Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we start?

• Shoot through an enquiry to me and I’ll check my availability for your date.
• In the event that I am already booked for your date I may still be able to work with you if there is enough time between events.
• We’ll arrange a meeting time (either in person or online) to start our chats and get to know each other better.
• You say “Toni… We Want You To Be Our Celebrant”, and it’s all locked in!

Legal Requirements Part 1

• The very first thing to do is to complete your Notice Of Intended Marriage (NOIM). This has to be done no earlier than 18months, and no later than 1 month prior to your wedding. I generally work with you to make sure everything is filled out correctly.
• To complete your NOIM, I need to sight either your Original Birth Certificates PLUS another form of Photo ID (eg Drivers Licence), OR your Original Passport (expired is OK, cancelled is not). If either of you have been previously married, I will also need to sight your original Divorce or Death papers which show the termination of your previous marriage.
• Once I have your completed NOIM, it is considered “Lodged”.

Legal Requirements Part 2

• Prior to your marriage, you will complete the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage, stating that there is no legal reason as to why you cannot be married. This needs to be completed as close to the marriage ceremony as possible.
• I officiate your Marriage!! You get a Marriage Certificate to take home with you - while this is evidence of Marriage, it is NOT SUFFICIENT to change surnames or for immigration, banking or other legal purposes, for these reasons, you will need your Official Certificate of Marriage issued by BDM which I can apply for you your behalf. Current BDM cost is $65.
• On the same day, I register your Marriage with the relevant State’s Department of Births Deaths and Marriages, and apply for your Official Certificate of Marriage (if you want/need it).

What if my documents are in another language?

What then?

• Now it’s the fun part! We get to chat all things Wedding, and start mapping out your amazing ceremony!
• Around a month before your wedding, you’ll send me all the information we discuss in our meeting and I’ll start writing.
• You’ll receive a draft of your ceremony which when then edit together to make it perfect!

Do you travel?

Absolutely! I am legally able to conduct ceremonies anywhere within Australia!

As for fees:

• In short, it’s $1.50/km outside of 75km’s from my home.
• In reality, it’s negotiable, depending on location, whether or not a rehearsal is required, whether I need accommodation or flights etc.

Do we need to provide sound equipment for you?

No, I look after my own sound for the ceremony. You can use my PA system to play your music should you choose to run a playlist rather than have live musicians.

What time do you arrive on the day?

• I always arrive 1hr prior to the start time of your ceremony.
• That gives me time to set up everything I need, as well as time to co-ordinate with your other vendors, and to make sure that everyone is relaxed and ready to go for the big moment!

What do you wear?

I always try to co-ordinate with your colour scheme or theme, without being too “matchy-matchy”.

What about wet weather?

• Please, please, please always have a Plan B that you are happy with. In the case of wet, or potential wet, weather, cover should be provided.
• Think not only about the look of the event, but the comfort of all of your guests - no-one likes to have their hair and clothes ruined by the weather.
• Your suppliers will also thank you - none of us want our equipment ruined by the weather.

Do you allow for any Cultural Traditions?

Most definitely!

From Asian to Celtic to Indian to Pagan and everything in between - if it’s important to you (and your family), then it’s important to me!

What about Religious Elements?

While I am not a Religious Celebrant, I am happy to include any religious elements into your ceremony. It’s often more meaningful if those parts are conducted by those in your family or friend circle that it holds a special place for.