Some Information on planning a Marriage ceremony that you might find useful
| notice-of-intended-marriage-2.doc |
| code_of_practice_for_marriage_celebrants.doc |
What does a Marriage Celebrant do?
Manage all the legal requirements relating to your marriage
Prepare the details of your ceremony in partnership with you
Solemnize your marriage officially.
Ensure that all paperwork is forwarded to Births Deaths and Marriages following your marriage ceremony.
Comply to an Australian Code of Practice
Prepare the details of your ceremony in partnership with you
Solemnize your marriage officially.
Ensure that all paperwork is forwarded to Births Deaths and Marriages following your marriage ceremony.
Comply to an Australian Code of Practice
How much does a Marriage Celebrant charge?
This can vary from Celebrant to Celebrant- you need to be taking into account the experience, flexibility, professionalism, communications skills, public speaking skills, their equipment, in particular high quality PA system with discreet microphones, laser printing, if they do on-site rehearsals and their presentation in general just for starters. It is very important to choose a Celebrant that encourages you to have as much input as possible. It's your day!
It is important to take into account that for all celebrants, there are many hidden, out of pocket expenses for running a celebrant business including the cost of equipment, running an office, stationery supplies, resources for couples, marketing, compulsory annual ongoing professional development, annual registration, insurance, telephone, computer, clothing, car and travel expenses... all costs of running a business.
Another aspect of being a celebrant, other than face to face meetings, creating a personal ceremony, ensuring the legal requirements are adhered to, responding to questions and emails, a rehearsal at the venue and of course conducting your ceremony on the day is that there is much to be done behind the scenes that often goes unseen - all which create a professional practice.
You will find my fee is all inclusive-no hidden costs, very reasonable and I am confident that you will consider my service as very good value.
Please contact Silvana to ask for a quote to arrange your Marriage and your Marriage ceremony and to find out if she is available on the day and time that you would like your marriage to take place.
It is important to take into account that for all celebrants, there are many hidden, out of pocket expenses for running a celebrant business including the cost of equipment, running an office, stationery supplies, resources for couples, marketing, compulsory annual ongoing professional development, annual registration, insurance, telephone, computer, clothing, car and travel expenses... all costs of running a business.
Another aspect of being a celebrant, other than face to face meetings, creating a personal ceremony, ensuring the legal requirements are adhered to, responding to questions and emails, a rehearsal at the venue and of course conducting your ceremony on the day is that there is much to be done behind the scenes that often goes unseen - all which create a professional practice.
You will find my fee is all inclusive-no hidden costs, very reasonable and I am confident that you will consider my service as very good value.
Please contact Silvana to ask for a quote to arrange your Marriage and your Marriage ceremony and to find out if she is available on the day and time that you would like your marriage to take place.
Where we will Silvana travel to do a wedding?
Basically anywhere in Australia as Marriage Celebrants registered with the Attorney General's Department do have the authority to marry people and apply for registration of a marriage in any state of Australia. However..... obviously there is extra cost involved due to travel and accommodation.
Locally, I am most happy to arrange and conduct a marriage ceremony for NO additional travel expenses for up to a 35km radius from Coffs City centre. Your marriage ceremony would be held in places such as Arrawarra, Woolgoolga, Sapphire Beach, Emerald Beach, Korora, Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour Jetty, Coramba, Nana Glen, Bellingen, Sawtell, and Urunga.
Locally, I am most happy to arrange and conduct a marriage ceremony for NO additional travel expenses for up to a 35km radius from Coffs City centre. Your marriage ceremony would be held in places such as Arrawarra, Woolgoolga, Sapphire Beach, Emerald Beach, Korora, Coffs Harbour, Coffs Harbour Jetty, Coramba, Nana Glen, Bellingen, Sawtell, and Urunga.
How much notice do we need to provide before we can get married?
You need to provide a minimum of one calendar months notice. For example, if the NOIM form is received by me on March 15 your marriage can take place at any time from and including April 16. You can give up to 18 months notice.
Do we need to complete a form before we can get married?
Yes, the form is called 'NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE' or NOIM. You can access the form at the top of this page which you may complete, ( be sure to read page two) which will give you an understanding of the information required however you only need to complete page 3. I can also email an electronic copy for you to have a look at. It is very important to read the notes on the page 2 of the printed form and to complete with care using block letters with a black pen.
How long does a wedding ceremony usually take?
Usually about 20 minutes however this can vary depending on the content. I'm happy to discuss this with you.
Do we need a witness at our wedding ceremony?
Yes, you're required to have two witnesses who must be over the age of 18 years. They may be members of your family, your bridal party or someone special.
Do you do Elopements?
Absolutely. Some couples prefer the simplicity of a very small wedding. I am most happy to help you arrange this.
My partner and I are interstate and will be returning to the Coffs Harbour area a few days prior to the wedding. What do we need to do?
The NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE (NOIM) may be downloaded from www.ag.gov.au/celebrants (4 pages) or accessed at the top of this page which you may complete, ( be sure to read page two) including having your signatures witnesses according to the notes then mail to me by registered mail or scan/photograph and send via email ensuring that you bring your original with you. When you arrive in Coffs Harbour I'll verify your signatures, identification and evidence as per the requirements of the NOIM. We can communicate via phone, skype or email to arrange your ceremony.
Can a celebrant arrange a marriage ceremony anywhere in Australia?
Yes, as an authorised and registered celebrant with the Federal Attorney-general's Department I can solemnise marriages anywhere in Australia
Can you help with Immigration?
Yes. If either of you are in the process of submitting a "Prospective Marriage Visa" application I can provide the necessary letter for Immigration. One of you will also be required to complete the NOIM which I'm happy to assist you with.
It's a custom for the bride to be late. How late should she be?
The ceremony should commence no more than10 minutes after the time given to your guests.
The First Step
The first step is to get together, to discuss the specifics of your wedding and give you an opportunity to confirm if I'm "right" for you.
A Booking Fee is required on completion of the NOIM (Notice of Intention to get Married) and secures your booking and electronic lodgement of your NOIM, This is non refundable, the balance is payable two weeks prior to your wedding.
A Booking Fee is required on completion of the NOIM (Notice of Intention to get Married) and secures your booking and electronic lodgement of your NOIM, This is non refundable, the balance is payable two weeks prior to your wedding.
Help and guidance every step of the way
I will happily guide you all the way with suggestions and all the assistance you need to create a very special and unique marriage ceremony. The general process followed in creating your ceremony is listed below – however apart from the mandatory legal wording required, your marriage ceremony becomes personalised and very much your own, as all of the choices are yours! I will have a package of information available for you at our first meeting.
What does a marriage ceremony usually include?
- Entrance & giving away (your music selection)
- Welcome/Introduction
- I must identify myself as being the Authorised Celebrant
- Pre vows which may include your relationship story or Reading or Poem
- Monitum/Section 46 - as per the Marriage Act 1961
- The Asking
- Your Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Declaration as Husband and wife
- Signing of Marriage Certificates (your music selection)
- Prayer or Blessing (this can appear anywhere in the ceremony)
- Forward announcements
- Presentation of your Marriage Certificate and Introduction as husband and wife
- Recessional and congratulations from family and friends (your music selection)
