Plan Your Wedding Ceremony
Let's Plan Your Perfect Ceremony
Congratulations!
Now it’s time to plan your wedding ceremony on the beautiful Fraser Coast and no doubt you have lots of questions about what you need to start doing to be married by a Civil Marriage Celebrant including what paperwork you’ll need to complete, and all the extras that go with being legally married in Australia.
Below is a list of important information that will assist you through the process.
So How Does It Work?
Initial Discussions
In most instances, couples contact Andrew by phone or online and discuss their circumstances, dates and the ceremony packages. Depending on the chosen package, the planning process begins with a meeting.
Prior to the meeting, Andrew will email you an overview of the marriage process, confirmation of meetings and a list of the items you both need to prepare to meet the legal requirements for getting married.
The first discussion is an opportunity for the marrying couple and Andrew to get to know each other better and to discuss your wedding ceremony and what you want from your special day. Andrew will also explain the legal process for getting married and when ready, together you will complete the required ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form.
Formalities
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form must be completed and signed by both parties to the marriage and witnessed by the Celebrant, or an authorised person (as per NOIM list).
Your signed Notice of Intended Marriage form must be received by the Celebrant at least one calendar month prior to your wedding ceremony date (this is a legal requirement).
There are also other documents and forms of identification that are required to be sighted by the Celebrant and Andrew will advise you of these.
Planning The Ceremony
Either during your first meeting or shortly after, you will need to confirm with Andrew the type of wedding ceremony/package you would like, along with the date, time and location of your wedding ceremony. Andrew will confirm these details in writing to you and begin the planning process, assisting you along the way in creating the elements of your special ceremony. All wedding ceremonies require two adult witnesses over the age of 18 years to attend the ceremony and witness your certificates.
Confirmation of the date and time for the Celebrant is secured at this stage with a $150 deposit. The balance of payment is required prior to the ceremony.
A wedding rehearsal will also be organised if this is included in your package or booking. This is usually conducted at the wedding ceremony venue near to the date and with the key wedding parties attending (couple, witnesses, attendants etc).
Your Wedding Ceremony
Celebrant Andrew will arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your ceremony start time ready to facilitate a perfect ceremony. If requested or included in your package, he will arrange for a PA system and registry table & chairs to be available and ready for the wedding. Andrew will be dressed according to your pre-arranged dress code or theme (all reasonable requests considered i.e. business suit, sports jacket, shirt & tie, or even Hawaiian shirt or themed costume if that’s your style!).
Once the ceremony has concluded, Andrew will guide you to the registry table for the official signing and witnessing of legal paperwork and certificates.
At the conclusion of this, he will announce you as officially married, and you can continue your wedding celebrations and photos with your family and friends.
Afterwards
Following your marriage ceremony, Andrew will lodge your official paperwork which includes your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form and Official Wedding Certificate to the Queensland Government's Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
It is important to understand that the Marriage Certificate you sign and receive at your wedding ceremony is commemorative only.
The standard legal marriage certificate required for changing names and recognising your marriage legally must be ordered and purchased by you from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Chat To Andrew
To start planning your special ceremony
Hervey Bay Celebrants Pledge
The Hervey Bay Celebrant’s pledge to you:
Andrew will arrive at the ceremony venue no later than 30 minutes before the official start time.
Andrew will have all the official marriage paperwork ready to be signed and witnessed.
Andrew will ensure you are legally married.
Andrew will supply a PA and signing table and chairs if requested.
Andrew will create the memorable moments that you and your partner have wished for your wedding ceremony!