Weddings |
Weddings |
The service I offer |
The decision to publicly declare a loving relationship is one of the most important that we make during our lives.
Weddings and unions are ways of sharing this significance with the whole world.
It is when we take the opportunity to say,
As a registered marriage celebrant, I am authorised to conduct weddings in Australia under the Commonwealth Marriage Act. I am also happy to officiate at ceremonies to solemnise relationships under the Queensland Registered Relationships Act.
No-obligation initial meeting The decision to choose a celebrant for your wedding is a significant and personal one. I am happy to meet with couples who are considering engaging my services on a no-fee, no-obligation basis. This gives us a chance to get to know each other a little (usually in an informal setting) to discuss the services I am able to provide and to help to inform your decision. This meeting will usually take about 30 minutes. After this meeting, I recommend that you take some time to consider your decision privately and then advise me by email or phone if you wish to proceed with a booking.
First Planning Meeting Once a booking has been made, we will meet again to map out your plans in a little more detail. A non-refundable deposit is required at or before this meeting to confirm your booking (See Fees below). One of the important tasks at this meeting will be to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. This notice is required by the Marriage Act. It is your formal notice of your plan to marry. You must complet this form no less than one month before your planned wedding day. I will assist with the preparation of this document and witness your signatures.
Deciding on the format of the ceremony Modern weddings are able to incorporate elements from a wide variety of sources and traditions. At our meeting we can discuss your preferences for music and spoken word elements, as well as how best to incorporate the special people who will be in attendance at your ceremony. The only limitations are your imagination and creativity. I am happy to provide assistance to the extent you wish, from making recommendations regarding sources of possible material, to drafting the complete ceremony on your behalf. At our first planning meeting, we will paint with some broad brush strokes how you see the ceremony unfolding.
Ongoing communication and decision-making Once we have put in train the planning process, I will be available to you to assist in drafting and planning the detail of the ceremony. I will be available to you on an ongoing basis to make suggestions and assist in your preparation fo the detail of your ceremony. If required, I will be available to conduct a rehearsal. Once finalised, I will prepare an order of service for your ceremony.
Conduct of the Ceremony On the day of your wedding, I will be in attendance at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of your service. My services include the provision of a stand-alone, portable PA system to ensure that the important parts of your ceremony are clearly heard by everybody present. During the ceremony, I will ensure that all those taking part are put at ease and that the ceremony proceeds smoothly and includes all of the personal touches that have been discussed and prepared. Your marriage certificates will be prepared for signing following the exchange of vows.
Lodging of documents necessary for registration. Following the ceremony, I will ensure that all of the formal, legal requirements are complied with and that the necessary documents for registration of your marriage are forwarded to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days of your ceremony. |
Counselling The Marriage Act requires that after lodgement of your Notice of Intention to Marry, you should be provided with information about the importance of the marriage relationship, as well as resources which can help this relationship to be a lasting and satisfying one. Click on the the image below to read the information published by the Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department regarding marriage relationships, Happily Ever...Before And After.
Before entering into a marriage, targetted relationship education can be of great use. Here are just some of the available resources which you may consider accessing as part of your journey into a long-lasting relationship, marked by love, ongoing communication and mutual respect:
|
The form of the marriage ceremony is marked by a huge range of traditions and cultural expressions. Personalised elements can be chosen for incorporation into your ceremony. The Australian law relating to marriages is found in the Commonwealth Marriage Act. While this law prescribes some minimum declarations that must be included in every marriage ceremony, your ceremony can also include spoken and other elements that reflect your respective and joint choices and personalities. Whether the bringing together of flames in a candle ceremony, the mingling of wines, coloured sand or other symbolic gestures of joining, the "warming" of the rings by passing them through the congregation, particular music, readings, or actions by those present, your creativity and choices can be honoured and respected in the ceremony that is designed for your special occasion. If particular religious, cultural or ethnic traditions have resonance for the couple who are being joined in marriage, these traditions can be reflected in the ceremony. Some examples: Music that has special meaning for the couple Poetry or other readings that express some of the feelings the couple have about their relationship A short narration of the history of the relationship that reflects its special growth leading to the decision to marry Particular inclusion of special individuals and family members, such as parents or children Symbolic ceremonial elements (candle ceremonies, hand-fasting) Religious inclusions (prayers and blessings) Personalised vows chosen or written by the couple Declaration of the marriage "The first kiss" When we discuss your ceremony, I will be able to offer further suggestions to help you tailor your ceremony to your personalities and choices.
|
To provide initial details and check my availability:
Phone John Thompson on 0416 032 573 Email to mail@australianceremonies.com or use the form below. Fees
|
ABN: 56185908387
|
Registered Celebrant #A16929 |
© Australian Ceremonies 2014 |
