First Contact

I am available to discuss your wedding plans by telephone, between 9am and 9pm Mon-Fri, and 9am to 12noon Sat. & Sun.  While email is also a good way to discuss matters, often a personal phone chat or visit to my home office can achieve a lot more for you.

 

Rehearsals

My experience with over 5000 ceremonies has firmed my policy of meeting you at least once at the place for a ceremony in the A.C.T. region: this avoids mix-ups, allows us to rehearse briefly and be confident!  Documents may also be shown to me and the ceremony form finalised.  Others involved may attend.

 

Your Wedding Day

I will arrive 20 minutes beforehand to meet those assembled and check final arrangements.  I will provide a table, cloth and chairs for signing the register if necessary.  I ask that you are punctual, as I may have other engagements after yours.

 

Legal Requirements

Your marriage will be solemnised according to the Australian Marriage Act 1961, which requires the following:

1.       Your Notice of Intended Marriage form must be completed and lodged with me at least one month before the ceremony and no more than eighteen months before (advance diary booked may be made).

2.       You must provide for sighting by me your birth certificates, or passport (if born overseas) and documentary proof of termination of any previous marriage (death certificate or final divorcee decree). Translations may be required.  Consent forms are required of you if you are under 18 years of age.

3.       You must each sign a declaration before your marriage stating that you are free to marry and are not aware of any legal impediment to your marriage.

4.       You must provide two witnesses to your marriage at the ceremony, each to be over the age of 18 years.

 

Marriage Visas

For people arranging prospective marriage visas or marrying a person form overseas, I offer 32 years involvement with this aspect of marriage procedure.

 

Fees

These are based on fee advice provided by the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants.  Fees are all-inclusive covering ceremonies in the Canberra region with provision for agreement on fees for ceremonies held more than 50km from Canberra.  Please inquire personally for more details.