Christopher Steele

Christopher Steele

Dear Paula,

You can find a list of Religious Marriage Celebrants here: https://marriage.ag.gov.au/commonwealthcelebrants/religious . I don't know if any of these are necessarily Catholic but quite likely some are. You'd probably have to phone a few and ask them.

On the other hand - If it is not as important for the celebrant to "Profess the Catholic Faith" but you'd simply like some scripture readings during the ceremony (whether read by the Celebrant or even, perhaps by one or two of your guests); then I would say many "non-religious" celebrants would still be perfectly happy to accommodate this for you.

For instance, I know my company, Simple Weddings, would be happy to do that. So if that might be suitable, you could see all of our options at www.simpleweddings.com.au and either book online or call us to book your wedding.

I hope this is helpful, regards Chris

Christopher Steele

The short answer: In your particular instance you really need to ask the Cooma Parish. After all, the Thredbo Chapel is their place.

A bit more info:

As for non-religious celebrants conducting weddings in Chapels or Churches, each situation is different. There are some chapels which are not really associated with churches but available for hire and you wouldn't need permission to marry without their own religious minister. In other situations you are pretty much bound to use their own minister but you'd have to check in each case.

I hope this is helpful regards Chris

Christopher Steele

The law of Australia requires that a couple sign a legal notice form, called "Notice of Intended Marriage" at least one calendar month prior to marrying in Australia. There is a provision of law which allows you to apply for a "shortening" of this legally required notice period, however it's not often granted. Here are the conditions under which it might be considered by the government:

1   Employment-related or other travel commitments

             (1)  The marriage should be solemnised despite the required notice not having been received in time because a party to the marriage or someone involved with the proposed wedding:

                     (a)  has employment commitments that require the party's absence from the location of the proposed wedding for a considerable period of time; or

                     (b)  has other travel commitments.

Example 1: A party to the marriage has accepted an offer of employment for imminent transfer or posting overseas or to a part of Australia distant from the location of the proposed wedding for at least 3 months, and wishes to be married with the party's family and friends present before the departure.

Example 2: A party to the marriage realises that a close relative or friend of the party is in Australia but the relative or friend has a non-redeemable ticket for departure from Australia within less than a month, and the party wishes the relative or friend to be present at the wedding.

             (2)  In determining whether a circumstance in subclause (1) is met, the prescribed authority may take into account the following:

                     (a)  documents relating to the employment commitments of a party to the marriage such as a letter of offer and a letter of acceptance;

                     (b)  documents relating to the travel of a person such as a dated receipt or a ticket;

                     (c)  any explanation provided for not giving the notice sooner;

                     (d)  any explanation provided for not postponing the proposed wedding;

                     (e)  whether hardship would be caused to a party to the marriage if the marriage is not solemnised as proposed;

                      (f)  any other matter that the prescribed authority considers relevant.

If you feel that you'd like to apply for a "shortening", (knowing that it might not be granted), I'm happy to help further. Please call me on 0402 340 651 or email to chris@christophersteele.com.au