Attorney General’s Department.)
Where there has been a previous marriage, evidence of how the marriage ended must be produced. This will be a Decree Absolute/ Certificate of Divorce, or a Death Certificate.
Also required is proof of Identification, such as a Driver’s License or Passport.
I use an Interview Form which gives contact details and relevant information required to make your day a success. I include both your full names which must be mentioned at least once, during the vows, and the names you wish to be known as, during the ceremony. We book the next meeting and a rehearsal date. The interview form also includes the fee for celebrant service, and asks for a $100.00 non-refundable deposit. This secures your booking.
Please note that once married, the Bride needs to have a certified copy of her marriage, which she obtains from the office of Births Deaths and Marriages, 14 days after the date of her marriage, to change her name with financial institutions, other government departments such as Centrelink and any other department.
PERSONAL STORY
I suggest that you both write your personal story, maybe 4 or 5 paragraphs on how you met, the story of your relationship, why you, the groom, love and admire her (the bride) and why you, the bride, love and admire him (the groom.) Include how you feel about your family and friends, and what your hopes are for the future. If there are children involved, I suggest that you include them in the ceremony in a meaningful way.
Of course, I am happy to assist you with final wording, or at any time of writing.
LOCATION
Marriage ceremonies in the open always have an element of risk. There should be an alternative place nearby, in case of very hot weather, wind or pouring rain. Many parks and gardens require permission, and early bookings are advised, via the local council, especially if they are popular wedding venues.
ONGOING CONTACT
I invite couples to unlimited contact with me during the planning process, and I will help and support you in any way I can. I am known to have excellent communication, organizational and timing skills, all necessary to ensure your special day flows smoothly. Emailing is an expedient way of giving and receiving your ceremony information, readings, etc. and can be done at any time of the day or night to suit you, but phone contact may suit you better.