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Celebrants & Cermonies
The Ceremony
You’ve made the
decision to get married but now you need to make another very
important decision on where you will get married.
Do you go with the tradition of a church ceremony with a
religious minister or other church leader, the versatility of a
civil ceremony in the place of your choice with an authorised
civil celebrant or the simplicity of a registry office?
Your wedding should reflect your own personality and style.
Remember that under the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia, a
couple must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage with an authorised
religious or civil marriage celebrant. This document may be lodged
18 months before the ceremony date but no later than one calendar
month before the wedding day. Prior to the wedding you will also
need to provide birth certificates if you were born in Australia
and, where applicable, evidence of termination of previous
marriage. If born outside Australia, an overseas passport or birth
certificate is acceptable for identification.
For further information, see the Attorney General’s website
www.ag.gov.au/celebrants . Remember, if you do not
have a good understanding of English, then a translator must be
present at the wedding. To contact the Translating and
Interpreting Service (TIS) phone their toll free number: 131 450.
Your
vows are considered to be some of the most important words that
you will ever say to each other.
There are traditional vows applicable to every religion but many
couples choose to write their own as an original and personal
expression of the love they have for each other. Always keep the
vows simple and honest, as they are a commitment of your life
together. For more suggestions and ideas for wedding vows talk to
your wedding celebrant or check the internet, but the most
traditional and well known vow goes as following:
I call upon the persons here present to witness that I
,__________do take you,_________ to be my lawful wife/husband;
To have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in
health;
To love and to cherish as long as we both shall live.
This is my solemn vow and promise.
The civil
marriage celebrant program provides a flexible approach to your
wedding ceremony allowing you to have your wedding anywhere,
anytime you desire, in Australia. If a beach or garden ceremony is
to be part of your wedding celebrations, then this is the perfect
option.
Since the inception of the Civil Marriage Celebrant Program in
1973, many couples have been married in a variety of locations,
themes and styles. Some couples like to face their guests while
exchanging vows, and using a civil celebrant allows this
flexibility.
Choose your civil celebrant wisely and your wedding ceremony will
be perfect. He or she will personalise the ceremony to your
individual taste and be able to advise you on so many other
aspects of your wedding. Set up an obligation free meeting with
your choice of civil celebrant so you may be sure that she or he
will collaborate with you and observe the Attorney General’s Code
of Practice before you contract them. Do this as soon as you are
clear on your wedding date. Don’t leave it too late to contract
with an authorised celebrant as they are usually booked well in
advance and having the right celebrant for you will contribute to
the beauty and enjoyment of your special day.
Finally, do not be tempted to organise a surprise wedding. This is
when one member of the couple wants to ‘surprise’ the other party
by organising and then presenting them with the complete ceremony
as a romantic gesture but without their knowledge. As the consent
of the ‘surprised’ person cannot be assumed and the Notice of
Intended Marriage, signed by both parties has not been
satisfied, the validity of these marriages may be challenged.
The traditional
way to be married is in a church service. Most couples get married
in the church for religious reasons. At least one partner, but
usually both, are expected to follow the beliefs of the church.
The church leader will be interested in your marriage from a
religious perspective, as their church is a place of worship. Most
church leaders advise pre-marital counseling sessions and some
will require you to complete questionnaires and surveys. It is
important you both like and feel comfortable with the church
leader as he or she plays a very important role in the wedding.
They will organise aspects such as the organist and the choir, as
well as the timing of the music, songs and bells.
Often you can select vows and sentiments that you have written
yourself or that have special meaning for you as a couple. Discuss
with your fiancée what you would like included in the ceremony
such as readings, music, prayers and the content of your order of
service booklet. Some church leaders will also consent to marry
you on a non-religious site such as in a garden.
The beauty of
the natural environment appeals to many couples. The choice to
have an outdoor wedding offers a less formal environment than a
traditional church wedding for many couples looking for peace and
tranquility.
If you are lucky, you may have your own beautiful garden or
know someone with one who is willing to host your wedding.
Otherwise there are a large number of public parks and gardens,
many close to the city centre and each with their own special
character, to choose from. If you have chosen a public garden, you
will need to advise the local council up to three months in
advance to avoid conflicting venue arrangements and arrange for
any permits which may be necessary.
The Council parks have designated sites that may be booked
(sometimes for a fee). To marry in any of the parks, you must talk
to your relevant City Council. When choosing a garden, whether it
is private or public, make inquiries as to any restrictions. All
commercial venues have some state government restrictions imposed
on them. You should also inspect the grounds, taking particular
note of the following points.
- Access and parking: Check that parking is adequate for
a large number of guests. While off street parking and on street
parking is legal, ensure you are not encroaching on neighbour’s
privacy by blocking their driveways or parking on their land. Also
ensure that the wedding party’s transport, whether it be bridal
cars or a horse and carriage can manoeuvre safely inside the
grounds. Also check for parking and meter time restrictions.
- Friendly for children and the disabled:
Ensure the gardens are wheelchair, pram and disability friendly.
Wedding guests often include the very young and the elderly so
this is an important point. Consider whether guests will be able
to disembark close to the ceremony site. It can also prove
worthwhile to ask for a mud map of the area to send with your
invitations.
- Noise: Passing traffic noise has spoilt many
a wedding. Ensure the ceremony site is well away from the road and
if possible not able to be seen from the road. Some motorists have
been known to show their appreciation by tooting their horn or
shouting their congratulations! While these are lovely thoughts,
they may not be appropriate during your ceremony. Ask whether the
public will be allowed on the grounds while your service is in
progress; ensure any noise from waterfalls or fountains is not
overpowering; enquire whether your celebrant or church leader has
a public address system (especially useful in large gardens).
- Power: Is a power point available for stereo
systems or any other electrical appliance required for your
ceremony?
- Chairs and tables: These are required for
both the signing of the registry as well as for your guests. It’s
a good idea to ask how many are available and ensure you can use
them on the day.
- Cigarette disposal: Cigarette butts on the
lawn are a nightmare for both garden lovers and photographers.
Strategically placed pots and planters filled with sand can help
curb this problem. New council laws may restrict smoking
altogether so remember to check them.
- Confetti: Ask whether confetti is allowed in
the garden - often, rose petals or genuine pot pouri, colourless
bubbles or other more appropriate biodegradable material can be
substituted for traditional confetti. The use of traditional or
cheap pot pouri confetti is widely discouraged because the dyes
run. Similarly, metallic confetti is dangerous as it is sharp and
reflective. Silk petals get into mowers and rice can hurt so check
these as well.
- Dogs: For couples wanting their dog in their
ceremony or simply attending, a garden wedding can be the only
option. However, remember to ask whether your dog will be welcome,
as some gardens may have strict prohibitions
- Water hazards: If ponds, fountains, lakes or
other water hazards are located within the grounds, it’s a good
idea to advise parents before the wedding and ask them to take
responsibility for their children’s supervision. Also, remember
that garden owners will appreciate children not running through,
stepping on or hiding in garden beds.
- Public Liability: Check the garden owner has
public liability insurance.
- Cover: Enquire about alternate facilities
with cover in the case of rain. Also, check for shade cover,
especially if the ceremony will be held at a time when there is no
natural shade.
- Photography: Is the garden a photographer’s
paradise? Ask the garden owner about unique features and request
that your photographer visit the site before the day.
- Lighting: Is floodlighting available for
night use?
- Music: Remember that musicians must have a
shaded or covered area that protects both them and their
instruments from the elements. Also check accepted noise levels
and council approvals that are needed. Restrictions such as a
75-decibel noise level, time restrictions such as a 10pm curfew
and the number or type of musicians and use of amplifiers may also
apply at your venue.
- Water: Enquire if garden owner will supply
drinking water and glasses as an extra service. Otherwise purchase
bottled water for guests. This is particularly important for
summer weddings.
- Reception/catering: Some gardens provide a
reception or catering service, others allow reception and catering
on their grounds and others are merely service venues with no
reception or catering facilities.
- Marquee: Ensure grounds are sufficiently
large for a marquee, if it is required, to be erected and
facilities available for caterers. Most importantly, ensure the
garden and facilities can remain open for the length of time you
require, so any midnight revellers can party on – even private
gardens have to abide by government regulations.
- Garden walks: Inquire whether guests may
explore the gardens. Many people enjoy the tranquillity and beauty
of well cared for gardens, and your guests may appreciate the
opportunity to explore at their leisure. This is a perfect
activity while the photography session is in progress or to fill
any spare time before leaving for the reception.
Living in a country that boasts one of the most beautiful
coastlines in the world, it’s no wonder many Perth couples
choose to get married on the beach. Like garden weddings, beach
weddings are much less formal than traditional church weddings.
For many couples, marrying on the beach is a natural choice as it
reflects an important part of their lives together. A beach
wedding is also bound by restrictions and considerations. As well
as the points relating to garden weddings , couples
choosing to marry on the beach should remember the following:
- People wanting to get married on the beach must consult their
local council for permission.
- Consider the tides! A particularly high or low tide may not be
desirable for both practical and photographic reasons so consider
where you’d like the water to be during the wedding and plan
around it. If you haven’t already set the wedding date in
concrete, you can probably choose your ceremony time and find a
date where the tides will coincide. Your photographer and
videographer can help you decide what tide will work best. Tide
books are available at bookstores, sports and fishing outlets.
Ask your photographer and videographer if they are willing to go
onto the beach.Some will not as sand blowing into cameras will
damage their gear.
- A fantastic feature of the beach is the sand. Unfortunately
for most marriages on the beach, the only good thing about sand is
that it is usually white and not likely to do much material
damage. But remember, sand will get into everything and if there’s
a breeze, or a definite wind, it will whip around your ankles and
sting your eyes. If it is raining, there can be puddles or even
small rivers running down the beach. Always plan alternative
arrangements and have a way of telling everyone at short notice.
- Sand is particularly hard to walk on while wearing heels.
You’ve probably already accounted for this in your choice of
bridal wear but it’s a good idea to also mention it to your
guests.
- Sand can also be a problem for prams and wheelchairs so
consider this when choosing the particular beach and where on the
beach you will be married.
- Remember that for the duration of the ceremony you and your
guests will be standing in the sun. You could suggest on the
invitations that your guests bring umbrellas.
- Children should be well supervised around all water areas.
Unlike the church, the beach provides children with plenty of
reason to run away to something more interesting. If children are
attending and if you don’t want your guests chasing their children
down the beach during the ceremony, you should ensure all parents
are aware of the dangers and distractions and will mind their
children. If many children are attending, you may choose to
organise a child minder.
Not everyone wants a large wedding. For some couples, their
wedding is a private moment they want to share with only their
closest friends and relatives. For others their friends and family
are a long way away. Being small expands your choice of locations.
There are lots of wonderful restaurant venues with their own
personality and atmosphere that have delightful settings where you
can hold the ceremony, enjoy pre dinner drinks and then sit down
to a high quality contemporary style dinner. Some restaurants even
offer private dining rooms or secluded outdoor areas such as
gazebos which can be individually decorated to suit your theme.
Remember to match the size of your party to the size of the
restaurant.
Many couples are looking for a low-key wedding or it is their
second marriage so they are not limited to a time or day of the
week. This gives them the versatility to take advantage of
mid-week specials and minimum numbers and costs do not restrict
them. In fact, not only are restaurants more flexible, but all
wedding specialists are fairly negotiable on mid week packages.
Availability is also not so much of an issue as it is on weekends.
There is no need to book as far in advance and you are more likely
to get the date you want. Brunch or lunch following a simple
registry office ceremony is a lovely idea or even consider your
dates and book a mid-week night prior to a public holiday.
It is a good idea to trial the restaurant before the wedding. You
must visit the restaurant to discuss your requirements and the
menu with the chef. Check the restaurant is experienced in
catering for weddings. All meals will be required to be served at
the same time and so they must be able to handle your
requirements. It is wise to check references from couples who have
had their wedding there.
A wedding on the water is another truly romantic and relaxing
way to celebrate your big day. Whether it be a day on the bay or a
river cruise, it makes for a lovely scenic atmosphere and
unforgettable memories. Things to consider:
- What type of wedding are you looking for? For
a more formal wedding start with a church ceremony and reception
cruise with formal sit down style dining. If so, you must choose a
boat large enough to be set up in a restaurant style which will
accommodate your numbers comfortably with room to move.
Alternatively, choose an on-board ceremony or a riverside park
ceremony with jetty access. Both options would be lovely. Your
reception cruise is a little more relaxed with cocktail finger
food or a fork food style menu. You and your guests can socialise
and enjoy the atmosphere and scenery while being served
refreshments.
- Weather: Australia's glorious winter days
provide the perfect setting for morning ceremonies and lunch or
brunch style receptions. Spring is lovely for early afternoon
ceremonies and a sunset reception cruise. Summer is getting hotter
and perfect for a balmy sunset ceremony and a moonlit reception
cruise. City lights make a beautiful backdrop to the river or bay.
- Logistics: Departure points – some are free
to use and others are privately owned and have a separate charge
for their usage. City Cat terminals cannot be used.
- Parking: Check parking availability and
proximity to the jetty. If you are having a church ceremony, you
may consider hiring a bus to transport guests to and from the boat
if parking is a problem.
- Music: A very important part of any wedding.
A DJ or live band is a must if you want to structure your wedding
with a party atmosphere.
- Photography: Photography can be a challenge
on a boat. Make sure your photographer has experience on boats and
has viewed the particular boat you have chosen.
- Consider the help of a specialist: To make a
river wedding come together perfectly, you may need someone behind
the scenes. This person can be there to guide and greet your
guests, set-up ceremony locations in riverside parks and generally
do all the things you require. They need to know the river or bay
well to plan out and structure your day so it all flows smoothly
and nothing is rushed. After all, you only get one chance on the
day. There are a few companies specialising in weddings on the
water that will ensure your wedding cruise runs smoothly and is
everything you dreamed of.
Delightful waterfront venues give your wedding an extra
dimension and peaceful ambience. Water has always been a symbol of
peace and romance so why not continue the water theme through to
the table decorations. Fishbowls with live goldfish, float bowls
filled with sand and shells or using food dye in the water of
clear vases are a lovely alternative to traditional table
centrepieces. In many cases, the link to water is a continuation
of the bridal couples lifestyle or profession – a love of sailing,
swimming or diving. Perhaps the marriage proposal was made at the
beach or on the water somewhere special.
Whatever your reason, choosing a waterfront venue gives you an
opportunity to get close to the water that is not usually
available. It provides an ideal aspect for photographs so you may
be able to save time after the ceremony by not having to go to
another location. Often venues also have a pontoon so you can
actively participate with the water. It would be delightful to
arrive by boat or even to seal the union with a display of
fireworks on the river or bay. Alternatively, to fill the gap
between the ceremony and the wedding, why not send the guests on a
cruise to arrive back in time to coincide with the arrival of the
bride and groom. As a brilliant finale, time your wedding
perfectly so you can sail off into the sunset!
If you are looking for something a little different to a
function centre, think about a winery where guests will feel a
million miles away from anywhere. Wineries can provide privacy and
create a sense of seclusion for guests to totally relax and enjoy
fine wine, food and service. Many offer on-site facilities for an
exclusive wedding ceremony, with the vineyard as a backdrop or a
water feature as just some of the options available. Arrange a
wine tasting for your guests as a themed alternative to
traditional pre-dinner drinks. Alternatively, arrange for a brunch
or lunch reception to take full advantage of the picturesque views
and surroundings.
Restaurant styles within wineries range from classic fine dining
to modern Australian, Mediterranean or authentic rustic cooking.
Talk to your wedding coordinator about arranging boutique-style
quality wines to match the menu or even a degustation menu. The
ability to arrange all of this at wineries is ideal for couples
wanting a one-stop wedding venue where there is no need to travel
from the ceremony to a photographic location and then on to the
reception. Although great all year round for weddings, the vines
are at their best October to April so booking well in advance is
recommended. Also, check with the individual winery as some
wineries do offer off-season ceremony locations such as a lakeside
setting.
The Australian bush offers a natural beauty perfect for a
country wedding. Historical homes or romantic inns, country
hospitality and home-style cooking complete the picture for a
relaxed wedding. Many traditional style homesteads have been
renovated, restoring them to their original grandeur to
accommodate wedding receptions and reflect the romance and
elegance of a bygone era. Admire views from wide wrap around
verandahs unique to Australian colonial architecture, or enjoy a
quiet drink gathered around a cosy fireplace. Accommodation is
usually available for the bridal couple and their guests offering
the perfect opportunity to stay on alone for your honeymoon or
spend some quality time with your family and friends.
Receptions can usually be accommodated internally in formal dining
rooms or externally. Magnificent grounds, garden settings or
lakeside areas are perfect for marquee weddings; the perfect place
to host children’s activities; or on a quieter note, to serve
pre-dinner drinks or an alfresco lunch under the shade of a huge
old gum tree under the eyes of inquisitive local wildlife. Musical
entertainment from a classical string quartet strumming in the
shade to a rollicking country and western band can easily be
arranged to suit your theme. Lovely additions in theme with a
country wedding include old-fashioned horse and carriage rides and
for a touch of adventure, hot air balloons rides. Most homesteads
will arrange additional recreational activities ranging from
fly-fishing and trail rides to archery and hiking.
If you contact the law courts or
City Council in Perth, they will be able to
provide you with information as to how it works for that particular
city. To be married in any state or territory, you must follow all
the protocol expected of any marriage by completing and lodging the
required forms and information within the required timeframe
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