OVERVIEW
We can do this... we just need to be creative and flexible. With the latest relaxation of the Covid-19 rules, weddings are going forward... with a little different format. Social distancing applies, gathering limits are growing larger, and there is a little more documentation needing attention. All in all, a good sign as South Australia has been doing a great job of staying ahead of the virus.
Marriage... this is a very person thing between two people. Sharing it may be difficult during the COVID-19 Rules period of isolation. Be it is STILL about the two of you. What can we do to celebrate the two of you now... and the whole family, friends, and loved ones at a later date? The 'lock down' will not last and my calendar is still very flexible.
After living 35 years in Alaska and being asked to help perform a couple of bush weddings for friends in the ‘Alaskan Out Back’, I realized I have a strong belief in the celebrations of life.
In this increasingly crazy world we live in, when someone can find their soulmate, this is the beginning of something very special.
As a storyteller from a young age, I also love to express feelings, passions, and life with words. Every couple has a unique and wonderful story to tell.
I would love to help you start a new chapter in your story.
About
The associated photo is me speaking recently at an open air meeting. Through the years, I've had quite a bit of experience speaking publicly as an educator, orator, and prelate to name a few. I believe in the institution of marriage, and as a writer, believe with a little work together, your wedding day can be made even more special. It is my hope that I can do that with you. I'll be posting an audio/video of a little public speaking soon so you can see (and hear) what you think. Thank you!
Mr. Mitchell Coulthard
Celebrant
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As an Australian Celebrant new to Easy Weddings, I am offering a $100 discount for my first three official bookings through the Easy Weddings Website.
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I'm American born, educated in Las Vegas, Nevada, forty-five years in Data Processing and Information Technologies - the last thirty-five before coming to Australia as an Alaskan business owner and technologies consultant. Having decided I needed to figure out what I wanted to do 'when I grow up', I chose to sell my business and take a serious sojourn... kind of like taking a rather late gap year. Ending up in Australia, I reconnected with someone I had worked with online many years ago. We had a cup of coffee... and she would not let me leave. Now retired (mostly) from technologies, I've begun my new vocation and avocation as a writer and celebrant.
Celebrant fees vary widely – from $250 right up to $1500 and more. I’ve found the average to be about $650, varying with popularity and experience of the celebrant. I choose to anchor my fees here for the time being. But, with the variability in wedding ceremonies, am delighted to discuss options and see what we can do for you.
My fee includes meeting with the couple – several meetings – the writing of the ceremony, the performance of the ceremony, and lodgement of all paperwork. I like to include some extras to the ceremony to make it all the more special for you. I am a bit of a stickler for organisation so I often use checklists and insist upon at least one full rehearsal - usually performing several rehearsals by myself to be certain everything flows and is ready for your big day.
Beyond my base fee, there are occasionally additional charges such as travel. You may also wish to include additional ceremonies such as a Sand Ceremony, Water Ceremony, perhaps including kids and family members. I try to include as much as I can without affecting the price, but it’s a good idea to discuss all of these upfront so there are no surprises.
An Australian marriage celebrant qualified to perform marriage ceremonies anywhere in Australia, must be registered with the Attorney Generals’ Department and have carried out training (including yearly training) in order to perform their role. Australian celebrants can’t just register online without this specialised training. You can check your celebrant has the qualifications to legally perform your ceremony by checking with the Attorney’s General Office online.
https://marriage.ag.gov.au/commonwealthcelebrants/all
It is required that you provide a deposit at the time of booking your wedding day. The balance is to be paid prior to the wedding, typically the latest time is at the rehearsal or one to two weeks prior to your wedding. If not paid in full, the service is not to go forward.
The first document required is called the Notice Of Intended Marriage (NOIM). Previewing this document is helpful in knowing what is required. There are specific date requirements for the NOIM requiring that is completed no later than one month and one day before the wedding, and no earlier than 18 months prior. You can view the NOIM here -
https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Documents/New-notice-of-intended-marriage.pdf
It is helpful to bring your paperwork to the first meeting – ID, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses, passports, and any marriage/divorce related paperwork. Your situation may vary a little and we can discuss that at the first meeting. Once your booking is confirmed, all required documents and dates for sighting will be discussed.
I have a high-quality sound system with dual speakers and remote power – this enables me to perform a wedding service just about anywhere. Some venues provide this equipment and it is important I check with the management and you to assure readiness. My system allows for multiple microphones and multiple inputs to play music from Bluetooth devices, guitars, vocals, or more as needed to assist you with your ceremony music choices. Depending on how complicated the music and/or vocal requirements are, it may be necessary to have someone separate assigned to running the music system for the timing and choices of music and readings.
November 2020
Expert Advice
As a wedding professional, Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.
Get Expert AdviceWe want our dog in our wedding. Any tips?
Would love some advice! We def want to include our dog in our wedding! We want him as the ring bearer. Are they are any things to avoid or prepare for in advance? Thanks!
Should we have dance lessons?
My partner and I can't agree about dance lessons. We both def want to do the first dance and I think we should get it choreographed but he reckons we should just make it up ourselves. So, what are the benefits of us getting lessons and having it choreographed? I need some ammo haha.
Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
A lot depends on how you dance already and what kind of music you are having. The 'high school box step' is always a good beginning if you are looking for slow dancing music. From there, you can get as elaborate as you wish. In your case, assuming you can both dance, you might confide in a friend to see what kind of ideas they may have. Just remember, unless you are going crazy on the dance floor, everyone is going to be more interested in your faces, your expressions, and how you connect with each other.
That said, I saw one where they had a drummer and guitarist in on the 'scam'. It started out exactly like a cheesy high school box step with the drummer barely able to keep a simple beat. After a few moments where the guests figured you hired them out of pity, they ripped into a couple of very fast dance numbers the couple absolutely wowed everyone. Up to you. Have fun with it no matter what you do.
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Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
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Mitchell Coulthard - Celebrant
Good afternoon! A pet in a ceremony. The easy answer is 'YES'! But that begs more questions. What kind of pet? Big? Small? Is it trained in any way? It's easy to have them bring in the rings during the ring ceremony. They can be present in many ways around the ceremony. Trained to bark on command? Bark like crazy when asked if he thinks the couple should be married. Trained to stand up? Dance? Have him dance in little circles. Big dog? Have him 'dragging' the bride to the groom. So many things you can do. Use your imagination. A good celebrant will find ways to make your ceremony the best it can be, especially when you wish to have... unusual... inclusions. :)