FAQ
Your Questions
What do we have to do to get married in Australia?
First step - find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with!
This can be someone of any gender.
We must ensure:
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that you are both 18 or over (if you aren’t - additional legal conditions and advice are required)
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neither of you are married to someone else
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your partner is not your ancestor, descendant or sibling - through birth, or adoption. This means you cannot marry your parent/grandparent/child/sibling.
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you are both consenting to the marriage.
Before the marriage you will need to:​
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search your cupboards and files for your original birth certificate or passport! One of these documents will be required to confirm the date and place of your birth.
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choose a celebrant that you love, and book them in for your chosen date!
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give your celebrant a minimum of one month’s notice via the form “Notice of Intended Marriage” otherwise known as a the NOIM
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prove your identity to them (passport or drivers licence are great options), and if you’ve been married before, provide evidence that your prior marriage has ended
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your celebrant is legally required to provide you with a brochure that provides information about available relationship services, education and advice.
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Before your wedding, both of you will need to sign a declaration under the Marriage Act 1961. This confirms that there's no legal reason stopping you from getting married. It’s important to be honest and provide accurate details when completing this document, as it ensures the legality of your marriage.
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From 12 June 2024, all authorised marriage celebrants must meet with each of you separately and in person before the ceremony. This is a legal requirement for all marriages and ensures everything is in order.*I usually combine this with the declaration, so it’s all done in one easy step before your big day!*
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On the day of your ceremony - the legal requirements include:
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your marriage celebrant must identify themselves and the couple
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your marriage celebrant needs to to ensure you understand the meaning of marriage, by quoting the monitum.
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the couple need to say their legal vows to one another.
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You'll need two witnesses over the age of 18, and everyone involved – the couple and the witnesses – must be of sound mind. This means no overindulging in nervous drinks the morning of the wedding, or you will not be able to legally marry.
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the three required marriage certificates are to be signed by the couple, both witnesses, and the celebrant.​
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How did you determine your pricing structure?
I believe I have competitive pricing, that allows me to provide a great service - without compromising on quality. My pricing reflects the time, care, and energy I put into writing a unique ceremony that truly represents you both.
The majority of my work happens behind-the-scenes, like legal paperwork and preparation, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The amount of times I see posts on Facebook saying "I can't justify paying $X for a celebrant, when they are only there for an hour!" is incredibly frustrating.
From the initial meetings, writing, and revisions, to the big day itself, I make sure every detail is covered so your ceremony is exactly how you envision it.
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To be a registered Celebrant in Australia, I am required to pay an annual registration fee, as well as complete Ongoing Professional Development each year. On top of that, I needed to consider my equipment, as well as other administrative costs. I dedicate a lot of time to each couple, to ensure I capture their relationship in their ceremony. I also cover travel within a 100km round trip, provide a high-quality sound system, and unlimited phone and email support.
If you have something specific in mind, I’m always happy to chat and provide a custom quote that suits your needs. And if I’m not within your budget, that’s totally okay – I’d be happy to recommend some other amazing celebrants who might be a better fit!
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What happens if I am sick?
If, for any reason, I can’t make it to your wedding, don’t worry – I’m part of an amazing network of celebrants who support each other and can step in at short notice. My first call will always be to Married by Eryn (Eryn Truin). She’s covered for me before, and the couple – plus all the guests – couldn’t stop raving about her! We have a very similar style, so you’ll still get the relaxed, fun vibe you’re expecting.
I’ll take care of everything, from transferring payments to sending over all the legal documents and your ceremony script. The only thing you’ll need to do is show your ID (the same one you provided when we lodged the NOIM) to the new celebrant, and they’ll handle the rest!
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Where can I view your privacy policy?
My privacy policy is available for download here
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