Hopefully the information below will answer any questions you may have and help you to decide if I will be the right celebrant for you. If anything is left unanswered please call and we can discuss anything else that you need to know.
How long is the ceremony?
As long as the minimum legal requirement is taken care of, the length of service is totally up to you. The usual ceremony is between 15-20 minutes and will include a reading or two. The more rituals you include the longer the ceremony will take.
What is included in your fee?
My standard service fee of $700 includes:
- Initial meeting and lodgement of the Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM)
- Completion of all relevant paperwork
- Personalised ceremony
- Arrival to ceremony 1 hour prior
- Portable PA system
- Rehearsal of the ceremony
- 30 minute ceremony
- Certificate of Marriage or Commemorative certificate
- Final Lodgement of paperwork
- Application on your behalf, to the Registry of your Registered Marriage Certificate
If you require a longer service, additional rituals, special dress requirements or extended travel, further costs will be added.
Deposits and Payment
To secure your preferred date I will require a deposit of 50%. Final payment should be made 7 days prior to the ceremony unless special arrangements have been made.
When should I book a celebrant?
Once you know the date you intend to marry, you should book a celebrant straight away, especially for Spring/Autumn weddings which are high season. You can lodge the NOIM up to 18 months prior to your actual wedding day, but no later than 1 month.
What if my wedding is less than a month away?
You will need to request a shortening of time under the Marriage Act. You will need to contact the registry to seek approval. Once approved you will need to provide this evidence to your celebrant.
What if it rains?
You should always have a plan B if you plan to have your wedding outdoors. We will look at all options together prior to the actual day, depending on the venue you are choosing. When deciding on a venue you should take into consideration if they have an indoor venue for use should this occur.
What about cancellations?
Once you lodge the NOIM, you have 18 months to have your wedding. As long as you provide me with one months notice and as long as I am not already booked I will happily reschedule to a new date within that 18 months. If it is outside of the 18 months then you will need to lodge another NOIM which will incur an additional fee.
What if the celebrant is sick on the day?
In the unlikely event that I am unable to officiate your ceremony on the day, as a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants I will organise another celebrant to conduct your ceremony. There will be no additional cost incurred by you.
Will you travel to perform a ceremony?
Yes but travel expenses will be added depending on distance and time taken.