How do we choose a Celebrant?

Choosing a Celebrant is one of the most important decisions you will need to make during the planning of your special occasion.  A Celebrant is the person that will guide you through any legal requirements, offer advice and prepare and perform your ceremony. They will help you to create the ceremony that you have dreamt of and therefore you will need to choose a Celebrant that you feel comfortable with and can trust that they will deliver on their promises.

I am a fully qualified Celebrant and as your Celebrant I can promise you 100% dedication and will honour your needs and wishes at all times.  I will assist you in creating your own unique ceremony that is written especially for you, reflecting your true feelings and ideals.

You are welcome to contact me, as many times as you feel is needed either in person, by telephone or email as I understand the importance of your occasion and no question is too small to ask.

I will conduct your ceremony with confidence and in a friendly and professional manner allowing you and your guests to relax and enjoy your special day.

Also as your celebrant I will ensure that all the legal requirements are met in an efficient manner as I pride myself in attention to detail.


How soon do I need to book a Celebrant?

Keep in mind that the Sunshine Coast especially is very popular for ceremonies so it is advisable to make a booking as far ahead as possible. That way you to be sure to secure the Celebrant that best suits you and the vision that you have for you special day.


Can we write our own ceremony or does the Celebrant do it all for us?

The option is totally yours as this is your special day. As your Celebrant I would be happy to assist you in writing your own ceremony and upon booking my services I will be able to provide you with advice and resources. These resources will give you an idea of where to start or give you some inspiration to write your own vows or alternately you can mix and match from a selection of ceremonies to create your own.

We can also create a ceremony that is uniquely written, just for you or a mixture of both. Whichever way you choose, I promise to provide a ceremony with your specific and unique ideas in mind. I would take the time to get to know you as a couple so that the ceremony we create is a personal reflection of your journey together, therefore creating some magical moments that you will remember for a long time to come.


What are our Legal Obligations to marry in Australia?

You must both be over 18 years of age.

A minimum of two witnesses over the age of 18 must attend the wedding ceremony.

A Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM - Form 13), must be completed by both parties, not less than one month and one day and not more than eighteen months prior to your proposed wedding ceremony.  A copy of this form can be downloaded from my site under WEB LINKS.


Can we be under the age of 18 years and still get married?

Marriage of any person under 18 years without an order of a Judge or Magistrate is invalid.

The minimum age for marriage is 16 years, however, at least one party to the marriage must be 18 years of age or over.  The party under the age of 18 must have consent for the marriage from that person’s parent(s) and a Judge or a Magistrate.

Marriage between two parties under the age of 18 years cannot under any circumstances be performed and the marriage of such parties performed overseas are not recognised in Australia.


What documents need to be shown to the Celebrant in order for us to marry?

• Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) also known as Form 13
• Original Birth Certificates or certified copies (Australia born)
• Valid Passport (Overseas born)
• Original Decree Absolute (if you have been married before and divorced)
• Death Certificate of previous spouse (if you have been widowed)
• Certificate of Change of Name (if you have legally changed your name)

Please note: That if any of these certificates are written in a language that the solemnising celebrant cannot understand a Translation by a registered translator is required.


When do we show the Celebrant these documents?

The original documents can be shown to me at our meeting whilst we complete the NOIM Form 13.

If you do not live locally then I would advise you to have all the necessary documents photocopied and certified by a JP.  You can then post the documents to me by registered mail with the completed and signed Notice of Intended Marriage Form so that I have all the information required one month and one day prior to your ceremony. Please keep in mind that as your Celebrant, I will still need to see all original documents prior to your wedding ceremony. If convenient this can be done at the rehearsal.

As your Celebrant, if I do not sight the original documents that are required then, due to legal reasons, I am unable to officiate your marriage.


What is the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (NOIM) Form 13?

This document is an official Australian Government Form, which must be completed and signed by both parties intending to marry.

As previously stated, this form needs to be lodged not less that one month and one day, and not more than 18 months prior to the proposed wedding date.

We are able to complete this form together at our meeting and as your Celebrant I am able to act as your authorised witness.



How can we lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage if we are from interstate or overseas?

If you do not live locally then you are able to download this form (NOIM) from my website (WEB LINKS) and each party prior to our meeting can compete this document, however it cannot be dated or signed unless you are before an authorised witness.

If we are unable to meet in person before the required time then the form can be posted or emailed to me.  Please ensure that I receive the form at least one month and one day prior to the wedding.  If emailing please take care when scanning the document so I am able to see all the required information and signatures clearly.

Overseas visitors do not have to be a resident in Australia for the full notice period.

The original NOIM must be produced to me before the marriage can take place.


Who are the Authorised Witnesses in regards to the NOIM Form 13?

In Australian this form must be signed in the presence of any of the following:

• An Authorised Celebrant
• A Commissioner for Declarations (under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959)
• A Justice of the Peace
• A Barrister or Solicitor
• A legally qualified Medical Practitioner
• A member of the Australian Federal Police
• A member of the Police Force of a State or Territory

 If a party signs a Notice outside of Australia:

• An Australian Diplomatic Officer
• An Australian Consular Officer
• An employee of the Commonwealth (authorised under paragraph 3(c) of the Consular Fees Act 1955)
• An employee of the Australian Trade Commission (authorised under paragraph 3 (d) of the Consular Fees Act 1955)
• Or a notary public

What does the Celebrant do with the completed NOIM Form 13?

The Authorised Celebrant to whom the Notice is given sends the Notice of Intended Marriage to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages of the State or Territory in which the marriage takes place, after the marriage ceremony.

The Registrar uses the information on the NOIM to register the marriage.


Can we lodge the NOIM Form 13 with the Celebrant if my fiancés divorce is not yet finalised?

Yes, you can lodge this form with me prior to your fiancés divorce being finalised.  We will just need to complete it once the divorce is finalised and I will need to sight the certificate.  The NOIM is activated once it is signed and dated however your marriage cannot take place until the divorce is finalised.


Can we get Married in less than one calendar month and one day?

Yes it is possible to shorten the minimum notice for a marriage if the special circumstance that are set out in the Regulations to the Marriage Act 1961 are met. You will first need to meet with me as your Celebrant to compete the Notice Of Intended Marriage Form.  You will then need to take the NOIM with you either to your Local Court or the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, which are Prescribed Authorities.

If you view my WEB LINKS page I have provided a link to a list of Prescribed Authorities for your convenience.

If a Prescribed Authority is satisfied that the circumstances set out in the Regulations are met then they are able to shorten the required period.

There are five (5) categories of circumstances set out in the Regulations and they are as follows:

1. Employment related or other travel commitment
2. Wedding or celebrant arrangements, or religious considerations
3. Medical reasons
4. Legal proceedings
5. Error in giving notice

If you want to seek a Shortening of Time then the reason for doing so must fall within one of the above categories before your application will be considered.  Shortening of Time will not be granted outside of these circumstances.  Please be aware that a Shortening of Time is not automatic.  The Prescribed Authority will consider the information provided when making their decision and may seek additional information as outlined in the Regulations.


How long before our wedding ceremony does a Celebrant arrive?

Marriage Celebrants are governed by a Code of Practice which states that a Celebrant is to be available at the venue for each marriage ceremony at least 20 minutes before the agreed commencement of each ceremony (unless, in the case of consecutive ceremonies, the ceremonies are to be held at the same venue).

As your Celebrant I will arrive at your ceremony at least ½ hour before your ceremony or as agreed with you in discussions prior to your wedding.  I will ensure that I allow enough time for setting up and testing of my equipment (if needed).


Can I use the Marriage Certificate that the Celebrant presents us on our Wedding Day to change my Bank Account etc.?

No, unfortunately you cannot use the Marriage Certificate that I give you on your Wedding Day, as this is a presentation certificate as proof that your marriage took place. To be able to change your name on your driver’s licence, bank accounts etc. you are required to use the registered version of your Marriage Certificate, which is available from the Registry of Birth, Deaths and Marriages.

Births, Deaths and Marriages charge a small fee to obtain a copy of this Certificate.  As your Celebrant, I am more than happy to submit your application on your behalf (BDM fee still applies) at the same time as I lodge your other marriage documents.


Am I able to marry my same-sex partner in Australia?

No, unfortunately in Australia it is not legal to perform Marriages for same-sex couples. The Marriage Act 1961 states that marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man to a woman to the exclusion of all others.

However, as you Celebrant I would be honoured to perform a Love Commitment Ceremony for you and your partner. This is not a legal ceremony but offers you the opportunity to stand united in the eyes of your family and friends.  You will receive a beautifully presented Certificate of Commitment to be signed by yourselves as well as your witnesses to your ceremony.

Images courtesy of Jennifer Oliphant - Photographer