FAQ's

Here are some questions which couples often ask.

What does the Celebrant do?

Attends to all your legal paperwork
Assists you to write a ceremony (using the 35 page Ceremony Guide) to suit your needs
Solemnise your marriage
Register your marriage with Births Deaths & Marriages after the ceremony

What are our first steps?

It is imperative that you book in your wedding date and time with the Celebrant as soon as you can - it is at this appointment you complete your Notice of Intended Marriage. Call to make an appointment on (02) 9884 7835.
The 'Notice of Intended Marriage' must ONLY be lodged with the Celebrant who is going to marry you (officiate the ceremony) and NOT with Births Deaths & Marriages
Your 'Notice of Intended Marriage' needs to be completed no less than a calendar month prior to marriage but it is strongly advisable to complete this with me as soon as you have decided on the date and time for your ceremony.
Most couples book months is advance, so it's advisable to call as soon as you can.
Only one person needs to visit the Celebrant to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. The other person can sign at a later date prior to marriage
If either the Bride or Groom are overseas then only the person residing in Australia needs to visit the Celebrant to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. The person who resides overseas can sign upon arrival in Australia just prior to the marriage.

If either of us are applying for immigration, what do we need to do?

Make an appointment with the Celebrant where you will complete and sign the Notice of Intended Marriage. The Celebrant will then type you the necessary letter for the Department of Immigration. Only one of you need to complete the form for this to be done. Call (02) 9884 7835 to make an appointment or email wendy2@bigpond.net.au

What does our fee include?

Unlimited appointment times with the Celebrant
Beautifully printed Civil Marriage Certificate
Preparation of all legal documentation prior to marriage
Typing and printing of you ceremony wording
Commemorative copy of your ceremony for your to keep as a memento
35 page Ceremony Guide with over 300 verses/poems/readings and a large selection of ceremony Introductions/Declarations/Vows/Promises to choose from
Use of the Celebrants portable microphone (generally used for over 20 guests)
Use of the Celebrants signing lectern (no table required)
Rehearsal/Run-through of your ceremony at the Celebrants Home/Office
All office typing and printing
Emails and faxes
Telephone calls (within Australia only)
Stationery and postage
Celebrants Assistant to assist bridal parties on arrival and to assist with any other general requirements at the ceremony
Most importantly – a very professionally presented ceremony by an experienced full-time Celebrant on the day of marriage!

What do I do if I can't find my documents?

If you were born in Australia, you can obtain a copy of your Birth Certificate (and if applicable, the Death Certificate of former spouse) from Births, Deaths & Marriages, in the state in which you were born.

If you have divorced and need a copy of your Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute, then this can be obtained from the Family Law Court in the state in which the marriage was dissolved.

The Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
35 Regent Street
Chippendale NSW 2000

Postal Address:
PO Box 30
Sydney NSW 2000

www.bdm.nsw.gov.au

What do we need to do after we are married?

British Commonwealth Residents:

After your marriage, all couples will need to obtain a registered copy of their Marriage Certificate. I can arrange all this for you, or you can obtain this yourselves the next working day from the Department of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

Residents from all other countries:

Some Non-British Commonwealth countries may require an Apostile or Authentication stamp to be placed on the reverse of your Registered Marriage Certificate. This is obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs and I can assist in obtaining this for you.

Note: You can do all this quite easily yourselves, however you will need to spend 3 working days in Sydney after your marriage to organise this.

Where can we get married?

There are many beautiful and romantic places you can get married in Sydney - parks, gardens, beaches, historic trust homes, Sydney Opera House, universities, lighthouse areas or on Sydney Harbour . Some parks and gardens require a fee for usage - the Celebrant can advise you and assist with your booking.

If you prefer an intimate ceremony you may choose your hotel or restaurant venue, or perhaps on a beach for a sunset wedding.

Some popular wedding venues are:
(Also visit my Resources page for more venues)

Copes Lookout Kirribilli
Gunners Barracks, Mosman
Royal Botanic Gardens
Centennial Park
Sydney Opera House
Balmoral Beach
Rocky Point - Balmoral
Observatory Hill - Millers Point
Sydney Harbour
Bondi Beach
Vaucluse House
Cronulla & Coogee Beaches
Elizabeth Bay House
Sydney Tower
Manly Beach
Oatlands House
Shelly Beach
University of Sydney
Old Government House - Parramatta
Ku-ring-gai National Park
Newport Mirage
McKell Park - Darling Point
Macquarie Lighthouse - Watsons Bay
Nielsen Park - Vaucluse
Curzon Hall - Marsfield
Taronga Function Centre
Darling Harbour - cafes/restaurants
Chinese Gardens - Darling Harbour
Swain Gardens - Lindfield
Eryldene House - Gordon

Can we choose spiritual or religious wording for our ceremony?

Yes. You are welcome to include any wording you feel reflects your beliefs or way of life.

Do we have to attend any pre-marital courses?

No. However, all Celebrants have course information should you wish to attend.

Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
Interrelate 1300 736 966
Anglicare 9895 8054

When do I need to book the Celebrant?

Most professional Celebrants are busy, so please book me as soon as you have decided on your date, time and venue. Call today for an obligation-free appointment.

Call today for an obligation-free appointment (02) 9884 7835

From outside Australia call: 61 2 9884 7835 or email wendy2@bigpond.net.au