Easy Australian Wedding Ceremony Planning
Congratulations! You have come to the right place to make your Australian Wedding Ceremony planning easy. As Brisbane’s Best Registered Marriage Celebrant I know how to smooth the planning process for you. With extensive experience in planning and conducting wedding ceremonies, I show you how to avoid the pitfalls, potential disappointments, and stress in the planning process.
Check out why Glenda your Australian Wedding Celebrant is a ray of sunshine in wedding planning!
Contact Glenda here for your Australian Wedding Ceremony!
You choose the location for your Australian Wedding Ceremony. I am based in the great south-east of Queensland, Brisbane and Bayside areas. However, as a Commonwealth-Registered Marriage Celebrant, I have authority to conduct wedding ceremonies in any part of Australia.
Get the Right Information
Get the right information about Australian wedding ceremonies! These frequently asked questions and answers make your Australian wedding ceremony planning easy.
Who can marry in Australia?
Two people who meet the Australian legal marriage requirements.
Do we have to reside in Australia before we marry?
This is not a requirement. You and your partner can marry on the day you arrive in Australia. If you wish to remain in Australia as a resident following your marriage, then you must have the relevant visa.
Do we have to have a Wedding Ceremony?
This is a legal requirement, so yes you must have a ceremony. You and your partner make your lawful marriage contract with each other in a valid wedding ceremony. There is no specific length of time for the ceremony, however there are specific words that must be said by the Marriage Celebrant, and you, and your partner.
Do Registered Marriage Celebrants conduct legal weddings in Australia?
Registered (with the Australian Attorney General) Marriage Celebrants, conduct legal wedding ceremonies according to law in Australia. This Marriage Celebrant definition gives more information about the services that a Registered Marriage Celebrant offers. I officiate legal marriage ceremonies for any two people who meet the Marriage Act 1961 requirements.
Who must be present at a legal wedding ceremony in Australia?
The minimum number of people who are required to be physically present at a legal wedding ceremony is five (5). These are the marrying couple, the Celebrant, and two witnesses. It is up to the marrying couple whether or not they want to have attendants and/or guests at the ceremony.
How do we plan and arrange a wedding ceremony in Australia?
Contact me and we will make the planning and arranging process smooth and fuss-free! I help you to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the intended wedding date. Are you in a hurry to get married, and you have a valid reason? A prescribed authority can shorten this one-month waiting time period under certain circumstances. This ‘shortening of time’ process starts when you book me as your Celebrant.
Do we get a Marriage Certificate?
You receive a ‘ceremonial/presentation’ Marriage Certificate on your wedding day. This is a legal document that is proof of your marriage. It shows the names of the marrying parties, the Celebrant, the place and date of marriage, and signatures of all parties including two witnesses. However, this certificate is not an ID (identity document) and can not be used to prove your personal identification. The Registry in the State or Territory in which you marry issues a copy of the Official Marriage Certificate for a fee. I make it easy to get this copy without any fuss!
Can we marry a second time in Australia?
If your marriage is legally registered in a country outside Australia you are already legally married under Australian law. So, no, you cannot have a second marriage ceremony in Australia. If you wish, you can celebrate with family and friends in Australia in either Renewal of Vows, or Commitment ceremony. Although these ceremonies have no legal status, they are great occasions for extra celebrations.
Must we have counseling before we marry in Australia?
Pre-marriage counselling is not required in Australia. However, Relationship education is readily available in Australia. There are both government and non-government agencies. This information is free and is easy to find. Relationship education is a helpful resource for everyone at all times throughout life.
What are the legal vows in Australia?
The legal vows in an Australian civil, or secular wedding ceremony. Both people must say:
“I, (name of Bride/Groom/Partner) call upon all persons here present to witness that I take you, (name of Bride/Groom/Partner) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
There are some legally acceptable minor variations to this wording. For example, “call upon” to “ask”; “persons” to “people”; “thee” to “you”.
Do we use our full names in all parts of the wedding ceremony?
There is some flexibility for names in an Australian wedding ceremony. However, the ceremony must include (mandatory) your full name at some stage. This establishes the legal, personal identity of the individuals who make the contract of marriage.
If you use your full name early in the ceremony, you may use just your given name/s for your lawful marriage vows. This creates a more personal and warm approach.
For example, for the full name, ‘Marion Rose Wickham’, the given names are ‘Marion’ and ‘Rose‘. This means that you may choose either ‘Marion’ or ‘Marion Rose.‘ Also, you may add a nickname, eg ‘Marion Rose (Max).‘
Do we need wedding rings in the wedding ceremony?
Wedding rings are not required. Two people marry when they say the legal marriage vows. Symbols, such as wedding rings, are optional. You choose the traditions, rituals and symbols you wish to include in your ceremony.
How much does a wedding ceremony cost?
The cost of a wedding ceremony varies. There is no set fee for Australian wedding ceremonies. You choose the wedding service that you want. I offer clients a range of delightful wedding ceremonies with personal touches. My wedding ceremony fees are fair, reasonable, affordable, and flexible.