Before your ceremony

A. When you first arrive

If your ceremony is in a Park, we recommend you arrive 10 minutes prior to your ceremony time so you are ready to start at the booked time.

OR if it is in one of our Offices, we recommend you arrive at the exact time of your ceremony - as there are no waiting rooms.

At your scheduled time (per your booking confirmation) we will then finalise any outstanding paperwork.

B. What we provided

We will provide all the paperwork (including Marriage Certificates) for you to sign and a small table to sign on.

In the Parks, you are free to arrange decorations and seating (if you consider it necessary).

In the Office, you are unable to provide decorations or additional seating.

NB. Artificial confetti (paper or plastic) is not permitted

C. Customise your Wedding Ceremony

We have put together a sample simple ceremony - reflective of the ceremony on the day - which you can download.

You are free to customise this ceremony, with the exception of the legal requirements (I have highlighted these sections in blue). Just bring it with you on the day.

Your ceremony

A. Commencing your Cemoney

Once all the paperwork is finalised we will then commence your marriage ceremony. 

We will guide you and your guests into position (often with consultation with your photographer).

If you wish you can "walk down the isle"or just "slide" into position. 😉

B. Your Ceremony

We will ensure your ceremony has the gravity and joy that it deserves.

Your ceremony will reflect the sample but very happy to include your input.

If you wish to make a personal vow to each other, I would suggest making that after your have made the legal ones. So if you would like to add your own personal vow let your celebrant know (before your ceremony) and they will guide you though.

C. Following Your Ceremony

Immediately following your ceremony, you will sign your Marriage Certificates along with your witnesses.

You will be provided with a Certificates of Marriage on the day .

We will then register your marriage with Births Deaths and Marriages - the government agency responsible for recording marriages - the same day.

Marriage Certificates There are two types of Marriage Certificate you can receive. We will provide you with the the Australian Commonwealth Government,  Certificate of Marriage, following your ceremony.

Marriage Certificates

There are two types of Marriage Certificate you can receive. We will provide you with the the Australian Commonwealth Government,  Certificate of Marriage, following your ceremony. On the back of this certificate it states - "Under section 45 of the Marriage Act 1961 this certificate is conclusive evidence that your marriage has been solemnised in accordance with that section. It is an important document and you should keep it in a safe place with other official documents."

However, some organisation may not accept this certificate as proof of marriage because the certificate may not be able to be used as evidence of identity. Again on the back of the certificate it states - "This certificate does not provide conclusive evidence of the identify of either of the parties to your marriage.

In some situations you may be asked to produce a registered copy of your marriage certificate obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State or territory in which you were married." As such if you require a Registered Marriage Certificate (helpful is looking to change your names or required if making a visa application) you will need to apply for one from Births, Deaths and Marriages NSW - your marriage will have been registered (on-line, generally the same day as your ceremony). They are currently charging $53. The cost of the registered certificate, from BDM, is not included in my fee as many couples do not require this certificate OR require it urgently ie the next day (which means they go to BDM direct)

Applying for a Registered Certificate of Marriage There are three ways of obtaining a registered certificate;

a) On-line

b) In person, by visiting one of their offices. I will register your ceremony on line the same day so you should be able to pick it up the next business day. (same day if you get married in the morning on a business day)

c) By post . You can do this by completing an application form and posting it directly to them OR providing it to me on your ceremony date or before. I will then include it with the paperwork when registering your ceremony.

You can download an application form here. You can apply at anytime, after your ceremony, for a certificate and can order any number of certificates. Here is a link to BDMs NSW site for all details including; current pricing, proof of identification required to get the certificate, delay times and office locations. http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/Pages/marriages/marriage-certificate.aspx