Q1. Can we choose spiritual or religious wording for our ceremony?
You are free to suggest any service or wording that reflects your religious beliefs or outlook on life.
Q2. Do we have to attend pre-marital courses?
No, but you may if you wish. I have some printed information available to assist you if you are interested in attending pre- or post-marriage courses.
Q3. What are our first steps?
Book in a time and date to meet with me as soon as you can. We need to complete your 'Notice of Intended Marriage' form in order to lodge it with me one full calendar month of at least 30 days prior to wedding day ie: it can be signed on 22 May and you can marry on 22 June. You would be strongly advised to complete this with me earlier if possible. Most couples book in several months ahead, and sometimes even over a year in advance, to ensure their date is safely locked in.
Q4. What are the costs?
My fee is $565, though extra charges may apply in some situations ie: lengthy travel.
Q5. What are the legal obligations?
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You must be 18 years or over. However, court approval may be obtained for younger people to marry in some circumstances. See me for further information about this.
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Prior to the day of marriage, you will need to produce your original birth certificate or passport and your driver's licences if you possess one.
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You must give the celebrant one calendar month's notice by lodging the completed Notice Of Intended Marriage form with them ie: if you lodge the completed NOIM on 10 March the earliest day you can legally marry is 10 April.
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If either of you have been previously married, you must produce either your Divorce Decree Absolute papers or the death certificate if your spouse is deceased.
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On the day of your marriage you must have two witnesses over the age of 18 years present at the wedding.
Q6. What does my fee include?
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Your consultations
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A wedding rehearsal if you wish to have one
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A personally written ceremony to suit your needs.
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Your printed Celebrant's Marriage Certificate.
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Time and travelling costs on the day of your marriage.
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Lodgement of all legal paperwork to register your Marriage with NSW Births, Deaths & Marriages.
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My attendance to conduct your ceremony.
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I have a PA system to ensure your ceremony is fully audible to all present.
Q7. What does the Celebrant do?
I assist you in completing all legal documents. I write and perform a ceremony to suit your needs, solemnise your marriage, and lodge all legal paperwork at the office of Births, Deaths And Marriages.
Q8. What may be included in the ceremony?
You can choose poems/readings from anywhere, including any text of your belief or spirituality. I have an expansive range of material to assist you in your choices. The ceremony would usually comprise a traditional "asking" in which you are each asked to respond to the simple question of your desire and willingness to become husband and wife. Later, vows are declared in the ceremony, plus there is an exchange of rings.
Q9. Where can I find the Notice Of Intended Marriage form that need to be completed?
The Notice Of Intended Marriage form can be download from the link below. However, I have numerous copies of this form already, so you do not need to bring it with you to the meeting with me.
Notice Of Intended Marriage Form PDF
Q10. Where can we get married?
Almost anywhere suitable to yourselves - it's your choice! That's one of the advantages of selecting a celebrant! You can marry on a beach, in a park, on a boat, in a hall, in a backyard, in a house or at a restaurant. The possibilities are almost infinite.
Links
http://www.masterofceremoniessydney.com/
Tie The Knot
A1 Photographic
http://www.CandlesRecharge.com.au/
Biviano's Italian Restaurant
Heavenly Doves
Photography and Video
Perfect Memories, Kings Langley 9624 4170
Bridal Suppliers
Bridal Circle
Locations
Sydney has some lovely locations for ceremonies. I have listed some for your consideration.
The Mean Fiddler, Rouse Hill 9629 4811
Riverside Oaks, Cattai 4560 3220
Parramatta Leagues, Parramatta 8833 0777
Botanic Gardens, Sydney 9231 8111
Mulgoa Valley Receptions 4783 5000
Secret Garden Cafe, Kenthurst 9654 3339
Mt. Tomah Botanic Gardens 4567 2154
Everglades Garden, Leura 4784 1938
Auburn Botanic Gardens 9735 1222
The Sebel Resort & Spa, Chapel & Gardens, Windsor 4577 4222
Alpha Park, Blacktown 9839 6000
Settlers at Mulgoa 4773 8277
The Loxley, Kurrajong Hills 4567 7711
Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside 9839 6000
Oakville House, Oakville 4572 3163
Lauriston House - Dundas
Curzon Hall - Marsfield
Mandalay Function Centre - Lane Cove
St Peter Chanel's Church - Hunters Hill
Banjo Paterson Cottage Restaurant - Gladesville
Breakfast Point Country Club - Breakfast Point
Allegro Function Centre - Kenthurst
The Hills Lodge - Castle Hill
Pennant Hills Golf Club - Pennant Hills
The Sebel Resort and Spa - Hawkesbury Valley
Glenleigh Historic Home - Penrith
Loxley on Bellbird Hill - Kurrajong
Hawkesbury Race Club - Clarendon
Penrith Regional Gallery - Penrith
Old Government House - Parramatta
Nurragingy Reserve - Doonside
Auburn Botanical Gardens - Auburn
Government Departments
New South Wales
Australian Attorney-General's Department
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Translating and Interpreting Service
Location of Local NSW Courts