FAQ

Why should we choose you?

I don't think your ceremony should feel like the boring bit you have to get through before the party starts.

My job is to tell your story in a way that feels like you, whether that's funny, relaxed, sentimental, a little bit cheeky, or a combination of all four. I spend time getting to know you properly, rather than handing you a generic ceremony template with your names dropped into it.

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Can you write a wedding ceremony that isn't cheesy or overly romantic?

Absolutely. In fact, that's one of my favourite things to do.

A personalised ceremony doesn't have to mean endless declarations of undying love or sentences that sound like they came from a wedding Pinterest board. Your ceremony can be meaningful without being overly sentimental, and funny without turning into a comedy routine.

I'll take the things that are actually you - the stories, quirks, people, little moments and things you love about each other -  and turn them into a ceremony your guests will recognise as yours.

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We're pretty relaxed and don't want a really formal wedding. Can you do that?

Definitely.

Not every couple wants a traditional, formal ceremony where everyone sits quietly while someone talks at them for half an hour. Your ceremony can be relaxed and still feel special and well put together.

Whether you're having a backyard wedding, a small gathering, a big party or something somewhere in between, I'll help create a ceremony that suits the two of you rather than what you think a wedding ceremony is supposed to look like.

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We don't really know what to say in our vows. Can you help?

Absolutely. Pretty please don't use Chat GPT to write your vows - let me help you!!! HAHA!

I'll give you guidance on what makes good vows, what you might like to include and how to keep them sounding like something you would actually say.

And if standing up in front of everyone and saying deeply personal things isn't your idea of fun, there are other ways to make your promises meaningful without making you anxious. I firmly believe that if you are starting to dread your wedding day because the thought of vows is intimidating - we need to reevaluate!

 

Do you perform elopements and small weddings?

Yes. I love them so much. 

An elopement doesn't have to mean disappearing to a mountain with two witnesses and no one else. It can be just the two of you, a handful of your favourite people, or a small celebration with the people who matter most. 

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Can we have a legal-only wedding ceremony?

Sure can!

If you don't want a big personalised ceremony and simply want to get legally married without all the fuss, I offer legal-only options too.

We'll take care of the required legal formalities and keep the day simple, relaxed and focused on getting you officially married.

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Do you travel for weddings?

Yes. I'm based in North Brisbane and regularly travel throughout Brisbane, Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

That includes coastal weddings, country properties, private homes, farms, estates, small elopements and everything in between.

If you're somewhere outside my usual service area, you're still welcome to ask. I'll let you know what is possible based on the location and date.

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Do you travel to the Sunshine Coast hinterland?

Yes.

I love the hinterland, especially the relaxed, beautiful setting it gives couples who want something a little different from a traditional wedding venue.

Maleny, Montville and surrounding hinterland areas are within the region I travel to for weddings and elopements.

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Do you marry couples anywhere, or only at wedding venues?

Pretty much anywhere a marriage ceremony can legally and safely take place.

You don't need a traditional wedding venue. I've worked with couples getting married in all sorts of places, and one of the fun parts of being a celebrant is helping make the ceremony work with whatever you've chosen.

A private property, backyard, park, beach, yacht, farm, restaurant or wedding venue can all make a beautiful setting for a ceremony.

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Do you only marry heterosexual couples?

I marry everyone!

I'm proudly inclusive and welcome couples of all backgrounds, identities and orientations. Everyone deserves a ceremony where they feel comfortable and can be themselves. 

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How far in advance should we book a celebrant?

As early as you can, particularly if you've already chosen your date and venue.

Popular Saturdays can book well in advance, but it's always worth asking about your date. "Cool" dates also book out incredibly fast (eg. 25.5.25).

If you're planning an elopement, weekday wedding or smaller ceremony, you may have more flexibility.

 

What if we're not really “wedding people”?

Then you are probably my kind of people. Which I do realise sounds kinda weird for a Marriage Celebrant to say....

But you don't need to love wedding traditions, have a Pinterest board full of ceremony ideas or know what you're supposed to do. The most important thing is that when you look back at your ceremony, it feels like the two of you - not a performance of what a wedding is "supposed to" be.

 

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:

• that you are both 18 or over (if you aren’t - additional legal conditions and advice are required)

• neither of you are married to someone else

• your partner is not your ancestor, descendant or sibling - through birth, or adoption. This means you cannot marry your parent/grandparent/child/sibling.  

• you are both consenting to the marriage.

 

Before the marriage you will need to:​

• 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.

• Choose a celebrant that you love, and book them in for your chosen date!

• Give your celebrant a minimum of one month’s notice via the form “Notice of Intended Marriage” otherwise known as a the NOIM

• 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

• Your celebrant is legally required to provide you with a brochure that provides information about available relationship services, education and advice. 

• 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.

• 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:

• Your marriage celebrant must identify themselves and the couple

• Your marriage celebrant needs to to ensure you understand the meaning of marriage, by quoting the monitum.

• The couple need to say their legal vows to one another. 

• 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. 

• 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 you are 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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