The Mindful Sanctuary

-          Evidence of date and place of birth – one of the following documents

An Australian or International issued Passport: issued by the Australian government or a government of an overseas country showing the date and place of birth of the party: this evidence covers both the age and identity requirements.

-          Original birth certificate: an official (original) certificate of birth

-          Extract of birth in an official register: an official extract of an entry in an official register showing the date and place of birth of the party: you will then need to provide photo evidence for identity

-          Commonwealth Statutory declaration stating it is impracticable (this does not mean not practical or convenient; it means practically impossible) to obtain an official birth certificate or extract, and the reasons why, and - to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief and as accurately as the declarant has been able to ascertain, when and where the party was born. If born in Australia, in most cases, it is possible to gain this evidence so a statutory declaration would not be accepted unless in extreme cases. I can discuss this further at our meeting if you are having difficulty with this.

PLEASE NOTE: Language other than English: If the document a party provides as evidence of their date and place of birth is written in another language or alphabet, the couple should seek a translation of the document by an accredited translator. The National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters website – has a list of translators.

-          Establishing identity– Photographic evidence – one of the following documents

An Australian or International issued Passport: issued by the Australian government or a government of an overseas country showing the date and place of birth of the party: this evidence covers both the age and identity requirements.

Driver’s license

Proof of age card/photocard

A Certificate of Australian Citizenship along with another form of photographic evidence (such as a student card or other photo identification not listed above).

-          Eligibility to Marry - Marital Status

Never Validly Married (no evidence required – you will sign a Declaration stating this)

If you have had a prior marriage annulled, you will require a court issued annulment

Widowed: (Evidence of death of spouse)

Divorced: (Evidence of divorce)

PLEASE NOTE: A Statutory declaration cannot be used for evidence OF MARITAL STATUS 

If from overseas and you have not got this evidence then you must go to your embassy or to the family court to get evidence

-          Proof of Age

Couples must provide evidence that both parties are over 16 or marriage cannot occur

If both parties have proof, they are over 18 by date of marriage no other evidence is required, as long as the party will be 18 on the day of wedding then the NOIM can be signed.

If one party will be under 18 at the time of intended marriage then the following evidence is required. Both parties cannot be under 18:

-          Magistrates Court Order

PLUS

-          Letter from parents giving permission

A court issued court order for underage marriage is only eligible for 3 months any court order older than 3 months is no longer valid.

Under age forms are available from the Attorney General Department’s website.

I can receive a NOIM if a divorce is pending. A NOIM can be received by a celebrant even though a party is, or both parties are, still married to another person at the date of receipt of the NOIM. In such cases it is sufficient that the married party or parties note when filling in the NOIM that they are still married, that a divorce order is being sought/or pending and the date upon which the divorce is expected to be finalised. However, the marriage cannot be solemnised unless evidence of the divorce is given to the celebrant prior to the solemnisation of the marriage.

It is the responsibility of the celebrant to submit all of the legal paperwork to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages 14 days after the marriage is solemnised. The legal marriage certificate can be purchased from Births, Deaths and Marriages after the marriage has been registered by the BDM. Most of my packages cover this cost so please discuss at time of booking. 

That is fine we can organise an interpreter and I will work closely with them to ensure that we follow the legal requirements and get the appropriate paperwork signed. Any cost of the interpreter will be required to be paid by the couple getting married, As your celebrant I do not cover this cost. 

Yes pets are most welcome and embraced as long as they pose no threat to the guests and will be calm throughout the ceremony. We will discuss how your pet can be included and put strategies in place to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and the safety of everyone is maintained.

Of course weddings are a wonderful way of celebrating your loved ones. There are many ways that we can bring people into the ceremony we will discuss this when we meet.

There are two aspects of the ceremony that must be included and must be said by law.

These are the monitum - spoken by the celebrant and the legal vows spoken by the couple. These components are what ensures the marriage is legal. I will talk you through this when we meet. Apart from these components however, the rest of the ceremony is all about you and you can have as little or as many additions to make your ceremony exactly as you want it. 

Of course the signing of the paperwork is also a legal requirement to make the marriage official. 

I will discuss the style of your wedding with you throughout the planning and will be sure to dress to match your style and to blend in with your colour scheme. I have attire for a wide range of weddings from formal to informal, casual, indoor, outdoor or special themes. If you choose a themed wedding, I am happy to dress accordingly – even if this means dressing as Donald Duck, Elvis Presley or any other character that suits your theme!

It will be dependent on the type and location of the wedding and the ceremony you choose. I have standard rates and work from there. I like to meet clients and get a full understanding of your day and what is required before I quote my services. My fees are very competitive and there are also many additions and high-quality touches you get as added extras. You will know the exact charge for my services during the first meeting, and this will be signed from the start under a service agreement to ensure transparency and no surprises after the agreement has been signed.