INRODUCTION

Married life is not as simple as following a list of important rules to a marriage, it is a journey together. Marriage instills a sense of belonging and commitment.

At Celebrant 2 u we invite you to create your own wedding. Planning the celebration can be a rich experience that you will cherish throughout the years of your marriage.

Not many people are prepared to start with a blank page and write a marriage ceremony or even select the music. Our collection is to help you do it. However our collection is a tool, nothing more. Most of the material has been edited and adapted. All have been edited for gender inclusiveness. You are free to further edit and adapt.

Edit, rewrite, take part of one item and link it to another, omit sections, etc. Write any of it that you wish, We encourage you in particular to write your own marriage and ring vows. In other words, make it uniquely yours.
CEREMONIES
As part of my personal guarantee I will research and adapt any type of service style or rituals you may require, taking into account your heritage, please discuss these with me.

To further personalise your ceremony and/or to involve family and friends in your Special Day I am also happy to include a range of rituals, these include:
SAND CEREMONY

The "Blending of the Sands" ceremony can be a beautiful and meaningful alternative to the Unity Candle ceremony. Like a Unity candle the pouring of two different colored sands together is used to symbolize the joining of the bride and groom or the joining of their families. Sand from the desert, a favorite beach or vacation spot also works.
This ceremony requires three small vials or vases, one for you and your fiancé to pour the sand into and two for each of you to pour the sand from. Each of the two vials of colored sand symbolizes the separate lives of the bride and groom and their families. The two outside vials or vases can be used later to display fresh flowers following the wedding. Some couples pour the sand from two sea shells. You can put your vase containing your combined sand on display as a constant reminder of your special day!
CANDLE LIGHTING

A Unity Candle Ceremony can easily be added to any marriage ceremony. It is placed near the end of the ceremony, following the Exchange of Rings. However, the mother's usually lights the two outer candles as they are escorted forward at the beginning of the ceremony. If there are breezes present, they may want to light the taper candles just prior to the Unity Candle Ceremony.

A Unity Candle set consists of two slender candles (called tapers) and a large center candle. They are usually white candles.
The two outer candles represent your individual lives before today. They represent all that you are from your vast experiences, and they represent your individual families. As you each take a single candle and light the center candle, you will extinguish your individual candles.

Often the Bride will blow out the Groom's taper candle and the Groom will blow out the Brides taper candle. This represents the closing of the chapters in your individual Books of Life and the beginning of new chapters as you begin to write a new book of Life as wife and husband!
SHARING of WINE

The use of the wine cup or Loving Cup at a wedding is an ancient tradition. By the 15th century it was common for the Celtic people to toast each other with a ceremonial Loving Cup. In Scotland this cup is known as a quaich, which comes from the Celtic word cuach, meaning cup. The Loving Cup ceremony also has its roots in Irish and Jewish cultures.
Today there are different versions of the Loving Cup. The traditional quaich is shaped like a 2 handled bowl and often has a inlaid Celtic design. Loving Cups come in many designs, shapes, sizes and colors. Some couples choose use a crystal wine glass and have their names and the date of their wedding etched in glass.

The purpose of the Loving Cup ceremony is for the bride and groom to share their first drink together as wife and husband and to show the coming together of two families.

Special words can be added to include the Bride and Groom's parents (and friends) as part of this ceremony.

The cup is then passed down from generation to generation, ensuring happiness and good fortune to all who drink from it. This is a special moment for the couple to toast their love, devotion, and friendship.
ROSE CEREMONY

In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a red rose bud. Two red rose buds are all that is necessary. If you have children involved in the ceremony, you may have a rose for each of them too. The Rose Ceremony is placed near the end of the ceremony just "after" being pronounced husband and wife.

In the old language of flowers, a single red rose has always meant "I love you". The Rose ceremony gives recognition to the new and most honorable title of "Wife and Husband".

Couples will often stop as they exit and hand the mother of the bride and groom each their rose bud, whispering "I love you," before proceeding with their exit, knowing that love is not love until you give it away! This is a nice way of involving the mother in the ceremony. Some have preferred to both turn and walk to their mothers and present the rose buds immediately following the rose ceremony.
BREAKING OF GLASS

One interpretation of this ceremony states that once the glass is shattered, it can never return to its former condition, thus symbolizing the couples wish to never return to the time before they shared their lives.
The breaking of the glass at the conclusion of the wedding also symbolizes that marriage is not always as joyous as the wedding itself. The bad times, when our hearts break, are representative of the shattered glass.

The breaking of the glass also symbolizes the fragility of life, the fact that whatever we see before us as whole can be broken at any moment. It calls our attention for the need to care for one another; for just as glass can be shattered with a single blow, so the grace of a marriage bond can be shattered with a single act of infidelity or repeated acts of emotional irresponsibility.
HANDFASTING

Handfasting is an ancient commitment ceremony. It is the predecessor to the modern wedding ceremony. The ritual itself usually includes a loose binding together of the hands of the couple with a ritual cord of some kind, hence the name, which means "hand fastening." It is also the origin of the slang phrase "to tie the knot."
Handfasting is a symbolic ceremony to honor a couple's desire for commitment to each other; to acknowledge that their lives and their fates are now bound together.
BUTTERFLY RELEASE

The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings and rebirths. What better way to celebrate the beginning of a new life together than with the releasing of butterflies at your wedding.

Every release is unique and special just as every wedding and every moment of our life is unique and special.

Releasing butterflies is a magical and unique experience that will put a smile on every guest's face. Their shimmering beauty and graceful flight are a wonder to young and old alike.

Your "butterfly release" will inspire a memorable and unique experience to be cherished for a lifetime.
LEGALITIES
To get married in Australia, a couple must

       1. lodge a notice of intended marriage
       2. provide evidence of self, and marital status
       3. provide evidence of age, or approval to get married if under 18years.
       4. declare there is no legal impediment to getting married

Notice of Intended Marriage (the NOIM)

       You need to complete a 'Notice of Intended Marriage' form, which can be supplied by me, at least one month and one day and not more than eighteen months prior to your wedding. Download the " Notice of Intended Marriage" here. The NOIM is valid only from when I receive it (that is the date I get it or

       Note: it may not be possible for both the bride and groom to sign the NOIM together before it is lodged. So if you are running out of time, one party may complete the NOIM as much as possible, get it properly witnessed then to me as soon as possible.

Download NOIM Here

Evidence about Self and Marital Status

       The original (not photocopy) documents I need to sight prior to the marriage must be:-
Marital Situation Born In Australia Born Outside of Australia
Never Validly Married Original Birth Certificate Original Birth Certificate OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport
Divorced Original Birth certificate AND
Certificate of Divorce / Decree Absolute		 Original Birth Certificate OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport  AND
Certificate of Divorce
Widow / Widower Original Birth Certificate AND
Death Certificate		 Original Birth Certificate OR
Valid (Non Australian) Passport  AND
Death Certificate

I need to sight these documents prior to the wedding. IT IS PREFERABLE if you can have them at the first meeting that we have so it is all taken care of, but if you can't I can see them anytime between when the NOIM is lodged and the wedding.

If you cannot provide (and believe you cannot obtain) that documents listed above a Statutory Declaration can be provided to declare that you can't get the certificate and the reason for same.

Caution if you are waiting for a decree absolute (divorce) from the Family Court in your state do not rely upon it to be posted to you by set dates.

If you have been married more than once previously, I only need to sight evidence of how the last marriage ended.

If any of the documents are in a foreign language
- official translations into English may be required. Currently in Australia the only persons who can do this are those registered with the National Accreditation Authority for Translators. Tel: 1300 557 470, email them at info@naati.com.au or check out their website at www.naati.com.au .

You need to complete a Declaration, which I have, in my presence prior to your wedding, declaring there is no legal impediment to your marriage with your partner / fiancée, which will be done prior to your wedding

At your ceremony, there must be two official witnesses who have attained the age of eighteen years. The full names of your witnesses need to be provided to me prior to your ceremony for inclusion on the official Certificate of Marriage which is forwarded by me to the Register-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages to register your marriage.

 Evidence of age, or approval to get married if under 18years

In Australia a person who is over 16 years may marry another person over 18 years, but the person under 18 years must
       1. get parental permission, AND
       2. get permission from a court
before the marriage may be approved and go ahead. Only one of the couple may be under 18 years of age - absolutely!

 Changing Your Name
Some women who marry choose to change their surname to their husband's surname. This is done as a matter of custom and not of law.

A formal Change of Name conducted at the Registry is not required if you wish to take your husband's name. A Standard Marriage Certificate is usually sufficient evidence to have personal documentation, such as your driver's licence and passport changed to your married surname.

All presentation marriage certificates (the one presented to you on the day) issued since September 1, 2005 are issued by the Attorney General's Department (via the person authorised to marry people) and it has a registration number on it. This registration number can be tracked back to the person who issued the Certificate through the Attorney General's Department. These 'new' certificates are LEGAL documents and are increasingly used to prove that a marriage took place on the day and place on the certificate.

Some women however do wish to formally change their name. It's simply a matter of choice. If you decide to change your surname to your husband's name the Government Departments and the Passport Office need to view your official Standard Marriage Certificate issued by the Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages. Generally the Certificate of Marriage that Celebrants issued (before September 1, 2005) is not adequate (as it has no registration Number on it).

There is no legal requirement for you to change your surname officially if you wish to:
       assume your spouse’s surname following marriage
       combine your surnames with your spouse (with or without a hyphen)
       return to your maiden name
       resume a former married surname
       return to a previous legal name which has been formally registered

You do not need to register a formal change of name if the change falls within one of the above categories.
        Your marriage certificate is sufficient proof of your change of name and         there may be occasions in which you will also need to produce your birth         certificate and documents showing your (previous) formal change of        name as verification. (2006)
Can't wait one month and one day to get married?

The 5 Categories of circumstances set out in the regulations are the only reasons this can be achieved.
       1.  Employment related or other travel commitments
       2.  Wedding celebrations arrangements, or religious considerations
       3.  Medical reasons
       4.  Legal proceedings
       5.  Error in giving Notice

Only a prescribed authority has the power to shorten this time and he or she must be satisfied that the particular circumstances justify doing so. Generally this is the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages. I, as an Authorised Marriage Celebrant, can assist you in applying to have a shortening of time for the Notice of Intended Marriage. Shortening of time is not commonly or lightly granted, and must be supported by appropriate evidence or reasons. For example, if one party to the marriage has a member of the family becomes seriously or terminally ill a doctor's note may be sufficient to request this reduction in wait time..

The renewal of wedding vows can be a momentous and valued ceremony for you along with your family and friends. The ceremony will celebrate not only the life you two have already shared but to look forward to many more loving years ahead of you. In a relationship, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love. To renew your vows is a special affirmation of your love and will commemorate this love to you and your family.


There is nothing more astonishing than for your family and friends to watch as hands and hearts are connected in lasting love, a truly romantic moment for all attendees.

Vow renewal can be as personal as you may like them to be. There is no specific structure. Some people like to reaffirm their original vows or re-write them to include the life they have already lived and look forward to their everlasting love toward the future. You may like to include your children or grand children, pets, readings, original bridal party.

It can be formal or informal the choices are endless. A candle or sand blending ceremony could include your whole family. Giving and receiving of new rings. Unlike weddings, there is no legal paperwork; however, Kellie will provide you with a beautiful certificate to commemorate this special occasion. Please call me today to discuss your requirements.

A Commitment Ceremony is a meaningful and dignified ceremony for adult couples. The purpose of the Ceremony is to make a public declaration of life-long commitment, love and dedication between two people.


The occasion can be shared with family and friends or the ceremony can be held in private without guests.

A Commitment Ceremony does NOT have any legal implications and does not provide you with any legal rights or responsibilities.

There is no structure for this service; as such the limit is your imagination. You may like to have a unity candle or sand blending service or release of butterflies or doves. What about Wine Ceremony – the cup of life is symbolic of the pledges you have made to one another to share together the fullness of life.

When someone we love has died, it is always a very difficult and painful time. It is at this distressing time that the family is often faced with many decisions about the funeral. Celebrant 2 u will assist you in providing those answers.  Nothing can take away the shock of death, but a genuine, well prepared tribute eases the pain.


Find a quiet, safe place to begin your planning. Give yourself permission to laugh, cry and to remember. There is an implicit psychological progression to the plan, if you follow it from beginning to end, you will discover what is right for you. Creating a ceremony that reflects you, your ideas, beliefs and feelings will become increasingly clear. 

It seems ironic that traditional funeral services are the only kind that many people consider. It's as if after a life filled with individual choices and decisions, we ultimately conform as everyone else.

None of us live lives in exactly the same way. So it seems inappropriate that everyone should be memorialized in death in exactly the same way.
I can assist you to find the appropriate music, poetry, readings and symbols that have personal significance for you and your family. We will honour the life of the departed, and say a beautiful farewell in a way that is meaningful for you. My aim is to provide you with ceremonies that are relaxed, intimate and simply perfect. I can even give you suggestions to help you write your own. The recollection of a personal ceremony is a constant consolation.

Please contact Kellie to discuss your requirements.

  • In Australia the minimum legal age for consent to marry is 18 years.
  • Please speak to Kellie if one of the parties is under 18 yrs old.
  • A ‘Notice of Intended Marriage' must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one month and one day prior to the wedding date. This notice has a life span of 18 months  www.ag.gov.au/.../$file/notice+of+intended+marriage+formc.pdf
  • If born in Australia, a birth certificate must be shown, if born overseas a current passport can be provided, if no birth certificate can be shown. Evidence of the date and place of birth of both persons must be sighted by your celebrant.
  • Any dissolution of a previous marriage must be supported by a decree absolute, or in the instance of a deceased spouse, a death certificate.
  • Each marriage must be witnessed by two persons aged 18 years or over.
  • Relationship Education - a brochure outlining the importance of your union as husband and wife will be explained and given to you in your client folder.
 
Costs
Celebrant 2 u fees are worked out on the type of service you require; please don’t choose your celebrant on the basis of price only. My fees are competitive and will be calculated on your requirements along with the time and place chosen.  These fees will be discussed with you on your first enquiry.

Length of notification prior to wedding
You must complete a "Notice of Intended Marriage" form, a minimum one month and one day prior to your ceremony. This form will be kept in your file until after your wedding at which time it is forwarded to Births Deaths and Marriages with the other documentation you will sign on the day
What do we bring to our first meeting with Celebrant 2 u?
Birth Certificate and Change of Name documents if applicable. If either of you have been married before, your Certificate of Divorce and previous Marriage Certificate if the Certificate of Divorce does not state your birth name. If applicable, late spouse's Death Certificate and your Passport or Driver's License for photographic identification.
A non-refundable deposit of $100. The deposit is only refundable if for some unforeseen reason Celebrant 2 u was unable to go ahead with your ceremony.

My fiancé has changed his name by Deed Poll? Is this going to be a difficulty?
New regulations state that when completing the Notice of Intended Marriage form couples must use the name exactly as it appears on their birth certificate unless they have changed their name through a previous marriage or have in their possession Change of Name documents.
Deed Poll is no longer accepted as proof of a name change. Note in Queensland, applications for change of name will only be accepted for people born in Queensland or born overseas.
If a Change of Name document is required, the Notice of Intended Marriage Form can be completed using the name on the birth certificate and then amended when the Change of Name document is received.

My fiancée is an overseas resident; can you assist us to obtain a Prospective Marriage Visa?
Yes - Celebrant 2 u can complete the Notice of Intended Marriage Form with you and supply a letter indicating their availability to marry you at a mutually convenient time, date and place. This letter is required to be lodged with the Application for a Prospective Marriage Visa.

What happens if we have to postpone our wedding?
The "Notice of Intended Marriage" form that you complete is active for up to 18 months from the date of signing. Your deposit will be held for your new date.

Is the deposit refundable if we don't go ahead for any reason?
No, this is a non-refundable deposit as time and resources will have been spent with you at the first meeting, your ceremony would be in preparation and your wedding date would have been held for you.

Can we bring our children to the meetings with you?
Children our welcome, but please remember it can take up to 1 ½ hours for your first meeting and little children will get bored. If you can't arrange a sitter, please bring some of their favourite toys along to the meetings.

Do you charge mileage?
150km return trip from my home is included in your fee. Travel will then be charged at an hourly rate with consideration of your circumstances

Can you help us write the ceremony?
Kellie will provide you with information for you both to make a decision or guide you to information regarding services.  You can write your own ceremony, however additional wording set by the Attorney-Generals departments requirements must be included in all ceremonies

We would like to do an "Order of Ceremony" booklet, do you provide these?
These can be provided in a suitable format so that you can have them copied or printed. You may wish to prepare a separate cover page or Kellie will help you with this also.

Do we get a copy of our ceremony as a keepsake?
Kellie prepares a keepsake copy of your ceremony on her stationery. This can be kept with other mementoes of your day such as wedding and gift cards in a Treasure Box. You will then be able to renew your vows one day if you wish, using words similar to those you said on your wedding day.

If we have a rehearsal is there any extra cost for this?
Kellie will meet you at your venue for a rehearsal at no extra cost - this will ensure there is no confusion with the exact location of your ceremony, your entrance and recession will be rehearsed and if being "given away" or "presented" this will be practiced to ensure everyone knows what to do on the big day.

Do I sign the Marriage Certificate with my new married name?
No, all documents should be signed with the same signature.

How can we ensure our Certificate of Marriage doesn't go astray after the ceremony?
Celebrant 2 u has a policy that the Certificate of Marriage once presented to the newly-weds is given only to the person of your choosing for safe-keeping. This is arranged at one of our pre-wedding meetings.

Is the Presentation Marriage Certificate you give at the ceremony suitable for proving name change by marriage say for the bank, passport application, driver's license etc.?
It is recommended that after your wedding, application is made to Births Deaths and Marriages for the official marriage certificate. This is required for certain circumstances such as changing your name for your driver's license and applying for a passport etc. This form will be supplied to you by Kellie at one of your meetings

Do you have public liability and would this cover us as a couple in case of a claim?
Celebrant 2 u carries $5,000,000 of public liability insurance for incidents arriving from actions of the celebrant and does not cover the couple in any other circumstances. It's wise to investigate wedding insurance which is available in the event of an incident for which you might be liable and for unforeseen postponement, problem with venues, caterers, photographs etc.

We would like to do a pre-marriage education course, have you got details about the courses available?
Yes, all Marriage Celebrants are required to hold information on pre-marriage education or counselling services. Contact Celebrant 2 u for information or search http://www.familyrelationships.gov.au


Introduction
Legalities
Types of Wedding Ceremonies
Links
Kellie is a professional marriage celebrant in Brisbane, who will work with you to create your wedding ceremony which will express your love and commitment. Whilst ensuring your memorable day is enjoyable and problem free for you and your guests.