Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a marriage celebrant? Can I have a registry wedding in Canberra?

In Australia, your marriage must be officiated by an authorised marriage celebrant. You can choose from a wide range of wonderful civil (non-religious) celebrants like me, or a religious marriage celebrant.

In the ACT, it is not possible to have a registry wedding at the local Birth Deaths and Marriages office (unlike other states and territories). I offer two simple ‘legals-only’ services to get you married. All you need is one month, two witnesses, some magic words and paperwork! You can marry at my local pub, your home, a cafe/restaurant, or a park - far better than a boring registry office.

What kind of ceremony can I have?

Any kind you please! Short, long, casual, traditional, light-hearted, spiritual, modern - your call. There’s only a handful of words that are legally required - the rest is up to you. No worries if you have no idea - I can help you design and create a ceremony that is perfectly suited to the two of you and your day. The average civil ceremony lasts around 20-25 mins but it can be as long or as short as you please.

I’m interested in booking you - what’s the process?

Amazing! Here’s how I usually work:

  • Contact me to confirm availability and line up an obligation-free video chat to get to know each other and ensure I’m the right fit.

  • If you’re keen, you’ll pay a 30% booking fee to lock in your date and get the ball rolling on the ceremony and paperwork, with the rest due 6 weeks before the wedding.

  • I’ll send you my Ceremony Planning Kit with ideas of how to design and personalise your ceremony.

  • We’ll meet to start workshopping your ceremony and sign the pre-wedding paperwork. I’ll get to know you better, we’ll discuss the perfect vibe for your ceremony and what elements (if any) you’d like to include.

  • You’ll each fill out a questionnaire to help me tell your lovely love story at your ceremony and make it genuinely reflect you.

  • I’ll help with your personal vows (including sharing my vow writing guidance) and other ceremony details (such as readings).

  • We’ll catch up the week of the wedding to run-through the nitty-gritty of the ceremony from start to finish so that on the day you can relax and enjoy it knowing all the details are taken care of!

  • On the big day, I’ll arrive early to set up (PA, paperwork), touch base with the wedding party and vendors and help greet / direct guests.

  • You get married, have an awesome party and live happily ever after!

Throughout the entire process I’m available to talk through details or answer any questions via email or phone. I can also attend a rehearsal to iron out logistics (and nerves!), for an additional fee.

How much do you charge?

My packages and prices are all set out here.

What will you wear?

Something in line with the vibe for your wedding. I’m more than happy to accommodate your theme / colour scheme / requests and for you to vet my outfit beforehand.

What areas do you service?

Primarily the Canberra region (including Gundaroo, Murrumbateman, Lake George). I’m happy to travel further afield (Braidwood, Collector, Gunning, Southern Highlands, South Coast, Sydney, Jindabyne, Thredbo) for an additional fee.

Image credit: Jenny Wu