What does a marriage celebrant actually do?
As an Australian Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant, I am authorised to legally solemnise marriages. Beyond the legalities, I craft and deliver personalised, non-religious ceremonies that reflect each of my couples’ unique story and values. This includes guiding you through the legal process, writing your ceremony script, and officiating on your special day.
How much does a marriage celebrant cost?
The cost of hiring a marriage celebrant in Sydney varies based on experience, services offered, and the complexity of the ceremony. On average, fees range from $600 to $2,000. When looking for a celebrant be sure to look at exactly what’s what’s included in the fee, such as meetings, rehearsals, travel, and equipment. My fee is based on my 10+ years experience helping hundreds of couples get married. Compared to some other (cheaper) celebrants, I offer a premium service. I cap the number of weddings I do each year so that I can give each and every couple the care and attention they deserve.
For more info check out What Does a Marriage Celebrant Cost?
How far in advance should we book a marriage celebrant in Sydney?
You can book a celebrant in as little as one month provided they’re available. However, couples generally book 3-18 months in advance, especially if planning a wedding during peak season (autumn and spring). Great wedding vendors book out quickly for these times of year, so be sure to do your research and lock your dream team in early.
What legal documents are required to get married in Sydney?
To legally marry in Australia, you must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form and lodge it with me at least one month before the wedding. Your signatures on this form must be witnessed by an authorised person – this can be me or another notary public as outlined on the form. The form can be witnessed in-person or over video call. You’ll also need to provide original identification documents, such as birth certificates or passports, and any relevant divorce or death certificates if previously married.
On the day itself you sign three more forms as part of your ceremony along with your two witnesses. After the ceremony is over I register your marriage with the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages and apply (and pay for) your Official Certificate of Marriage on your behalf. This is then sent out to you via registered post.
Can we personalise our wedding ceremony?
Absolutely! Please do. I am passionate about bringing marriage and weddings out of the dark ages. I encourage my couples to really think about their values, their people and the overall feel or vibe they want for their wedding day and then we use that as a guide when putting your ceremony together. Personalisation can come through the different elements you decide to include in your ceremony, the people you decide to include (or not) and through the telling of your unique story. The goal is to create a ceremony that truly reflects the two of you, your personalities and your relationship.
Do you offer ceremonies for elopements or small weddings?
Yes, I specialise in intimate ceremonies, including elopements and micro-weddings. These smaller gatherings allow for a more personal and relaxed atmosphere, and I offer tailored packages to suit these occasions.
I also run a business called Weekday Wedded Bliss where we offer small weekday ceremony packages including celebrant, photographer, florals, hair and makeup.
We’re not having a wedding, but still want to get married. Can you help?
Yes! We call this a legals-only ceremony. This style of ceremony consists of only the mandatory legal wording required to make you married and signing of your marriage paperwork. Usually these ceremonies will only have your two witnesses present, however you can have as many guests as you like (provided they understand the style of ceremony you have chosen).
Legals-only ceremonies are easy, affordable and a great alternative to getting married at the registry office. I perform these anywhere within the Sydney metro area (at your home or any other location of your choice). I offer this service on weekdays (not including public holidays) and select weekends.
Are you available to travel outside of Sydney for weddings?
While based in Sydney, I regularly travel to the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands, Kangaroo Valle and the NSW South Coast for ceremonies. Travel fees may apply depending on the location. Please contact me to discuss your specific venue and requirements.
What happens if you are unable to officiate on our wedding day?
This is a great question and a genuine fear that couples have. In the unlikely event that I cannot officiate your ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, I have a network of trusted celebrant friends and colleagues in Sydney who can step in to ensure your day proceeds smoothly.
My couples will never be left in the lurch. If I am unable to perform your ceremony I will reach out to my network to find out who is available and come back to you with a shortlist. You can then check out the available celebrants (even have a quick call with them if time allows) and choose one you are happy to proceed with. That celebrant and I will work out payment between ourselves.
I am also always very organised, having your ceremony written and prepared in advance, so that in the unforeseen circumstance that I am unable to perform a ceremony, I can very easily hand over to the celebrant that has kindly stepped in.
Do you conduct rehearsals before the wedding?
Yes, I offer rehearsal sessions to help you feel confident and prepared for your ceremony. I usually conduct these in the week prior to your ceremony. Rehearsals are especially beneficial for larger weddings or when incorporating complex elements into the ceremony or when the ceremony is taking place at a location where there is no set ceremony location and no venue staff.
For Sydney weddings I am happy to do rehearsals onsite (pending availability). For weddings where access to the venue is not available we will do an online video call.
For out-of-town ceremonies, we will have an online video call in the week prior to your ceremony. If you and your wedding party are staying at the ceremony location, you can then do a quick run-through on the day prior to your ceremony (by which point you will already be feeling confident after our call).
How long does a typical wedding ceremony last?
For a standard Saturday afternoon wedding, my ceremony sweet-spot is 20-25 minutes (but allow 30 minutes in your run-sheet in case you’re running a bit late). I find this is the perfect length that it isn’t all over before it’s started and also doesn’t drag on too long. However, if you’ve got lots of great ideas and they’re all engaging and relevant, and your guests are comfortable, then your ceremony can be as long as you want it to be.
Elopements are generally a little bit shorter – around 15-20 minutes and legals-only ceremonies take around 10 minutes including signing of the marriage paperwork.
Do we have to write our own vows? Will you help us?
No, you don’t have to write your own vows, however you may regret it. I believe your vows are the highlight of your ceremony. They’re your chance to think very carefully about what this marriage means to you and make promises to your partner for the relationship you wish to share.
Saying that, not everyone is a fan of writing and not everyone is a fan of speaking in public. If writing isn’t your thing, I’m here to help. I can provide resources, prompts and feedback to help you sound like the most thoughtful, romantic, loveable version of you. If you’re not keen on sharing your most intimate thoughts with all your guests, you can still share these feelings with your partner in other ways and at other times during your wedding day. Check out 3 Alternate Ways to Share Your Wedding Vows.
Do we have to have readings or poems in our ceremony?
No, you do not. And in fact, unless you have a very meaningful and relevant piece of writing you wish to include or you have a person you wish to include and can’t find any other role for them, then don’t make more work for yourself – your ceremony will be just fine (and probably better) without it.
What’s included in your ceremony packages?
My packages typically include a personalised ceremony script, legal paperwork, unlimited communication, a planning meeting, ceremony rehearsal (for bigger weddings), and travel within the Sydney metro area. I also bring a high-quality wireless PA system for ceremony audio.
What’s your ceremony style like?
My ceremony style is warm, relaxed, and heartfelt, where humour comes through naturally through story-telling (not corny jokes). I’m not showy, gushy or over-the-top. I focus on telling your unique love story, not just ticking boxes. The ceremony should feel like you, not like a speech from a stranger.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ couples?
Absolutely! Love is love, and everyone deserves to be celebrated. I proudly work with couples of all genders and sexual orientations, and create inclusive, personalised ceremonies for all kinds of relationships.
Do we need witnesses for our wedding?
Yes, to be legally married in Australia you need two witnesses who are over 18 and speak and understand English. If you wish to have a witness who speaks a different language, this is possible with an interpreter. The interpreter can be a friend or family member provided they are willing to sign a statutory declaration stating their proficiency in that language.
Do you apply for our Official Certificate of Marriage?
Yes, I will apply and pay for your Official Certificate of Marriage. This is included in my fee.
On the day you receive your Commemorative Certificate (the pretty one). This is a legal document, however it does not contain enough information for it to be used in most legal situations – the most common being changing your name. It is important to note that this is a one-off document. If you lose it or it becomes damaged, you cannot get a new one.
It is very easy for me to apply for your Official Certificate of Marriage when I register your marriage with the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. This saves you the time and effort of having to do it your wedding. It then arrives via registered post usually within a couple of weeks of registration. Your Official Certificate of Marriage is a bit like a Birth Certificate in that if you lose it you can apply for a new one from the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages as many times as you need (provided you’re willing to pay the fee).
We’re from overseas. Can we get married in Australia?
Yes, you can. And compared to many other countries, it’s quite easy. You follow the same process of lodging your Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant with the only difference being you have to get your signatures witnessed by a local authority in the country where you are. This is usually a Consular Official (simply make an appointment at your local Australian Consulate.
My partner is applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa. Can you help?
While I cannot provide any legal/immigration advice, I can certainly lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage and provide a letter of support outlining that I have received your NOIM and am available to solemnise your marriage once the visa has been granted. I charge a small fee for this which then acts as credit towards your future ceremony.
We’re shy and hate being the centre of attention. Help?
You’re not alone! And you’re in the right place. I seem to attract couples just like you, and that’s because I’m a quiet and calm person (not showy, gushy or OTT) myself. Many couples feel nervous about standing up in front of a crowd, so I ensure my couples know they’re not up there alone. I am right beside them – there to direct, guide, pass a tissue, place an encouraging hand on your back and remind you to take a breath. In the lead up to the day we get to know each other and build a rapport so that by the time your ceremony rolls around, you feel comfortable, confident and at ease knowing I have your back.
How do we get started?
Easy! Just send me an enquiry through my contact form. We’ll set up a no-obligation chat to see if we’re a good fit. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll lock in your date with a booking fee, and we’ll start the planning process together.