Before a marriage can be performed in Australia, a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ must be lodged with the Celebrant.  It is normally completed at the first interview; however it must be lodged at least one month and one day prior to the wedding ceremony.  You must be at least 18 years of age.

Shortening of this time under special circumstances, may be granted by a court.

For persons wishing to marry under the age of 18, you must obtain permission by a court.

Documentation Required

You will need the following documents:

• Birth Certificates (if certificate lost and you are Australian born, a replacement certificate can be obtained from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages).  I have application forms to assist for this purpose. The cost is the responsibility of the couple, please refer to: http://www.bdm.nsw.gov.au/births/designsAndCost.htm
• Decree Absolute or Divorce Certificate (if divorced). Refer to the Information page on this site if you need to apply for a new certificate
• Death Certificate (if widowed)

If born overseas, all efforts must be made to obtain your birth certificate. If you are unable to locate it in time for your wedding, your Passport (from your country of birth) is acceptable. If neither option is available to you please speak to your Celebrant for advice on what can be done.

The choice is endless, from your own home or garden to a restaurant, on board a boat or wedding reception venue.

Parks: Check with your local council, in some areas they are free of charge.

Eg: South Creek Park in St Marys is very private and a wonderful backdrop for photos and best of all it is free, Nurragingy Reserve at Doonside has 4 wedding gardens to choose from. Please contact Blacktown Council for costs & availability.

Gardens: Most Gardens charge by the hour, however the cost is reasonable.

Eg: Auburn Botanical Gardens. Chinese Gardens in Darling Harbour, Fagan’s Park at Galston.

Chapels: There are a number of non-denomination chapels, and can be the ideal venue if the Bride wishes to walk down an isle.  You can still enjoy a non-religious ceremony by your Celebrant; however you don’t have to worry about it raining. Costs vary from $200 - $800 for these venues.

Eg: St Paul’s Chapel in Castle Hill and Castlereagh Chapel (near Penrith), St Bartholomews at Prospect.

Wet Weather

Wet weather on your wedding day is often said to be a sign of good luck. However, if you have chosen a garden ceremony it can be a disaster, especially if unseasonal blustery and torrential downpour occurs. Even if you have chosen a pergola to be married in, it is unreasonable to expect your guests to stand outside on grass that is sinking beneath their feet and where they will get uncomfortably wet. Most venues providing red carpet will not do so if it is raining. It is far better to have a wet weather option and not need it. No matter what time of year your ceremony is, DON’T rely on the weather. Winter conditions have prevailed during our hottest of summer months.

Shade

Even in the cooler months the Australian Climate has been known to give us an unseasonal heat wave. Check what shade is available for your ceremony and guests, especially in summer. Photos of the Bridal party with beads of sweat is not a good look.

Marriage Certificates

At the conclusion of your ceremony, you will be presented with an A4 memento marriage certificate, signed by the Bride (in her maiden name) and Groom and two witnesses, who are at least 18 years of age.

After the marriage has been lodged with Births, Deaths and Marriages we can apply for the Standard Marriage Certificate, which is required by the Bride to change her name on Bank Accounts, Passport, and RTA etc.  This cost is included in my package and I apply for the certificate on your behalf.

There are also a number of Commemorative Certificates available, which is also supplied with the Standard Marriage Certificate. The difference in cost is to be paid by the couple, however organising it is done on your behalf.