Question 1

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

Based in Brunswick Heads in the Northern Rivers of NSW, I service areas from the Clarence valley to Tweed Heads. But if we’re the right fit for each other, I’m happy to travel!

Question 2

Do you charge travel fees?

Accepted Answer

If the distance of a return journey between Brunswick Heads and a wedding venue is more than 80 kilometres, there’s a set kilometre fee of $1.00/km. Any extra travel costs such as flights and accommodation will be negotiated.

Question 3

Do I need to arrange any legal paperwork before we meet?

Accepted Answer

No, I’ll be on top all of the legal documents so you wont have to worry about a thing!

The only thing you’ll need to provide for me is your original proof of identity documents and (if applicable) a divorce/death certificate from a previous marriage, in order to complete your Notice of Intended Marriage.

Question 4

What is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)?

Accepted Answer

The NOIM is a legal document that needs to be signed by you as the couple to be married, and witnessed by me as your celebrant. It has to be lodged (received by me) at least one month before your wedding date and is valid for 18 months. 
The NOIM notifies me of your intention to marry and declares that your marriage is legally compliant.

Question 5

What documents need to be signed for our marriage to be legal?

Accepted Answer

Please, do not fear! This may seem confusing or a lot to digest but I assure you that it’s not so bad and I’ve got you covered!

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): to be signed by both parties to the marriage and witnessed by an authorised person (I can do this!) at least one month but no later than 18 months before your ceremony date.

Declaration of No Legal Impediment (DoNLI): to be signed by both of you and witnessed by me,  immediately before the ceremony to declare you’re not already married, are not in a prohibited relationship, and are of legal marrying age.

Marriage Certificates:

Official Certificate of Marriage (OCM): to be signed during the ceremony by both of you, your two witnesses, and me as  your celebrant. This copy will be sent to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) to legally register your marriage. There will be two copies - one for the BDM, and one for my records. 
Certificate of Marriage (Form 15): this is your "fancy" keepsake certificate (but not the official legal proof of your marriage for name changes, etc).

Question 6

What does it mean to register our marriage? Why do we need a Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

In Australia, registering your marriage is mandatory to make your union legally valid under the Marriage Act 1961, and ensures it’s recognised by the Attorney-General’s Department.

Having a Marriage Certificate is important because it isn’t just proof that your marriage is legal, it’s also a key document for legal, financial and life admin purposes- think name changes, bank accounts, property, health, insuranceand government paperwork.

Question 7

Do we have to register our marriage ourselves?

Accepted Answer

No you dont, I do it for you! I love going full circle and completing the process of legalising your marriage until I’m of no more use! I’ll register your marriage with the BDM and have it sent to your address. The cost of your Official Marriage Certificate (including postage) is included in your ceremony package fee.

Question 8

What’s the difference between an Elopement and a Micro Wedding?

Accepted Answer

If you’re still wondering what it all means, here’s a little document to clarify the difference between elopement and micro-wedding ceremonies.