
I was talking to clients recently and after I'd given them a whole heap of information, I asked them if they had any questions. They asked me what questions couples usually ask, and I was a bit stumped.... what do people usually ask me? After our conversation was finished, I went through and detailed all the questions that I am usually asked, or should be asked. So here are some celebrant questions, along with some celebrant answers:
How long have you been a celebrant?
Just over two years, at the time of writing.
How can I be sure you are really a celebrant?
The Attorney General's office keeps a list of all registered marriage celebrants. Just Google and you'll see my name there.
How many ceremonies have you performed?
90 as of yesterday (Jan 2025)
Will we be your only wedding on the day?
Not necessarily. But I leave at least 3 hours between ceremonies if I have more than one.
How long will the ceremony last?
Depending on the type of ceremony you want, between just over 5 minutes and around half an hour. Some go a little longer, depending on individual couples' requirements.
Can we include personal vows?
Of course! I can even give you tips on writing them, and will lend a hand if needed.
What happens if it rains (for outdoor ceremonies)?
It's always good to have a Plan B, regardless of the season. Or umbrellas.
Can we customize the ceremony?
Totally. The only legal requirements are for me to say the monitum and for you to say the legal vows. And to sign the documents, of course. Other than that, it's totally up to you.
Do you attend the rehearsal?
Yes, for my Rose ceremony only, if you'd like me to and if I'm available. Is it essential? No, not really - most of the time, the ceremony runs smoothly without a rehearsal. However, attending a rehearsal can be helpful if you're feeling nervous, have a large wedding party, or if your ceremony involves complex elements like unique processional orders or symbolic rituals.
If I do attend, we can walk through the key moments together—like entrances, exits, and timing—so everyone feels confident and ready for the big day. But rest assured, even without a rehearsal, I’ll guide you and your wedding party through everything on the day itself!
How early do you arrive on the day?
Usually 45 minutes to an hour before the ceremony is due to start. This gives me time to set up and test equipment and feel relaxed by the time we're ready to get started. If it's a legal's-only wedding though, 10 minutes or so early is plenty of time.
What do you wear?
I'll ask you if there are colours you'd like me to wear or to avoid wearing. If you'd like me to wear anything specific, just let me know.
Can we involve family or friends in the ceremony?
Yes. You may like to have a friend or family member do a reading, participate in a ritual, or even present the full ceremony apart from the legal aspects.
What happens if you're sick?
I have a wide network of celebrants. I would find a substitute and transfer script, documents and payment to them. So far this hasn't happened, but I have been a substitute celebrant for a buddy a couple of times, and all went well.
Do you stay for the reception?
I'm happy to stay for a drink and a chat with some of your guests, but the reception is for you and your friends and family. There's no need to invite your celebrant, unless they are a friend.
Do you have a sound system?
I have my own speaker and mic. Both are wireless and battery operated, so no need to find power for me. I can also play music through the speaker, and videographers are welcome to plug into it.
What kind of paperwork do we need?
Your Notice Of Intended Marriaged needs to be signed, witnessed and back with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding. I also need to see proof of date and place of birth, and some photo id. In most cases, passports cover all of these requirements. Birth certificates and some photo id do the trick as well.
Can we have a non-religious/partially religious ceremony?
While I'm a non-religious celebrant, I'm happy to add in some religious components if you wish. However, if you're wanting a fully religious ceremony, it's best to contact your local priest/pastor/rabbi/other holy person.
How do we finalise everything with you?
I'll ask for a booking fee of $100. The balance of your fee would then be due at least two weeks before your wedding.
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