Wow that's a great question and one I'm asked often. Your children can be included through a range of ways and not just in the wedding party. Consider asking them to do a reading or a poem - I have loads in my resources.

How about asking each of them to light their own candle and all together using those candles to light the new unity candle symbolising the joining of your families.

Or each could participate in blending coloured sand into a gorgeous jar or vase which is kept forever.

If they suffer a bit from stage fright and don't want to participate out loud in the ceremony they can write you a love note to include in a time capsule.

I have dozens of ideas and love sharing them with couples and their extended families.

Let's chat about this over a coffee or some bubbles.

Absolutely not!

If it's not your thing then you don't have to include it - there are a few compulsory words which are required in every marriage ceremony, but they're not related to rings, so if it's not your thing, let's work on leaving it out. 

There are loads of other things you can include or not. The day / ceremony should only be about you celebrating your love for each other with the people who mean the most to both of you. 

Call me to see what other options I can offer you. 

A Marriage Celebrant is responsible for ensuring the marriage is legally conducted and that all paperwork is registered in a manner compliant with the Marriage Act 1961. There is a requirement for the following paperwork to be completed and lodged:

• Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) - this must be completed and lodged with your chosen Celebrant between 1 month and 18 months of the wedding date.
• Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DoNLI) - this is usually completed closer to the wedding date, at the rehearsal is a good idea. 
• Wedding Certificate and Marriage Register - will be signed following the wedding. 

Apart from the legalities, a Marriage Celebrant will meet with you to determine your needs.  It is usual for a Celebrant to provide you with a long questionnaire, its important that you take the time to complete this fully as it will give your Celebrant information to write your ceremony. They will work with you to craft a beautiful ceremony for your event. This will include meeting as many times as it takes, emails and phone calls to satisfy you.

The Celebrant is often responsible for providing a PA system to ensure all your guests are included in the event and can hear your ceremony clearly.

The Celebrant can incorporate a number of rituals into the Ceremony including but not limited to:

• Candle lighting
• Sand pouring
• Hand fasting
• Ring ceremony
• Jumping the broom
• ring warming
• wine ceremony
• Love letters
• Time capsule
• Tree planting
• Cultural rituals

There are many other options for rituals, just ask me for suggestions. 

The Celebrant will also attend your rehearsal and this is highly recommended.

Following the marriage ceremony the Celebrant will ensure the documentation is delivered to the office of Births Deaths and Marriages and is legally registered. 

Notice of Intended Marriage. This document must be completed one month prior to the actual date but can be completed up to 18 months ahead of the actual date. 

This form is usually completed in the presence of the Celebrant. The Celebrant must sight legal documentation  including birth certificate, passport, drivers licence etc. 

Declaration of No Legal Impediment. This form is usually signed very close to the wedding date, often at the rehearsal. This form is where the couple declare that they do not consider there is anything which could impede the forthcoming marriage. 

Official Certificate of Marriage. This is completed once the ceremony itself is done. Both parties to the wedding,  the witnesses and the Celebrant sign this document. 

As many times as needed to satisfy you that the ceremony will be what you want. 

There will be an initial telephone enquiry from you to determine whether I am free on your preferred date. 

This will be followed up with an obligation free introduction to each other meeting, in person. 

You need to be sure that I am the right person for you and that I match your style. 

Once you agree to contract me we will meet to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. I will also ask lots of questions about you and your relationship. I will take lots of notes.

We will generally not meet again unless you want to have a rehearsal prior to the actual date.

Then there is the day itself. 

If however you feel you need to contact me on any other occasion, please feel free to call, email, text or ask for a meeting with me.