Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting married in Australia and how I can help.
What are the legal requirements to get married in Australia?
To legally marry in Australia, both parties must be over 18 (with rare exceptions), not currently married to anyone else, and not closely related. You must also understand what marriage means and freely consent to it. Finally, you must give at least one month's notice by lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM). I'd be happy to help you navigate these requirements and ensure everything is in order for your big day - just reach out to me here!
How much can I expect to pay for a Celebrant?
Price is understandably a big concern for many couples when it comes to a wedding. For a large wedding, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $2500 for a celebrant. I aim to offer competitive pricing on the lower end of that range, while still providing a high-quality, personalised service. You can view a detailed breakdown of my pricing and packages on the pricing page.
Most couples find that a good celebrant is actually one of the least expensive parts of their wedding, and it can be a worthwhile investment for a memorable and meaningful ceremony. Please reach out to discuss your specific needs and budget, and I can provide a more accurate quote based on your vision for the day (with no hidden extra fees either!).
Do we have to write our own vows?
You certainly don't have to, but I highly encourage it to make the ceremony truly yours! The only legal requirement is that you say a specific sentence (the legal vows) to each other. The rest of the vows can be completely custom. If writing isn't your strong suit, I can help guide you or provide beautiful examples to inspire you. And if you really want to skip the vows, that's totally fine too - we can just stick to the legal requirements and keep it simple. Just let me know your preferences when you reach out!
What areas in Sydney do you cover?
I cover the Greater Sydney area—from the Northern Beaches down to the Shire, and out to the Blue Mountains. If you're located outside this area, we can still work together - just reach out to discuss options!
How do we get our official marriage certificate?
Every married couple in Australia is issued with a commemorative certificate which usually can't be used for anything official (such as changing your name or applying for a Visa).
After the wedding, I will register your marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. During this process, I can also order an Official Marriage Certificate on your behalf, which will be mailed directly to you via registered post.
If you don't need it immediately (or are worried the post might get lost while you're on your honeymoon) you can order it yourself from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages at any time (even many years later!).
Can we meet you before we book?
Absolutely. Choosing your celebrant is a personal decision, and it's important that we click! I offer a free, no-obligation meeting (either over video chat, a phone call, or a coffee if logistics allow) so we can get to know each other before you make any decisions.
I'm equally happy to meet via video chat or in person, so don't worry about location - we can make it work no matter where you're based. We can even fill out most of the paperwork over video chat, so if you are located outside of Sydney, we can still work together to make your wedding day special. Just reach out to schedule a time that works for you!
I don't want a big ceremony. Do you offer a discount if I don't want a large celebration?
Absolutely. I understand that not everyone wants a big ceremony, and some couples are getting married primarily for legal or administrative reasons. I offer a "papers-only" wedding option, which is a simple, no-frills ceremony that meets all legal requirements without the additional elements of a traditional wedding. This option is more affordable and allows you to get legally married without the need for a large celebration.
If what you're after isn't as small as papers-only, but isn't quite a full celebration, we can discuss other options that might fit your needs and budget as well. Reach out and let's chat.
Click here to get in touchI have a close friend who I'd like to deliver the ceremony alongside you. Do you offer this service?
Absolutely. I understand that some couples want a close friend or family member to be involved in the ceremony delivery. I offer a "co-celebrant" service, where I will work closely with your chosen friend or family member to ensure they are comfortable and prepared to deliver the ceremony alongside me. This can be a wonderful way to include someone special in your wedding day while still ensuring all legal requirements are met. Just let me know if this is something you're interested in when you reach out!