Here are some of the more common questions we are asked, I hope these will be helpful to you, please feel free to contact me if you have any other question or would like more information.
What does the ceremony entail?
All of our ceremonies are tailored to your needs. This means they can be as short or long as you like. They can include family and friends, blessings and rituals, poems and readings and anything else you would like. I am available to you for unlimited consultation to ensure we create a personal and unique ceremony that reflects you and your loved ones.
Can I include my children?
Including children in your ceremony can be a wonderful moment. I have many sample ceremonies that use different ways of including your children in this special occasion. We can discuss this further when we are designing your ceremony.
Will there be a record of the ceremony?
Yes there will be a record of the ceremony. You will be given a certificate to commemorate your special occasion.
Do we sign a registry?
Yes I provide the Marriage Registry to sign on the day. This is a legal requirement and formally acknowledges the event for you and your guests.
Can there be witnesses, attendants, godparents or guardians who are involved in the ceremony?
Yes you may involve whomever you choose to in your ceremony. For wedding ceremonies there is a legal requirement to have two witnesses aged 18 or over to sign your marriage certificate and the marriage registry. For commitment and renewal of vows ceremonies you can have witnesses or attendants and they can be involved in signing the certificate and celebrant registry. Godparents or guardians play an important role in a baby naming ceremony and a second commemorative certificate for the godparents or guardian will be presented.
What does the fee include?
My fee includes a face-to-face meeting, unlimited phone and email consultation, preparation and lodgement of necessary legal documents, design and development of your ceremony, a rehearsal to ensure we get everything right, facilitation of your ceremony and a ceremony certificate.
Do you require a deposit?
To ensure you secure your ceremony date and time I require a deposit after our initial consultation should you choose me as your celebrant. There is no charge for our initial face-to-face consultation and it is obligation free.
What are the legal requirements?
For marriage ceremonies there are a number of legal requirements. These
include completing a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) and sighting of
specific documents such as birth certificates and decree absolute (if
you have been previously married). I will explain to you exactly what
you need to bring with you to the intial consultation when she speaks with
you on the phone and she will assist you with completing the forms. As
your celebrant, I will then lodge these forms to enable you to proceed
with your marriage. The final document that must be completed is the
Declaration of Marriage. This can be completed closer to the wedding
date and again I will manage the entire process, this will allow you both to
think about more important things, like planning your wedding!
Are there any additional costs for travel?
There are no additional costs for travel. My fee structure is based on area and is inclusive of all my services.
What is the fee structure with regards to payment?
The deposit is required to secure the booking date and time. The balance is payable at least seven days prior to the ceremony date.
Do we need to travel to see you in Lake Macquarie?
No, I am more than happy to meet you at a convenient location for our initial consultation. We can meet for a coffee at a time that suits you and your partner. I will try to be as flexible as possible.
Are you available to conduct ceremonies on weekdays?
Yes, I have chosen a career as a professional celebrant and am available to conduct ceremonies every day of the week and at ay time you choose.
Do you have a microphone system? Should we use one?
I do have a sound system that you are welcome to use. I would suggest that for more intimate events you avoid using a microphone. It usually depends on your location and number of guests. This is something we can discuss at our initial consultation.
What paperwork do we sign on the day?
For weddings you will sign your marriage certificate and the marriage registry, along with the two witnesses you choose who are over the age of 18. For commitment and renewal of vows ceremonies you will sign the commemorative certificate and if you choose to have witnesses or godparents, they will also sign the
certificate.
