What can you say other than life partner and husband and wife?

So many options when naming your partner in your ceremony. I love that people are adpating the language they use- all inclusivity is welcome! Some terms I use/my couples use are: loved one, spouse, soulmate, significant other, better half, best friend, beloved, lover, side kick, partner in crime, or a particular pet name you have, or their actual name! 

The only time you need to use husband/wife/spouse is during the legal vows. The remainder of the ceremony can be as creative as you like! 

You can do that in your personal vows. However, on the official paperwork and legal vows, you can only use husband, wife, or spouse.

In Australia, marriage celebrants have a degree of flexibility in the language and terminology used throughout the marriage ceremony, as long as the legal requirements are met. When reciting the Monitum (the legal wording required under Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1961), and the vows (as per Section 45(2) of the Marriage Act 1961), it is essential to include the specific legal wording required. Outside of these legal components, the celebrant and the couple can be as creative as they wish in terms of the language used to reflect their relationship.

When referring to the couple, there are many alternatives to "life partner," "husband," and "wife." Some of the terms include:

• Spouse
• Partner
• Significant other
• Beloved
• Better half
• Companion
• Consort
• Soul mate
• Other half
• Life companion
• Sweetheart

The selection of terminology can be based on the couple's preference, the nature of their relationship, and the type of ceremony they are looking to create. It is important to speak with the couple beforehand to understand the language that resonates with them and accurately reflects their union and shared values.

Always ensure that any terms used respect the inclusive and non-discriminatory spirit of the Marriage Act, which allows marriage between any two people, not just a man and a woman, following the amendments made in 2017 legalizing same-sex marriage in Australia.

Remember, the most important thing is that the language used in the ceremony is meaningful to the couple being married and that it meets the legally mandated requirements.

You can say anithing you like such as 

Ally, associate, colleague, companion. Friend, participant, accomplice, assistant, buddy. Chum, cohort, collaborator, Comrade, confederate, consort, crony, date, helper, helpmate
mate, pal. playmate

As others have mentioned the celebrant must use the words perscribed in the Marriage Act but for the rest of it, it is up to you,

This is a such a personal reflection of how you see each other and so important that the language you use really feels right! If you have nicknames for each other - then use them - it's your ceremony after all! One ceremony I was part of, the couple fondly referred to each other as 'pal', so when the time came to officially announce them as married, they chose to be referred to 'pals for life'.

Apart from your Mandatory Vows , you may use whatever names or terminology you are comfortable with- nicknames,etc. during your story. An idea for your introduction after signing documents is," Would now like to introduce you to our newly wedded couple Mr & Mrs....... , Simply their names , Mr & Mr .....,  Mrs & Mrs.....

      I wish you both every happiness

      Lynne Napflin

      Hooked on Love 

Some of the terms I've used are your forever partner in crime or Legal best friend. 

Hello thank you for your question,  basically yes theses are the only words, although you can also just use partner. 

At other times in the ceremony you can use your names.

Kind Regards,

Debbie 

You can use whatever words or descriptions when referring to your special other in the entire wedding ceremony 

excepting in the one sentence of the legal vows you both 

need to state partner, husband or wife, including the option of having both persons as a 

husband or wife. 

cheers 

Connie 

Mr & Mrs ...or Mrs and Mrs .... or Mr and Mr ... or simply their names. It really depends on how the couple would like to be introduced.