Bespoke Ceremonies
celebrating love in all its forms
Frequently Asked Questions
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Welcome to my Ceremony FAQ page
Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have when planning all forms of ceremony. From legal requirements and booking details to vendor recommendations and inclusivity policies, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to ensure your special day is as seamless and memorable as possible. If you have any additional questions, please Get In Touch!
I cover all Canberra regions, all Southern NSW and am happy to travel to wherever you need me!
For Weddings Only
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged at least one month before your wedding date and no more than 18 months in advance (there are exceptions which I can explain if required). Both parties must sign the NOIM in the presence of an authorised witness, such as a celebrant, a police officer, a barrister or solicitor, a medical practitioner, or a justice of the peace.
To complete the NOIM you will need:
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passport (Australian or foreign)
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original birth certificate and a drivers licence (or other form of official ID, and
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evidence of termination of your most recent marriage, for example: original divorce papers (information at the Family Law Courts Website) or your former spouses' death certificate (if applicable), and
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change of name documentation if there is a difference in name from the birth certificate.
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If you are in Australia, I can witness you signing the NOIM remotely via Zoom, Teams etc. If you are overseas, you will need an authorised person to witness your signing of the NOIM. Authorized persons include an Australian Consular Officer, an Australian Diplomatic Officer, a notary public, an employee of the Commonwealth authorized under paragraph 3© of the Consular Fees Act 1955, or an employee of the Australian Trade Commission authorized under paragraph 3(d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955. For definitions of Australian Consular Officer and Australian Diplomatic Officer, please refer to section 2 of the Consular Fees Act 1955.
I will guide you through the legal requirements, including the Marriage Act 1961 and eligibility criteria. I will ensure all legal paperwork is completed correctly and submitted on time. This is not something you need to worry about at all!
There must be two witnesses and they can be just about anyone over the age of 18.
For all Other Types of Ceremonies
This will depend on the type of ceremony (vow renewal, commitment, baby naming etc.). Usually there is no legal paperwork just useful information that helps me craft the best ceremony for you.
Please contact me via phone or email to check or via Get In Touch to check my availability for your desired date. Once confirmed, we can meet (obligation free) so you can decide if I am the right celebrant for you (it's a very personal choice). At the meeting, we can discuss your ceremony details, I can explain how it all works, you can ask any questions, and if appropriate we can complete the necessary paperwork. I can then provide you with a quote and a contract to consider (like a service agreement) which details all the Terms and Conditions (what you can expect from me and that I require from you).
If your date changes, please inform me as soon as possible. I will do my best to accommodate the new date, subject to my availability. If I am unavailable, I can recommend other trusted celebrants.
Rest assured, no matter the reason for needing to reschedule, I will work closely with you to find a suitable alternate trusted celebrant.
Yes, I can recommend other vendors such as photographers, musicians, florists, and more. I have worked with many talented professionals in the Canberra wedding industry and can provide recommendations based on your needs.
Yes, absolutely. I will travel. If it's outside a 50km radius of Canberra there will be a small per kilometer charge to cover fuel. Fees will be subject to quote and include factors such as:
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if the distance requires an overnight stay and
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if it impacts my ability to perform ceremonies the following day.
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I welcome all couples regardless of age, religion, race, or how a person identifies. I am committed to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for everyone.
I am also committed to providing inclusive services and am dedicated to accommodating and working with people of all abilities. If you or your guests have any specific needs or requirements, please let me know, and I will do my utmost to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.
I am experienced in working with couples where one or both partners do not speak English. For a wedding ceremony, you would need to arrange for a professional interpreter (either someone you know or through NAATI) who can attend all meetings and the wedding ceremony. There is a form called the 'Certificate of Faithful Performance' that also includes a statutory declaration that must be completed prior to and after the ceremony. I can walk you through everything that needs to be done. My goal is to create a seamless and meaningful experience for all couples, regardless of language barriers.
My attire as a celebrant is dependent on your preferences. I can dress formally, semi-formally, or according to a specific theme to match the style of your ceremony.
Absolutely! There are many ways we can incorporate your beloved furry, fluffy, or feathered family members into your ceremony. I adore animals and am excited to take on the challenge if you are!
Yes, I love a good dress-up. Depending on your specific requests, there may be an additional fee, but of course, I’m more than happy to join in the fun!
Because I provide bespoke ceremonies, if there is anything else you want to know that I haven't included on the FAQ page then JUST ASK!