Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step?

Please contact me either by my web site or phone. I will arrange an appointment with you to discuss your needs and give you an opportunity to meet me. This meeting is of no cost to you and enables us to have an initial discussion about your ceremony.

I have many ceremonies, poems, readings and ideas that I provide at this meeting. This is an opportunity for you to discuss with me what YOUR requirements are, I encourage you to think about how you would like to ‘personalise' your ceremony by writing your own vows etc.

 

How much time do I allocate for each ceremony?

As long as necessary. My service to you includes

•  Initial meeting

•  Further meetings, usually 2 –5 times depending on your requirements

•  Rehearsal. I strongly encourage this as close to the wedding date as possible. Sometimes the rehearsal can take longer than the wedding!

•  E-mails

•  Phone calls, faxes.

•  All legal and other paperwork preparation

•  The ceremony itself, including travel time. I arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

 

What is the Notice of Intended Marriage? (NOIM)

This is the legal form that must be completed by the couple who intend to marry. This form is usually completed by the couple then signed in front of the celebrant and witnessed by the celebrant at this time.

This form is retained by the celebrant a minimum of 31 days prior to the wedding date.

If a party to the wedding is unable to sign this notice at the time, the other party who has signed is able to give it to me and I would have the party who is unable to sign do so at a later date before the marriage is solemnised.

Proof of identification must be provided. For those born within Australia a birth certificate is mandatory. For those born outside Australia a passport will suffice.

If either party has been married previously I must sight certain documents. In the case of divorce a notice of Decree Absolute is required. In the case of death, a copy of the death certificate is required.

You may download a copy of this form from my website by clicking here or complete one in my presence.

 

What does my fee cover?

•  An initial relaxed interview to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you may have. I aim to make your wedding ceremony as stress free as possible and have a short questionnaire designed to provide me with as much information as needed to include as part of your ceremony.

•  Unlimited consultations with me either by phone, e mail or fax

•  Access to poems, readings, books and other suggestions for your ceremony

•  A copy of ‘It's your wedding'

•  All legal paperwork and requirements

•  Assistance and advice on all matters including matters pertaining to immigration

•  Draft(s) of your ceremony

•  A rehearsal. I encourage every couple to do this

•  Travel to and from the wedding. Travel costs may have to be negotiated outside the Melbourne metropolitan area.

•  A guarantee that I will arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the wedding ceremony.

•  Delivery of ceremony in a professional, dignified manner befitting the occasion

•  Supply of a public address and/or sound system if required

•  A printed copy of your wedding and choice of wedding certificate, laser printed

 

What are my qualifications?

•  I have a Diploma of Marriage Ceremony from the International College of Celebrancy. I also have a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Post Graduate Diploma of Education

 

What is my availability?

•  I am available at a time to suit you. I normally meet couples at my home office in Bentleigh unless other arrangements are made.

 

Do I perform other ceremonies?

Yes. I have performed numerous other ceremonies including, naming of children, gay and lesbian commitment ceremonies, renewal of marriage vows and funerals. I have even been called on to perform a unique naming of a dog ceremony!

I have been Master of Ceremonies at many occasions and written speeches for weddings, birthdays and retirements.