OVERVIEW
We can do this... we just need to be creative and flexible. With the latest relaxation of the Covid-19 rules, weddings are going forward... with a little different format. Social distancing applies, gathering limits are growing larger, and there is a little more documentation needing attention. All in all, a good sign as South Australia has been doing a great job of staying ahead of the virus.
Marriage... this is a very person thing between two people. Sharing it may be difficult during the COVID-19 Rules period of isolation. Be it is STILL about the two of you. What can we do to celebrate the two of you now... and the whole family, friends, and loved ones at a later date? The 'lock down' will not last and my calendar is still very flexible.
After living 35 years in Alaska and being asked to help perform a couple of bush weddings for friends in the ‘Alaskan Out Back’, I realized I have a strong belief in the celebrations of life.
In this increasingly crazy world we live in, when someone can find their soulmate, this is the beginning of something very special.
As a storyteller from a young age, I also love to express feelings, passions, and life with words. Every couple has a unique and wonderful story to tell.
I would love to help you start a new chapter in your story.
About
The associated photo is me speaking recently at an open air meeting. Through the years, I've had quite a bit of experience speaking publicly as an educator, orator, and prelate to name a few. I believe in the institution of marriage, and as a writer, believe with a little work together, your wedding day can be made even more special. It is my hope that I can do that with you. I'll be posting an audio/video of a little public speaking soon so you can see (and hear) what you think. Thank you!
Mr. Mitchell Coulthard
Celebrant
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As an Australian Celebrant new to Easy Weddings, I am offering a $100 discount for my first three official bookings through the Easy Weddings Website.
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I'm American born, educated in Las Vegas, Nevada, forty-five years in Data Processing and Information Technologies - the last thirty-five before coming to Australia as an Alaskan business owner and technologies consultant. Having decided I needed to figure out what I wanted to do 'when I grow up', I chose to sell my business and take a serious sojourn... kind of like taking a rather late gap year. Ending up in Australia, I reconnected with someone I had worked with online many years ago. We had a cup of coffee... and she would not let me leave. Now retired (mostly) from technologies, I've begun my new vocation and avocation as a writer and celebrant.
Celebrant fees vary widely – from $250 right up to $1500 and more. I’ve found the average to be about $650, varying with popularity and experience of the celebrant. I choose to anchor my fees here for the time being. But, with the variability in wedding ceremonies, am delighted to discuss options and see what we can do for you.
My fee includes meeting with the couple – several meetings – the writing of the ceremony, the performance of the ceremony, and lodgement of all paperwork. I like to include some extras to the ceremony to make it all the more special for you. I am a bit of a stickler for organisation so I often use checklists and insist upon at least one full rehearsal - usually performing several rehearsals by myself to be certain everything flows and is ready for your big day.
Beyond my base fee, there are occasionally additional charges such as travel. You may also wish to include additional ceremonies such as a Sand Ceremony, Water Ceremony, perhaps including kids and family members. I try to include as much as I can without affecting the price, but it’s a good idea to discuss all of these upfront so there are no surprises.
An Australian marriage celebrant qualified to perform marriage ceremonies anywhere in Australia, must be registered with the Attorney Generals’ Department and have carried out training (including yearly training) in order to perform their role. Australian celebrants can’t just register online without this specialised training. You can check your celebrant has the qualifications to legally perform your ceremony by checking with the Attorney’s General Office online.
https://marriage.ag.gov.au/commonwealthcelebrants/all
It is required that you provide a deposit at the time of booking your wedding day. The balance is to be paid prior to the wedding, typically the latest time is at the rehearsal or one to two weeks prior to your wedding. If not paid in full, the service is not to go forward.
The first document required is called the Notice Of Intended Marriage (NOIM). Previewing this document is helpful in knowing what is required. There are specific date requirements for the NOIM requiring that is completed no later than one month and one day before the wedding, and no earlier than 18 months prior. You can view the NOIM here -
https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Documents/New-notice-of-intended-marriage.pdf
It is helpful to bring your paperwork to the first meeting – ID, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses, passports, and any marriage/divorce related paperwork. Your situation may vary a little and we can discuss that at the first meeting. Once your booking is confirmed, all required documents and dates for sighting will be discussed.
I have a high-quality sound system with dual speakers and remote power – this enables me to perform a wedding service just about anywhere. Some venues provide this equipment and it is important I check with the management and you to assure readiness. My system allows for multiple microphones and multiple inputs to play music from Bluetooth devices, guitars, vocals, or more as needed to assist you with your ceremony music choices. Depending on how complicated the music and/or vocal requirements are, it may be necessary to have someone separate assigned to running the music system for the timing and choices of music and readings.
November 2020
Expert Advice
As a wedding professional, Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.
Get Expert AdviceGuide to writing our own vows
We're wondering if there are some guidelines or where we can start to write our own vows? Like, an easy step by step process. Knowing which parts have to be said and which parts we can change/make our own. Thanks!
Do celebrants have a backup celebrant in case of emergencies?
Hello. I was wondering what happens if our celebrant is sick or something happens and they can't come to our wedding on the day? Do they usually have a backup celebrant in mind for this sort of thing? And how does it work with the legal side, would our marriage still be legal if another celebrant performed the ceremony? Thank you!
Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
Yes! Celebrants are a 'clan' of sorts. We pretty much always have someone we can call in for backup if needed. We often will converse with other celebrants sharing ideas and thoughts. However... it is a VERY good question to ask your celebrant. There are a few 'lone wolves' out there so it is certainly best to check.
Do celebrants travel and how far?
Hello. We're considering getting married in the country but are wondering, if we find the celebrant we love, if they generally travel to do weddings. How do they price for that?
Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
Indeed we do! You may find a few of us that prefer to stay 'in our own back yards', but for the most part, all are willing to travel if the proper considerations are made for mileage and time. If 'over night' or extreme distances are involved, you may find a smaller number willing to go great distances.
All that said, most of us do love to see a bit more of Australia when we can, so travel may be welcome more than you think.
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Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
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Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
Wow! That question has a thousand or more answers, easy! If you put into a Google search, you are likely to find millions of answers and examples. Your best bet, I think, would be to query something like 'sample australian wedding ceremony'. That would trim it down quite a bit for you. The wonderful thing about weddings in Australia is that they can be remarkably flexible and highly tailorable to YOUR desires and needs... with but one caveat - You MUST include the 'monitrum' required by Australian law that makes it official. Well, that, and of course, all the paperwork specific to Australian Marriage Law. Most Celebrants will offer a first meeting at no obligation so you can see if they have a 'style' that you like. That often includes a brief outline and/or sample of an Australian Wedding wtih some of its variabilities explained. This is where each celebrant excells in their own way. Some can be remarkabley poetic, others love to tell a story, and still others excell in the pomp and ceremony of a very fancy wedding. Keeping in mind there is a month waiting period after the paperwork is initiated before you can marry, and an 18 month window for 'the deed', you can usually take your time and check out a celebrant or three if you feel the need. Some of us are even happy to answer more directed questions in a DM if you like. For now, Congrats and have fun!!