Welcome
I am a Civil Celebrant and have a Certificate IV in Marriage Celebrancy. I am also a registered Marriage Celebrant which allows me to perform weddings anywhere in Australia. I am a member of the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants of Victoria. Read More »
What do I offer my couples?
The first appointment is always complimentary as it gives the couple and myself a chance to get to know each other.
Your wedding day is one of the most important and exciting days of your life and every detail is important. Most couples have some idea of what they want for their ceremony and I like them to share these ideas so that we can, together, create a ceremony that is unique, beautiful and designed specifically with them in mind.
I have an initial meeting with the couple. This is a very good way to gauge the ‘connectivity' between the couple and myself. If they decide to book me, I get them to complete a booking form and pay a deposit. I also provide them with a resource kit. If possible, I have them complete the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage' and go over the details with them. If this is not possible at the time, they still have one month and one day to lodge this form with me before the marriage. This notice is included in the kit.
We discuss the elements of the ceremony that the couple may wish to incorporate. I have a very good resource library which I can lend to the couple. We will discuss music, poetry and readings. I give them a basic run-down of what to expect from the ceremony. Their ideas and wishes are looked at so that I have a clear understanding of the kind of ceremony they would like to have. I have the couple fill in a questionnaire about themselves.
When I have all the information I need, I will then prepare a draft of the ceremony which I will send to the couple for their approval and/or amendments. I always make sure that their ceremony is created to their satisfaction. There are only two aspects of the ceremony they cannot change and they are the legal component which ensures their marriage is legally binding in Australia.
I prepare all legal documentation.
I am available via telephone, mobile and e-mail to ensure that their wedding day is created to perfection. A rehearsal is also part of my services.
I will supply a pa system if necessary.
I will supply a decorated ceremonial table and two fold-up chairs if necessary.
I will provide the couple with a hand-written calligraphy marriage certificate and presentation copy of the wedding ceremony.
I also give my couples a small ‘thank you' for giving me the honour of being their Celebrant on their very special day.
Ceremonies
Types of ceremonies that can be incorporated in a wedding ceremony:
Handfasting
Blending of Sands
Unity Candle Ceremony
Rose Ceremony
Hand Fasting
The term Handfasting means “to strike a bargain by joining hands” as a contract of marriage in medieval times. The couple would commit to each other for a year and a day and could marry after this time if they wished. They would return to the priest to repeat their vows with cord or tie tightly knotted. Hence the expression ‘to tie the knot'. It is also a traditional European ceremony. This is a beautiful way for a couple to show their love and unity for one another.
In some cultures a traditional embroidered piece of fabric is used. Fine rope or ribbon is also used. The colour red can be used which symbolises life. The minister or celebrant places the ribbon over the couples' hands and may be loosely tied.
The couple exchange vows expressing their love. The bonds are removed and the ceremony proceeds with vows, exchange of rings, etc.