Vivienne McCullagh CMC

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime moment - you want it to be perfect, and finding the right celebrant that fits your vision for the ceremony is absolutely critical.  The only way to find the perfect celebrant is to contact them and meet with them in person, starting with celebrants that have websites, media and recommendations that resonate with you.

Don’t settle for a celebrant that you’re not comfortable with.  A good celebrant will:

• Inform you of the legalities of a civil marriage
• Explain all the paperwork required
• Give you plenty of ideas and tips for planning before your big day
• Listen to your ideas and seek to integrate them into your wedding ceremony
• Make sure your wedding day is memorable and stress free.

In terms of my experience as a wedding celebrant, I can offer couples a fresh, youthful and personable approach to wedding celebrations.  My speciality is being able to customise and tailor ceremonies that will reflect the unique personalities of the couple.  

In terms of legal documentation for your marriage, you will need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage Form. This can only be officially lodged with me no earlier than 18 months and no later than one month before the date of the marriage.  You also need to provide proof of identification, address and eligibility to marry during this time.  Please visit my Wedding Process page for more information.

Shortening of the statutory period (1 month) of notice under the Marriage Act can only be granted in extraordinary circumstances as per below:

• Employment-related or other travel commitments
• Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
• Medical reasons
• Legal proceedings
• Error in giving notice

If any of your documents are not in English, you will be required to have them translated by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited translator.  In the event that a translator needs to be present at any meetings and even the wedding ceremony, again, only a NAATI accredited translator can be used. 

I encourage as much input from all my couples for their ceremony - after all it is your wedding!  The Australian Marriage Act 1961 has a few legal requirements that must be said in the ceremony, but other than this, I am more than happy to incorporate your ideas, and involve whomever you want in your ceremony.