FAQ

What does a marriage celebrant actually do?

Great question! As your celebrant, I’m here to make your wedding day as magical as possible. I’ll guide you through the legal requirements, craft a ceremony that reflects your unique love story, and ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. While I’m not an event planner, I’ll be there for you bright and early on the day to liaise with the venue staff, your hired musicians, photographer and bridal party, to make sure everything is ready for the grand entrance. From the moment you hold your hands in front of your loved ones, to when you say ‘I do’ and sign all the documents, I’ve got you covered. Also, I always carry tissues!

Why hire a marriage celebrant?

Choosing a celebrant is an investment in a ceremony that reflects your beautiful love story. While ceremonies at the Registry Office are the most budget-friendly (currently $423 in South Australia), unfortunately, they can be pretty ‘beige’. They must be performed Monday to Friday during business hours and typically follow a standard script with limited personalisation. Choosing a celebrant allows you to craft a ceremony that is uniquely yours, with personalised vows, meaningful rituals, and a relaxed but elegant atmosphere that truly reflects who you are.

So, can we have a personalised ceremony?

Absolutely! Your ceremony should be as unique as your relationship. Whether you envision heartfelt vows, cultural traditions, or a touch of humour, I’m here to bring your vision to life. And, if you feel a bit stuck, I can also come up with something very creative. Together, we’ll craft a ceremony that truly reflects your love story and personalities.

How will our ceremony last?

This will be entirely up to you and your preferences, but typically, a ceremony can last between 20 and 30 minutes. This gives us enough time to celebrate your love and make your union official without keeping your guests waiting too long. Of course, if you choose to add special rituals, we can take as long as you need. To give you an idea, my ceremonies typically include:

• Processional (the grand entrance)
• Welcome and housekeeping
• My opening remarks as your celebrant, including your love story
• Readings, poems, or words from a loved one
• Any special rituals that are meaningful to you
• The Monitum (a mandatory statement during all civil wedding ceremonies in Australia)
• Exchange of official vows
• Personal vows (always optional, but highly encouraged)
• Ring exchange
• Pronouncement and first kiss
• Signing of documents
• Presentation of the newly weds

How much does a ceremony with It’s About Love cost?

Every couple and ceremony are different, so I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. My wedding packages range from no-frills options for couples who just want to make it official but still feel special, through to fully personalised celebrations that tell your story with heart and style.

Where can we get married?

Anywhere you like! Whether it’s a beachside ceremony, a winery in the Adelaide Hills, or a backyard celebration, I can marry you anywhere in Australia. Just let me know your dream location, and we’ll make it happen.

What about legalities?

We will need to complete and sign your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding day, but no more than 18 months in advance. This gives us plenty of time to plan and personalise your ceremony without any last-minute stress.

To complete the NOIM, I will need to see your passports, or your original birth certificates and a form of photo ID, such as your driver’s license. If applicable, evidence that you are not currently married (e.g., if you are divorced).

Do we need witnesses?

Yes, you’ll need two witnesses over the age of 18 to sign your marriage certificate. They can be friends, family, or even guests who are happy to help out. Please note that an elopement in Australia means to get married with your celebrant and the two witnesses as a bare minimum. We’ll still need to complete your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month prior to the day you want to elope. Otherwise, you won’t be officially married.

Can we include our children or pets in the ceremony?

Of course! Including your children or fur-babies can make your ceremony even more special. Whether it’s a family vow, a unity candle, or a paw-some ring bearer, let’s chat about how to include them in your day.

What happens after the ceremony?

After the ceremony, I’ll lodge all the necessary paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages and you will be officially married.

Anything else?

If you have any more questions or want to start planning your dream ceremony, feel free to get in touch. I’m here to help make your wedding day as special and stress-free as possible.