Shae - The Really Really Good Celebrant

For me, there are no “shoulds.” There are lots of traditions that most of us will be familiar with when it comes to wedding ceremonies: the processional, the “I dos,” the exchange of rings and so on.  

But guess what… your day is totally up to you. I encourage you to include only what truly resonates with you. I want to make your ceremony your own.

The only aspects that MUST be incorporated into your ceremony to ensure you are legally married are:

• Celebrant delivers “the monitum” - three legally required sentences including the definition of marriage according to Australian law
• The parties to the marriage (that’s you!) share the legally required vows
• Three certificates are signed by the parties to the marriage, their two witnesses and the celebrant 

So, if only the legally required components of the ceremony are delivered, the whole shebang would take just a few minutes. Everything else is totally up to you! This is super exciting because that means we can make your ceremony exactly as you want it. 

First, we meet up and complete a Notice of Intended Marriage and A Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marry. This needs to occur no later than one month and one day prior to your ceremony. I will need to see your original birth certificates or current passports. 

Depending on your circumstances, there may be other requirements. Once we have had a chat I can let you know what these may be.

During the ceremony three certificates will be signed by the marrying parties (that’s you!), their two witnesses and the celebrant. I will send one to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, I will keep one in my own Register, and I will give you a commemorative certificate to keep. 

Absolutely! It is certainly possible to have a celebrant deliver only the legally required components of your marriage ceremony. I am very happy to be part of this. Enquire with me for a quote.

Just make sure your friend or family member fully understands what is expected of them – it can be a lot of pressure. 

I LOVE surprise weddings! Yes!

Whether you’re wanting to incorporate a surprise wedding into a birthday party, engagement party or some other occasion… I am bang up for it! 

One of my favourite parts is coming up with a cover story so I blend in with the guests before the surprise is announced. So far I’ve been a Yoga buddy, an old school friend and a former colleague. Of course, the best part is the roar when people finally learn that a marriage is about to be officiated. 

It’s important for me to point out that whilst you can keep your wedding a surprise from your guests, one party to the marriage cannot surprise the other party to the marriage. Both parties to the marriage need to be fully aware of what is happening to ensure consent. All of the paperwork requirements are the same, including completing a Notice of Intended Marriage no later than one month and one day prior to the ceremony. 

Mmmmmaybe. For me, it really depends on what we have planned for your ceremony.

For example, I recently officiated a wedding where there were four young flower girls, five readings, the igniting of two candles and a hand-fasting. With all of this going on, it was really important that everyone involved could practice their part. Even seemingly little things like people knowing where to stand can make a big difference to how it all comes together on the day.

Once we know what your ceremony will involve we can decide whether to have a rehearsal. 

A modest fee can be negotiated if you do decide you would like a rehearsal.