Carlee Hay Celebrant

Absolutely.  There is a little bit of paperwork to complete to get you across the marriage finish line.  I am here to help you with this.  

1. The NOIM - this the "Notice of Intended Marriage" form.  This form must be lodged with me at least 30 days prior to your wedding date.  I will provide you with a questionnaire asking for some personal details and will need to see some ID (passport/drivers licence/birth certificate) plus other documentation (divorce or death certificate if you have been married before) etc.  I will lodge this form with the BDM registry on your behalf.

2. The DONLI - this is the "Declaration of No Legal Impediment" form and this is to be completed as close as possible to your wedding date (eg on your rehearsal day) and this is to capture any information which may have changed since completing the NOIM

3. Official Wedding Certificate - you get to sign two of these babies on the day of your wedding plus your commemorative marriage certficate.

The commemorative wedding certificate is just that - commemorative - it won't help you to change your name or appy for a passport.  It looks pretty but you will have to apply for an official marriage certificate to do this.  I can do this for you while you are on your honeymoon!  I will look after everything to you are officially registered and married!

Absolutely! Crafting your vows is like a romantic adventure for just the two of you. I'm like your vow sherpa, ready to guide you with a treasure trove of examples and support. So, plunge into the depths of your romance, toss clichés overboard, and focus on what makes your hearts flutter. And if you want to keep it just between you two, whisper those sweet nothings during the legal bit. It's your big day, so vow your way!

You will read your personal vows from beautiful vow card holders on the day and I will provide you with a copy of your vows  after the ceremony. 

Of course you can.  You will have unlimited access to me throughout the whole process.  Email, text, call, carrier pigeon or in person - it doesn't matter.  Please reach out to me to discuss anything about the wedding ceremony.  Plus I also might have a few pieces of advice about event organising - I've done a few.  I can also help you with vendors and will connect with them prior to your wedding so we are all on the same page.

A wedding rehearsal isn't compulsory, but I highly recommend it to my couples. It's like a dress rehearsal for the big show – we run through the ceremony to smooth out any jitters and make sure everyone knows their cues. From the grand entrance to the ring exchange, we'll rehearse every step so it's as perfect as your future partner's smile.

And the best part? It's on the house! It should only take up an hour of your time. Plus, it gives me the chance to reconnect with you and get acquainted with your bridal tribe.

If you decide to proceed down that path of changing your surname, once you have received your Offical Certificate of Marriage (which I can apply for on your behalf) you take that along with you to the bank, Transport Department, Passport office etc - wherever you want your name changed and show them your Official Certificate of Marriage and they will make the changes to your documents.

When you sign your commemorative marriage certificate and other paperwork on your wedding day, you still need to use your current name when signing.