What is a Civil Marriage Ceremony? It is a non religious legal ceremony, conducted by a Civil Marriage Celebrant who is registered by the Australian Government in Canberra.

Can I get married anywhere? Yes, providing the celebrant is agreeable! Parks, beaches. restaurants, reception centres and chapels, private homes, hospitals, National Parks, yachts, hot air balloons, etc.

Is Gay marriage legal in Victoria? Not at present, but a Ceremony of Commitment can still represent all that you mean to each other, even without being legally recognised.

After I choose a celebrant what next?  Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (Form 13)  with your celebrant.

What do I need to complete the Form 13 ?  You will need original Birth Certificates for Australian residents and overseas passports can be used for non residents. If married previously, evidence of how the marriage ended ie.either divorce certificate or death certificate .

How soon do I need to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage prior to the wedding. It needs to be completed at a minimum of one month and a day prior to the wedding, and no greater than 18 months prior to the wedding.

My partner is from overseas, can we get married in Australia? Yes you can marry in Australia but note that marriage does not infer citizenship.

How much notice does the Celebrant need? As much as possible, but bear in mind that the Spring and Summer months tend to be heavily booked. Otherwise the absolute minimum is one month and a day for the lodging of the Notice of Intended Marriage .

Can I write my own vows and totally script my own ceremony? Almost! But there are a few mandatory legal requirements with regard to Vows and the Celebrant Authority. Except for these two requirements you can be as creative as you like.

How much will it cost? Celebrant's fees vary greatly depending on their reputation, demand ,celebrity status, complexity of ceremony ,distance travelled and the number of hours spent crafting your unique ceremony, compared to an 'off the shelf' ceremony. I consider that my fees are in the mid-range, affordable but without compromising on quality. Contact me on 03 9890 6630 for details.

              "What lies behind us, and what lies before us, are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Ralph Waldo Emerson