How soon can we be married?
A couple who wants to be married must first complete a document called a NOIM (Notice Of Intended Marriage). A marriage can take place between one month and 18 months from the date that the completed NOIM is submitted to the celebrant. In other words, you must give at least one month’s notice in order for the marriage to be solemnised by the celebrant.

We just want a simple, legal-only ceremony. Is this possible?
Yes! There are some minimum requirements in terms of notice periods (see the “How soon can we be married?” question), and some specific wording that must be said by you and the celebrant, but outside of that, the "Let's Make It Legal" Package can have you married at your kitchen table in about 10 minutes.

What documents do we need to provide?
You’ll both need to prove your identification with either: -

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• Your original Birth Certificates and a current photo ID (like a Drivers Licence); or

• Your passport.

Also, if either of you have been married before, you’ll need to show evidence of the termination of that marriage (either a Divorce Certificate or a Death Certificate).

It’s important to note that all documentation must be originals, not scans or photocopies.

Where can we be married?
A marriage can occur anywhere. I’m based in metropolitan Melbourne, but happy to travel just about anywhere (if I need to refuel along the trip, we might need to chat about accommodation!).

Can we be married outside?
Absolutely, but you’ll need a ‘Plan B’ in case the weather turns grouchy. Your guests will need some cover in case it rains, and I also can’t use my equipment if it’s wet… Electricity and water, you know?!

What if there’s no electricity nearby?
No problem – I’ve got you covered. I’ve got state-of-the-art audio equipment, including the ability to run it remotely without a power point. But, as mentioned above, it has to be dry! If it’s going to rain, then you’ll need a ‘Plan B’ that’s undercover.

What happens for ID that isn’t in English?
You’ll need to have your ID documentation translated by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited translator. Click here to access the NAATI online directory and find your nearest translator.

Do we need witnesses?
You sure do. For any type of marriage, you need two witnesses who are over the age of 18.

What length of services can we have?
The choice is yours! Typically a ceremony can go from five to 30 minutes, all depending on how much you’d like included. For a full ceremony with personal vows, multiple readings, photos during the signing of certificates, etc., it’ll be closer to the 30 minute mark. For a Legals-Only marriage, it’s at the other end of the scale.

How much say do we get in the ceremony?
As much or as little as you like (with the exception of the legally required sections). Some couples want a more traditional “to have and to hold… ‘til death do us part” and that’s perfectly fine. Others want a more casual ceremony. Some want fun and silly; others want more formal and sophisticated. Whatever you’d like, it’s my mission to deliver it.

Are we able to write our own vows?
Of course you are! It’s your wedding! There are minimum legal vows which must be said by the couple, but I’ll guide you through those. Personal vows are what makes it all the more… well, personal!

What if we’d prefer not to write our own vows?
That’s okay too! One option is to select from templates and guides, either personalising them or keeping them just as they are. Another option is to simply not have vows that you write for each other. It’s your day, so it’s your choice how much or how little is included.

What happens with the music?
Some celebrants prefer not to be involved with music. Not me! I’ll manage any songs you want played before the ceremony, during entrances, during signing and even afterwards if you like. And, if you check out the musical services I offer, you might like to have some live, acoustic music to entertain and warm up your guests before you arrive.

Will there be a rehearsal?
Oh yes. Unless you’re choosing the "Let's Make It Legal" Package, we’ll organise a rehearsal in the week (or fortnight, if need be) leading up to the day. The rehearsal will include everyone who’s involved in the ceremony, including your witnesses, so that everyone knows exactly what’s going to happen. I’ll guide everyone on the day, but the rehearsal is a really important step to managing nerves, asking questions, messing up when it’s safe to do so (!!) and making sure the big day goes off without a hitch.

When will you arrive on the day?
I’d prefer to be two hours early than two minutes late. I’ll be at the venue well before any of your guests get there to setup, test audio and music, talk to the venue staff and do whatever is necessary before we get going. It’s important to me that you and your guests never see any setup happening. And, if you’re choosing me for live music before the ceremony, I’ll probably be playing before the first guests arrive!

Can we make requests about what you wear?
You bet. 'Nuff said.

Does my surname change once I’m married?
No. Getting married doesn’t automatically change your name. To do this, you’ll need to apply for an Official Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), which you can then use to assist you to change your name legally. If you know you want to change your name, there’s the option for me to request that Certificate when I submit your paperwork – there’s just an extra fee to cover what BDM charges.

Will we have a contract or written agreement with you?
100% yes. I’m a big fan of Judge Judy, and if I’ve learnt one thing it’s “always get it in writing!”. Jokes aside, it’s important that you, and I, are very clear on what we’ll do and what our obligations are. Part of that includes a non-refundable booking fee which locks the date into my calendar, and allows for my time in preparations and meetings.

When will we need to pay you any fees due?
There’s two answers. First, the non-refundable booking fee must be paid to secure my services for the date you want, so that needs to happen quite soon after you’ve decided I’m your celebrant. Next, the balance must be paid in full within 14 days of your ceremony. I’m happy to accept small payments over time, without any interest, if it helps you to balance the budget. After all, you might have a lot of people asking you for payment, so I want to make things as easy as possible.

Can you be the MC at the reception as well?
Absolutely. Obviously that’s a different service, so it’s a different fee. But yes, yes, yes!

What if we want you as our celebrant, but we’d prefer someone else for music or MC services?
Whatever you’d like! My services as a celebrant are independent of my music or MC services. So, there’s no obligation to use more than one of what I offer – I’m a celebrant first and foremost; whoever is involved beyond that is entirely your choice.