the process of developing your wedding ceremony

Our first interview

Once you decide to book me as your celebrant, we’ll schedule our first interview during which we’ll complete the necessary paperwork, and then move on to the fun part, which is to start planning your wedding ceremony.

Please allow at least one hour for our first meeting so we can work through the information contained in your ‘Welcome Pack’. This includes:

• Completing the marriage ceremony booking form;
• Completing the necessary legal documents – the Notice of Intended Marriage (Form 13) and the Declarations (Form 14)
• Discussing other necessary requirements set out by the Government, such as marriage education and family services available to couples and families, along with the brochure ‘Happily ever before and after’ that sets out your legal obligations as a couple entering into marriage;
• Discussing briefly the ‘Wedding Notification’ form you are required to lodge with Mornington Council if you plan to hold your ceremony on public land, such as a beach or park;
• Discussing the process of applying for a Marriage Certificate;
• Explaining how to redeem your complimentary ‘Name Change Kit’ to assist in changing your name after your wedding (if applicable); and
• Completing the statement of fees and issuing you with a receipt for the deposit of $150.

Once all of the paperwork is filled in, we’ll take a look at what is involved in creating your wedding ceremony. Together we will:
• Discuss your requirements and expectations for your ceremony, including what you like and don’t like;
• Talk about the significance of the client questionnaire and how your answers are used to create a memorable ceremony that is uniquely your’s; and

Our second interview

This is usually scheduled at the end of our first interview for approximately two weeks time, allowing you the chance to read over the provided information, develop your thoughts and ideas for the first draft of your ceremony and complete the client questionnaire. I’ll then produce ‘Version 1’ of your ceremony, email it to you and await your feedback and any changes you’d like to make.

And then…

Any further meetings can be scheduled as needed, and we can communicate by both phone and email until we have designed a wedding ceremony that is everything you want it to be. It’s best that this is finalised at least two to four weeks prior to your wedding to allow me plenty of time to produce the Orders of Service, Appreciation Certificates, etc, and you enough time to concentrate on other details of your wedding.

Once you have approved the final copy of the ceremony, we’ll schedule a ceremony rehearsal, preferably on-site if possible. We’ll also to go over the legal documents, checking that they have been completed accurately.

On your wedding day

I will arrive at least 30 minutes before the agreed starting time to set up, brief the other service providers, calm the groom if he is a little on edge, and ensure we have everything needed for your wedding ceremony to run smoothly!

After the ceremony

I will ensure that all the relevant documents are completed and sent to the appropriate registering authority within 14 days after your wedding ceremony. Once your marriage is registered, you can then apply for your standard marriage certificate by following the steps outlined in your ‘Welcome Pack’.

A final word

I hope the information I’ve provided has been useful. I would be truly honoured to be your chosen celebrant and look forward to working together with you to create and deliver a beautiful and meaningful wedding ceremony.

other information:

• introduction
• inclusions
• frequently asked questions