A man and a woman stand side by side, looking at each other, in a Melbourne laneway. He is in a black suit with a red rose, she is in a white dress with a bouquet of pink and red flowers.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Being an Authorised Marriage Celebrant isn’t quite what it looks like in the movies, and I certainly didn’t become accredited online in under an hour. With that in mind, please find a moment to read the below.

Marriage Education Services

I’m a big advocate for counselling of all types – even when nothing is ‘broken’.

If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of pre-marriage education, I’d encourage you to do some research and reach out if you need advice. Pre-marriage education is a great way to further strengthen an already solid relationship.

If that doesn’t sound like your thing, I understand. But please do find time to make a cuppa and read over Happily Ever… Before and After, as it covers some really important information that we’ll be discussing in the lead up to your wedding.

Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants

Under the Marriage Act 1961, I am required to adhere to the Attorney General’s Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants.

If you are interested in understanding more about the Code, you can view it on the Attorney General’s website.

FORMS

With anything legally binding comes, of course, forms! It can be a little confusing to keep track of everything, so here’s a lil’ cheat sheet that outlines the purpose of each form, and who is ultimately responsible.

  • Purpose
    This document is the ‘official’ way you tell me that you’re getting married.

    Due Date
    One calendar month prior to the date of the wedding.

    This can either be handed to me in person, or if we are not in the same state a signed digital copy in the interim will suffice.

    Responsibility
    Yours.

    You can find the form here and complete it either physically or digitally. When we meet in person and you give me the NOIM, please bring with you the documents required at Questions 19-30.

  • Purpose
    This document tells me that you’re legally allowed to get married and aren’t secretly married to someone else!

    Due Date
    We’ll sign this a few days prior to the ceremony, typically at the rehearsal.

    Responsibility
    Mine.

    You don’t need to think about this.

  • Purpose
    Also known as Form 16, this is one of two documents that we’ll sign at your ceremony. Yourselves, your witnesses, and I will all sign this. There will be two copies in total.

    I then keep one copy, and the other is the official form that gets sent to the Government to make your marriage official!

    Due Date
    On your wedding day.

    Responsibility
    Mine.

    I’ll have these ready to go!

  • Purpose
    This is the commemorative document that you get to keep. Also known as Form 15, we’ll all sign it like we did the Official Certificates.

    Due Date
    On your wedding day.

    Responsibility:
    Mine.

    Again, I’ll have this one ready to go.

  • Purpose
    This is the legally binding document that proves that your marriage has been registered. It’s the document that you’ll need if you plan on changing your name, or need to prove your marriage in any way. You’d likely use it in the same way you would a Birth Certificate.

    Due Date
    Whenever! You can’t officially apply for one until I’ve registered your wedding with the Government of the state in which you were married.

    Responsibility
    Mine or yours.

    I can order one on your behalf, or you can order one for yourself. The price is usually around $60 which includes postage via registered mail.