Why would I engage a Celebrant for events
other than weddings?
To add structure to your event and hold it together
with an opening and a closing
To formalize the occasion
To move it
at an appropriate pace
To pave the way for food, laughter & song
To
set the tone from which the future will flow
To give thanks for what has
been and hope for what will be
To facilitate the communication of meaning
& intention
To assist with designing the type of ceremony intended
To advise with readings, poems, music choice & other resources
To
demonstrate the respect required for persons being celebrated
To listen to
values
To edify
To remind people to stop and smell the roses and
that their grass is just as green as everyone else's
To provide
opportunity to do something special for someone you love
To help you move
on and start again
To stimulate & facilitate the hidden energies of
support
To make memory with ritual
To give a gift
You will need to choose a piece of music to walk down the aisle . This could be
a song with or without words that means something to you and your partner you
could engage a professional musician who will be able to adapt your choice of
song to fit into the time it takes for you to walk down the aisle, or use songs
chosen from your favorite CD collection.
You will require a song to
be played while you sign the register. Again, the person organizing the
music can extend or shorten the song if necessary to synchronize with the
signing, and fit in with the celebrant's arrangements. The third piece of music
will be as you exit. This too ought to be chosen from a favorite selection and
perhaps be a bit brighter than the entry music. You may know someone who can
take responsibility for the music. If you decide to use CD's then make sure that
the songs chosen are in the correct order to be played at the appropriate time.
It may be a good idea to copy each song onto a separate CD and test the quality
before the actual wedding day.
What does the Wedding
Celebrant do?
You cannot have a legal wedding without an authorized celebrant, They are
familiar with the law and all the legal documentation. Knowing the Marriage Act
they will be able to guide you through legal relationship issues that impact on
your ability to enter a marriage contract. In addition to this the celebrant can
(and usually does) write your ceremony after consultation with you, gives you
ideas, makes adjustments, plans thoroughly, arranges a rehearsal, performs the
ceremony, takes responsibility for the marriage certificates, communicates with
the Dept of Births, Deaths & Marriages and generally makes sure the ceremony
runs smoothly and to your expectation. Celebrants are obliged to do ongoing
professional development each year and the Attorney General's Department
is extremely concerned that all Celebrants give their clients the quality of
service that is expected and there is a particular process for complaint
should this be necessary
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What would I expect to pay
for a Celebrant?
Celebrants charge what they believe their service is worth, there is no set fee.
For weddings you could expect to pay in the vicinity or $400 - $1000. Other
ceremonies are less, maybe $200 - $400. The quote does not relate to quality so
you would be advised to meet your Celebrant before committing yourself because
your choice will be based on how you relate rather than what you pay. It is
worth mentioning that the wedding is all about what the couple are saying to one
another on their wedding day, that is, the ceremony. Given that this is the most
important part of the day the cost of the Celebrant usually does not compare to
the cost of the food, flowers, musicians, dresses, car hire, etc.
When should I choose
my Celebrant?
Once you have decided on a date and a venue you should find a Celebrant. You
will need to know if the one you would like is free to do the wedding that day
and there are documents to be completed. The Celebrant will ask for a non
refundable deposit to secure the day for you.
How do I choose a
Celebrant?
Look for the sort of person who has the qualities that attract you in friendship
because this is probably the Celebrant who will give you the ceremony that will
leave you with happy memories. The price will not answer this question for you.
My Celebrant said I should go to a counselor, is this right?
No, not really. It is a requirement that every Celebrant encourages couples who
want to get married to attend a Pre Marriage Preparation programme. Obviously
this is different from counselingï, and what a great thing it is. Let's face it,
when one is deeply in love, you don't always see the things that could niggle
later. We, as Celebrants, along with the Attorney General, really want our
couples to live happily ever after, and we all know this is not the case
given the high rate of divorce in our country. It is a very helpful thing to do,
to have pre marriage preparation and there are several organizations the
Celebrant can, and should, tell you about.
Is a
Wedding Rehearsal
necessary?
It is in your interest to have a rehearsal. Not only is it an opportunity to
iron out any queries, it is often an opportunity for the wedding party to relax
together in fun before the big event. It need not necessarily be at the venue.
From the Celebrant's point of view it is a good time to complete another
document that will need to be signed before the wedding and also to
receive full payment rather than on the wedding day when there are other things
on our minds.
I would like to have
children at my wedding.
What do you think?
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Many couples agonize over the question of whether to invite children to their
wedding. Regardless of whether you want to invite your younger guests or feel
obligated to do so, it is important to remember that even the most cheerful and
well behaved child can become bored and disruptive. Take a child out of his or
her normal surroundings put them into a special and uncomfortable clothes break
their routine, land them in an adult setting - and it won't be long before they
are tired and bored. How can you keep kids entertained and having fun, enabling
parents to enjoy themselves?
At The Reception
they will not be interested in adult's etiquette, conversation and behaviour -
well not for long anyway. Consider having the staff serve the children their
meals first, even while the adults are standing enjoying entrees and drinks.
Children are not very patient when they are hungry and tired. Break the boredom
for children by creating specially designed spaces for them.
Eating
-
Depending on their ages, consider seating the children together and serving lots
of child-friendly and nutritious food. See if your venue can cater for more than
the usual chicken nuggets and fries. Make sure you know if any children have
diet intolerances such as nuts and wheat products. Consider asking a few
teenagers at your wedding to supervise these tables.
-
Children from the age of four will love a waiter greeting them, putting a napkin
in place and even explaining the menu.
-
If seating children together is not an option, place a special wedding guest bag
at their place to keep them entertained until the meals are complete.
Entertainment
-
Set up a large table for the children filled with inexpensive toys and
activities. Make sure the table is not near the exit doors. Cover the table with
white craft paper and add a centerpiece of a basket with items such as:
-
crayons
-
non-permanent markers
-
paper
-
glitter glue sticks
Get your best man or a guest to collect artwork as it is completed and write
each child's name on their work of art. In years to come you will love to show
your artwork to the artist.
Professional Assistance
-
If you are concerned about asking guests to look after younger children for an
hour or so, you can hire a professional babysitter or mobile creche service.
Look at their experience, insurance and references, as well as their
qualifications. With any childcare, professional or voluntary, it is important
to check how many children each adult is able to legally look after at one time.
Caring for the Babies and Toddlers
-
Arrange for a mums and bubs room for guests with young children where they can
feed, change nappies and settle babies away from other guests. Ensure there is
ample and comfortable seating and facilities. If you can get hold of a few
portacots, guests who are parents of young children will never forget your
thoughtfulness.
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Why is there such a fuss about
wedding flowers?
Since the beginning of time flowers have been used to represent emotions and
merits. Early roman brides carried bunches of herbs under their veils
symbolising fertility and fidelity as well as to ward off evil spirits. Ivy was
used in ancient Greece as a sign of everlasting and unbreakable love. The
ancient Saracens chose orange blossoms to represent happiness and fulfillment
because the orange tree blooms and bears fruit simultaneously.Bridesmaid's
bouquets were originally made up of strong smelling herbs such as rosemary and
garlic instead of flowers. This was to ward off evil spirits that may have been
eyeing off the bridal party. The following are some examples of how flowers have
been used in different customs in the past;
America-
In Louisiana, jazz musicians lead a procession to the reception venue from the
church, followed by bridesmaids twirling umbrellas decorated in flowers.
Austria
- Brides crowned their veils with Myrtle, which is the flower of life.
England - The wedding party and the village bride always walked to the
church together. A small girl would lead the procession scattering blossoms
along the road so the bride's path through life would always be happy and filled
with flowers.
Germany
- The bride and groom held candles decorated with flowers & ribbon.
India
- The groom's brother sprinkles flower petals on the bride and groom at the end
of the ceremony to ward off evil spirits.
Samoa
- The bride wears a fresh flower leis and a mother-of-pearl crown.
Sweden
- Bridesmaids carried bouquets of pungent herbs to frighten away trolls and the
groom stitched thyme into his clothes.
Switzerland
- After the vows have been takes, the bride's floral wreath, which symbolises
her maidenhood, is removed and set on fire by the mistress of ceremonies. If it
burns quickly it is considered to be lucky.
You may have a tradition that has been used in your family that you would like
to incorporate into your wedding ceremony and celebrations. Some modern floral
traditions include; The bride presents a single flower from her bouquet to her
mother on her way down the aisle, and one to her new mother in law on her way
back up the aisle after she has been married.
Do you have a well-behaved pet pooch? Some couples are now decorating their pet
dogs in flowers and placing a small ring pillow around their neck. They take the
place of a ring bearer or pageboy.
Have your bridal bouquet preserved and
framed so you will have it always as a memento from your special day.
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Do you need to be an Australian Citizen to
marry in Australia?
No. Anyone may marry in Australia providing you are both over the age of 18 and
not legally married. If one or both of you is between 16 and 18,you are required
to obtain parents consent on the required form and a court order under Section
12 of the Marriage Act.
How much 'Notice' must be given to be married in Australia?
At least 1 month and 1 day. (In exceptional circumstances the Registrar may
approve a shortening of time for the 'Notice')
Do we need to be in Australia a certain time before we can marry?
No. You can marry the day that you arrive from overseas if you wish. However, by
law Celebrants must receive the
Notice of Intended Marriage form
from you at least 1 month and 1 day before the wedding. To be on the safe side,
send it early.
Will the marriage be recognised in my own country?
Yes. You should confirm this with your own government agency which records
marriages in your country.
Can I marry anywhere in Australia?
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Yes. An Authorised Civil Marriage Celebrant is permitted to perform a wedding
ceremony anywhere in Australia that includes some of our beautiful remote
islands, rainforests, aeroplanes, boats, hot air balloons etc. Please be aware
that if the Celebrant has to travel interstate etc., the intended bride and
groom must pay for the travel costs and in some instances the accommodation.
Where is an Australian Embassy?
For Australian Embassies,
Consulates and Missions around the world
click here
Can we re-marry in Australia after being married in another country?
No. The only type of ceremony you would be able to have would be either a
Renewal Ceremony or a Commitment Ceremony
Can two people of the same sex marry
Some
celebrants will marry Same sex couples while others who are registered as
Religious Marriage Celebrants will not marry same sex couples.
How
many witnesses do
we need and can they be related to us?
You need two witnesses present at your Marriage Ceremony who are over the age of
18. Any person can act as a witness, even your parents. The Celebrant, however,
cannot act as a witness.
Can I use photo copies and certified copies of my legal documents?
No. All documents must be originals
Can we use legal paperwork that is in another language?
No. Before you can submit it, your paperwork will need to be translated into the
English language by a recognised/registered translator.
How do I find a translator in Australia?
If you require a translator or interpreter within Australia, please visit
NAATI website
Are Overseas Marriages recognized in Australia?
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The Attorney-General's Department has responsibility for developing policy about
issues relating to family law and marriage, including who can get married, who
can perform marriage ceremonies and the validity of overseas marriages. The
rules governing whether or not a marriage is valid under Australian law are to
be found in the Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961.
There are
currently no Australian diplomatic or consular officers appointed to solemnise
marriages overseas under Australian law.
Marriages entered
into overseas are generally recognised as valid in Australia
-
if the marriage was recognised as valid under the law of the country in which it
was entered into, at the time when it was entered into, and
-
providing the marriage would have been recognised as being legal under
Australian law if the marriage had taken place in Australia.
There is no
requirement to register a marriage in Australia which takes place overseas.
The foreign marriage certificate is prima facie evidence in Australia of the
occurrence and validity of the marriage.
Marriage to an
Australian citizen does not automatically guarantee entry of a citizen of
another country to Australia. The Department of Immigration and
Citizenship (DIAC) can advise on immigration to Australia.
You should consult
a legal practitioner if you need advice on whether a marriage which has taken
place overseas is recognised as being legal in Australia.
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The basic rule of
recognising foreign marriages is subject to a number of exceptions including:
-
where one of the parties was already married to someone else;
-
where one of the parties was under marriageable age (i.e. under 18 years of age)
and either of the parties was domiciled in Australia at the time of the wedding
under Australian law, exceptions to the requirement that both parties be 18 or
older can only be authorised by a judge of magistrate, and then only in respect
of a marriage between a person aged 16 or 17 and a particular person aged 18 or
over. An Australian court order only has effect in Australia for the
purposes of the recognition of the marriage in Australia;
-
where the parties are too closely related under Australian law (including
relationships traced through adoption) i.e. either as ancestor and descendant,
or as brother and sister (including half-brother and half-sister);
-
where parties to the marriage are both of the same sex;
-
where the consent of one of the parties was not a real consent due to duress or
fraud, mistake, or mental incapacity;
-
where a persons overseas divorce is not recognised in Australia.
(Parties
should consult a solicitor if unsure as to whether their marriage will be
recognised in Australia, including if there is doubt about an overseas divorce
being recognised by Australian authorities.)
What are the General Requirements for Overseas Marriages?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade cannot advise on the specific
requirements which may need to be met in order for a marriage to be legal in a
particular country. However, as a general guide only, the following
information may be of assistance.
We are getting married overseas, can you help?
An Australian celebrant cannot marry
you in an overseas country. We recommend that, before you leave,
you have your legal wedding in Australia, conducted by one of our
authorised celebrants. Then you are free to enjoy your
destination wedding celebration without the complications of
organising a legal wedding in a foreign jurisdiction.
Your Australian celebrant can also help you with your destination wedding
celebration. He or she will help you create a high quality and memorable
commitment ceremony for you to use overseas.
If you are sure you want a legal wedding overseas, you will need to contact
the embassy, consulate or local representative of the country where you plan to
marry, for information about that country’s legal requirements for marriage.
In some countries, you can book the entire wedding package through a tourist
resort, but the ceremony itself is likely to be “off the shelf” and not designed
around your individual needs.
Certificates of an Impediment to Marriage
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Certificates of No Impediment to Marriage are issued by the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade through overseas missions and state and territory
offices to Australian citizens seeking to marry overseas. Certificates of
No Impediment to Marriage are not a requirement of Australian law. They
are issued purely at the request of overseas countries seeking to ensure that a
marriage involving one or two Australian citizens, celebrated in that overseas
country, will also be recognised as a valid marriage by Australian
authorities.
pdf)
The forms are also
available from any state or territory office of the Department of Foreign
Affairs and Trade.
Some countries
will only accept Certificates of No Impediment issued by the local Australian
Embassy or Consulate in the country in which the marriage is to take place.
However, if authorities of the country in which the marriage is to take place
have advised that they will accept a Certificate of No Impediment issued in
Australia, you should complete the applicable application form for a Certificate
of No Impediment to Marriage and return it to your state or territory office of
the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Consular Fee for a
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage is $90.
In addition to the
Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage, the Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade can provide general advice on the requirements which may need to be met in
order for a marriage to be legal in a particular country. For exact
details of what requirements will need to be met, persons wishing to marry
overseas should contact the embassy or consulate of the country in which they
would like to marry. The following general information may be of
assistance.
Overseas marriage authorities often require evidence that the party is free to
marry. Such evidence may be a statement from the Registry of Births,
Deaths and Marriages that there is no record of the person having been
previously married. Authorities may also require divorce papers/death
certificate of a former spouse in the case of being divorced or widowed.
Overseas marriage authorities generally will also want to sight an original
birth certificate and the person's passport. Foreign marriage authorities
may have further additional requirements e.g. a requirement to reside for a
length of time in a country prior to a marriage taking place in that country.
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