We’re engaged! What do we do now?

Congratulations, this is such a wonderful time in your lives. What’s next? We need to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. This is one of the legal forms we will complete on the journey to your wedding day. This form needs to be completed and lodged with me at least ONE month before your wedding date and is valid for 18 months.

Can we meet?

Yes absolutely. We can meet over coffee at a cafe or via zoom, I am flexible and will fit in with you. We can have a casual chat about your wedding plans, I’ll explain how the ceremony process works and if you’re happy and you feel we’re a great fit, we can get started.

We have a friend or family member who would like to conduct the ceremony. Can we do this?

You most certainly can. You will need me to complete the legal paperwork and the legal components of the ceremony on the day but you can have your nearest and dearest conduct the rest of the ceremony. It’s a fun and exciting moment and something you’ll treasure.

What is the process to get us married?

Firstly we need to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage as mentioned above. We can meet to have a chat about your vision for your wedding and the types of ceremonies we can do.

Next I’ll give you a short questionnaire to complete just so I can get to know you a bit better. Once I receive the questionnaire back I’ll start writing your ceremony. I’ll send you a first draft for any changes. You have open email contact with me and I am happy to answer any questions or assist in any way.

We will arrange a rehearsal a week or two before the wedding, preferably at the venue or somewhere convenient. At the rehearsal I’ll explain what roles everyone will take, where to stand, what to do… you won’t be left high and dry!

You will also need to sign the next legal document, the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marry. I will also have a short conversation with each of you explaining that you are entering into a legal agreement with each other and that this is to be done willingly.

The rehearsal should take no more than 30 minutes.

What happens on the wedding day?

I will be in contact with you in the days leading up to your wedding day. On the day I will arrive with plenty of time to set up the ceremony space. I will bring my own professional PA system.

When the groom and his party arrive we will have a chat and I’ll answer any questions and explain anything you need to know. I’ll assist with getting you all set up in position ready for the bride to arrive.

I will then greet the bride when she arrives and ensure that everything is ok, no wardrobe malfunctions, overwhelming nerves will be dealt with (this is totally normal). When everyone is ready we will start the ceremony.

I will be in charge of the music and the bridal party will walk down the aisle into their positions then we will all be upstanding for the bride’s arrival!

We’ll cruise through the ceremony, cherishing every moment. Towards the end you will need to be seated at the signing table to complete the legal paperwork. You will also need your witnesses, I will ask them to come forward to the table. I’ll be there to help you get comfortable and guide you through where you all need to sign.

Once this is completed we will regroup at the ceremony space to complete everything and announce you as the newly married couple!

Do you take care of the paperwork after the wedding?

I will lodge all the paperwork with Births, Deaths & Marriages the next business day after your wedding. If you have chosen for me to order your official marriage certificate, I will arrange this for it to be sent to you by registered post. Normally you will receive the official marriage certificate in a week. You will need this to change your name.

If I want to change my name how do I do this?

Changing your name is purely up to you, you are not legally obliged to change your name. I will provide you with a Change of Name kit to help get you started.

You have add-ons to the ceremony packages. How do these work?

I hope to make your journey to getting married as easy and enjoyable as possible. I offer these add-ons so you have everything being arranged in one place, you don’t need to chase vendors.

These add-ons are obligation free, they are offered to make your planning journey a little easier. We can discuss your vision for your wedding and see how these add-ons could help you.

They are charged on an individual basis and are on top of the ceremony fee.