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What is a marriage celebrant and what is their role in a wedding?
A marriage celebrant is a qualified individual authorised by the Australian government to officiate weddings. Celebrants are responsible for conducting marriage ceremonies in accordance with legal requirements and the wishes of the couple.
The marriage celebrant will guide couples through the process of creating and conducting a personalised wedding ceremony. This includes helping with legal paperwork, crafting the ceremony script, and officiating the wedding on the day.
How far in advance should we book our marriage celebrant?
It's a good idea to book your marriage celebrant as soon as you have your wedding date and venue secured, especially if you're planning a wedding during peak season.
This will ensure you can secure the services of your preferred celebrant and have enough time to plan your ceremony together.
Can we personalise our wedding ceremony?
Absolutely! One of the benefits of having a marriage celebrant is the ability to personalise your ceremony to reflect your personalities, beliefs, and values.
I will work with you to create a ceremony that is unique and meaningful to you as a couple.
How long before the wedding must we complete our Notification of Intended Marriage Form?
At least 1 month before the ceremony date.
What are the legal requirements for getting married in Australia?
To get married in Australia, couples must meet certain legal requirements, including being over 18 years old, not being married to someone else, and providing notice of their intention to marry at least one month before the wedding date.
I will help you navigate these requirements.
Who can be my witnesses?
Your two witnesses can be anyone you wish; however, they must be over 18 years of age, and be able to understand the ceremony.
How do you change your name?
Even for the most organised person, this is a big task. To get this started you need to receive your Official Marriage Certificate. I can apply for this when I submit your paperwork and include the cost of it in my package.
When and where can I get married?
You can be married at any time or place.
If we want to get married in a public park can we?
Yes, but you will need to check your local council website.
What can I do if there is bad weather forecast?
Regardless of when and where you are to have your ceremony, it is always a good idea to have a 'Plan B'.
At the planning stage think about what you will do if the weather turns bad, check with your venue to see if the ceremony can be moved under cover at the last minute or, if your ceremony is on a beach or in the bush, will there be shelter for you and your guest?
Do we need to have a rehearsal before the wedding?
While it's not mandatory, I do recommend that we have a rehearsal to walk through the ceremony and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
This can help alleviate any nerves and ensure everyone knows their roles.
How will I remember what to say?
You don’t need to memorise anything; you can repeat after me or read your vows.
What will you (Ilana) wear?
I generally try to compliment, but not match the bridal party. I will ask for your dress code and any colour schemes so that I don’t clash. I'm happy to accommodate any preferences or match your theme.
Do you (Ilana) have Public Liability Insurance?
Yes I do. Some venues and council’s request that a copy of the Public Liability and Indemnity Insurance certificate of currency be provided as a condition of booking a venue or public space like a park or reserve.
A copy of my certificate of currency for my insurance can be provided upon request.
If there are any another questions on your mind, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me and I’ll come back quickly with a response.