OVERVIEW
What couples will love about working with Hope Celebrancy for your Mornington Peninsula wedding:
Donna Hope loves getting to know people, and that connection is at the heart of her work as a wedding celebrant. Her journey into celebrancy began when friends asked her to officiate their wedding. Today, she creates modern, heartfelt ceremonies through Hope Celebrancy, taking time to understand each couple’s personalities, their history and what they want to say to one another. Intimate elopements, small gatherings and larger celebrations all receive her personal attention.
With more than 35 years of experience in communications, public relations, event management and politics, Donna brings strong public speaking skills and an organised approach to wedding planning. She holds a Certificate IV in Civil Celebrancy and received an Order of Australia Medal in 2024 for service to the people of Victoria and bowel cancer awareness. Couples can choose a straightforward legal ceremony or a bespoke experience with personal vow support and a rehearsal. Donna can also stay on as reception MC, guiding the formalities and working with suppliers throughout the evening.
Highlights of working with Hope Celebrancy:
Packages
Exclusive Offer
A short, personal ceremony for couples who want a simple wedding without traditional formalities. Donna can conduct the ceremony at a chosen location, such as a home, café, park or pub.
Includes:
One pre-wedding meeting to complete the required paperwork
Minimum legal wording required to solemnise the marriage
Ceremony at a location of the couple’s choice
Legal paperwork lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages
The ceremony takes approximately 10 minutes. Additional time is required for preparation, identity checks, paperwork and registration responsibilities, which Donna coordinates. Required pre-ceremony documents must be completed before the wedding.
Bookings for this package are accepted no more than six months in advance.
Exclusive Offer
A bespoke wedding ceremony written from scratch around the couple’s relationship, personalities and preferences.
Includes:
Multiple consultations to get to know the couple and their story
A fully personalised ceremony script
One-to-one support with writing personal vows
Ceremony rehearsal attendance
Unlimited communication throughout planning
PA system and wireless microphone
On-the-day wedding supplier coordination
Legal paperwork lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages
Exclusive Offer
Couples who book Donna as their celebrant can also enquire about adding reception MC services. Donna guides introductions, speeches and key formalities, working with the venue and wedding suppliers to keep the evening moving smoothly. Pricing is available on enquiry.
FAQ
Donna is based in the Mornington Peninsula and King Valley and is available to travel Australia-wide. Couples planning a destination wedding can discuss their location and travel arrangements directly with her.
Donna officiates weddings across Australia, including ceremonies at private homes, wedding venues, parks and beaches. Couples considering a ceremony on the water or in the air can discuss the specific location and arrangements with Donna.
Yes. Donna welcomes intimate elopements and micro weddings alongside larger celebrations. Couples can discuss the ceremony style and level of personalisation they would like. Enquiries about commitment ceremonies and vow renewals can also be directed to Donna.
Yes. Reception MC services are available for couples who book Donna as their celebrant. She can continue into the reception with an understanding of the couple’s plans, personalities and wedding day.
Donna introduces speakers, guides key formalities and manages transitions throughout the reception. She communicates with the venue, photographer, planner and other suppliers so everyone understands the timing and upcoming events.
Timing depends on the ceremony and its inclusions:
The Signature: Approximately 20–30 minutes of speaking time. Donna recommends allowing around 45 minutes for guest arrival, the ceremony and congratulations afterwards.
Micro wedding: Generally around 15 minutes.
Legals Only: Approximately 10 minutes, with preparation and paperwork arranged separately.
Entrances, readings, personal vows, rituals and document signing can affect the overall timing.
Couples generally need to give their authorised celebrant a completed Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month and no more than 18 months before the wedding. Donna explains the required evidence of identity, date and place of birth, and any previous marriage ending. She guides couples through the paperwork and lodges the marriage documents after the ceremony.
Couples are encouraged to enquire once their date and venue are confirmed, particularly for popular spring and autumn weekends. The Legals Only package has a separate booking window, with bookings accepted no more than six months before the wedding.
The Signature package includes multiple consultations, a bespoke script and unlimited communication during planning. Couples can discuss personal vows, readings, rituals and the overall tone of the ceremony. The Legals Only package includes one pre-wedding meeting and a short ceremony using the required legal wording.
Donna guides couples through the Notice of Intended Marriage, Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage and marriage certificates. She also lodges the required documents with Births, Deaths and Marriages after the wedding.
Yes. Hope Celebrancy holds $20 million Public Liability Insurance. Donna is a registered authorised marriage celebrant and a member of Australian Marriage Celebrants Inc.
Expert Advice
As a wedding professional, Hope Celebrancy offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.
Get Expert Advice
Get the best deals for your wedding with Easy Weddings only discounts and special offers.
Simply let us know which Easy Weddings' suppliers you've booked. Once verified, you'll get entries into the draw for your chance to win!
Your time is important. Get the information you need quickly. No fuss. No stress.
