Nicola Wilson Celebrant

Technically all celebrants should have the same skills and qualifications. To become a celebrant we must complete a Cert IV in Celebrancy and be approved by the Attorney General. Celebrants are also required to complete at least 5 hours compulsory training each year to maintain their licence, and to constantly learn and improve. We also have to comply with a celebrants' code of practice, as well as have a thorough understanding of the Marriage Act, its guidelines. That includes who can marry, the appropriate timelines, the information required by each party to the marriage and potential issues in completing the necessary paperwork. 

As an accountant in my 'other life' with a legalistic mind, this part of the marriage process is second nature to me. Recently I've even been engaged to train other celebrants for their annual compulsory training.

Other qualities that set marriage celebrants apart are ability to listen and retain knowledge, empathy, creativity, approachability and a sense of humour. I'm there to support you all the way, take away the nerves and make sure your ceremony is just the way you want it. 

First we have a chat with no obligation. It's important that you check out a few celebrants and work out who you gel with. Choose a celebrant you trust, you like, and who makes you feel at ease. 

If you choose me, we start the process as follows: 

1. Initial session to talk about your wedding plans and general logistics. Ideally this will be in person if geography allows, but otherwise by video call or phone. 
2. Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage more than one month before the wedding date. If we can't do this together in person you will need an authorised person to witness your signatures. Completing the notice requires you to provide personal information about you and your parents. I'll also need to see photo ID, proof of date and place of birth (birth certificate or passport) and proof that any past marriages have ended. 
3. Draft a personalised marriage ceremony. This may be just the minimum legal wedding, or include personal vows, readings, ritual, music, etc. The beauty of a civil ceremony is you have full control. We can go through a number of drafts to arrive at your final ceremony (note elopement packages are a short legal ceremony but can be adapted to suit). 
4. Attend a wedding rehearsal if you would like, and meet to complete the final paperwork (the Declaration of no Legal Impediment to your marriage). 
5. Your wedding day! I arrive at least 20 minutes before your ceremony to set up and check in with any other people involved in the ceremony (such as readers). I have a small PA system with wireless microphone that can be used for the ceremony as well as to play music. Your ceremony may take anything between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, after which we and your two witnesses sign 3 marriage certificates (one for you, one for me, one for the state Births, Deaths and Marriages office). Then I have a photo with you, and leave you to your reception! 
6. Within 2 weeks of your marriage I register it with the state Births, Deaths and Marriages office, after which you will receive an offical marriage certificate. You'll need this if you want to change your name. 

Yes. I have a small PA system with a wireless microphone that we can use for the ceremony. I also have a wired mic as back up, which can also be used by a musician, MC, etc. Music can be played from a phone or ipod via a wire or Bluetooth (if connected before the ceremony). 

Absolutely! I still get emotional when I get to say "the union of two people" X

We can work out the best place to meet when we talk, but ideally we will meet at my home office. It's private, comfortable, quiet, plenty of parking and has everything we might need at hand! I find that meeting at local cafes can be a little hard as they can be  noisy, we get stains on the paperwork and have to discuss some private matters in public. But whatever works for you :)

My home is in Tewantin, near Noosa Marina. It's also a possible spot for a small, simple wedding!