Your Ceremony

The 1st step to your Ceremony is to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage form and make sure it is at least one month and one day before your ceremony.

Click here to download a copy of the form.

Please note you need an original Birth Certificate if born in Australia.

There are three parts to composing your ceremony…
(every part is optional except the ones marked compulsory).

1. The Introduction

The procession - music. Welcome guests - family, friends the bridal couple, acknowledge ancestors. Celebrant introduces self (compulsory) - "I am duly authorized by law to solemnise marriages according to law."

Giving away of the bride.
The bride is 'given away' - she moves away from the life of being single.

The history of marriage/ritual/the couple.

The purpose of the gathering.

How what the couple is doing - links to all our lives.

Give away.

The definition of marriage (compulsory).
"Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter."

A general overview of what marriage and commitment means to the couple.

The solemn nature of marriage (compulsory).
"Marriage according to the laws of Australia, is a union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life." (or words to that effect)

The couple's intentions are expressed - showing they each came to the ceremony freely with no impediment to the marriage. A reading or song will reflect the couple's feelings towards the commitment.

2.Transition

The vows (compulsory) - the exchange of vows.
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I [Name], take thee, [Name] to be my lawful wedded wife/husband". (or words to that effect)

The symbol of commitment.
Exchange of rings, light candles, share wine exchange gifts etc.

The pronouncement of the couple's married status
Let the world now recognise you as husband and wife.

The kiss - rituals - hand fastening/readings etc.
Announce the signing of the certificate of marriage and give instructions to guests - i.e. stay where you are and listen to music/song etc while the legal papers are completed.

Signing of certificate of marriage.
Blessing/ reading/prayer.

3. The Conclusion

Presenting the couple
"I introduce Mr and Mrs [Name]." Blessing / toast / glass breaking / hand out rose to the mothers or ritual etc. Dismissing the gathering and announce what is to happen - recessional music / song / receiving line / confetti / rice / flowers thrown etc. photos before the reception.