Your own very special day - the day you marry the one you love and choosing a celebrant is one of the most important decisions you will need to make.
What does a Celebrant do?
I attend to all your legal paperwork, assist you to write a ceremony to suit your needs and beliefs and solemnize your marriage.
What are the legal obligations and the first steps?
Firstly, you must be over the age of 18 years and give the Celebrant one calendar month and one day's notice. We complete your' Notice of Intended Marriage' at the first interview and you will need to produce either your birth certificates (full originals) or passports. Prior to your marriage you must also produce any divorce decree absolute papers, citizenship papers and/ or death certificates of former spouse if applicable.
You will also need to pay a deposit, the final payment being made closer to the date of your marriage. On the day of your marriage you must have 2 witnesses over the age of 18 years.
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT Rev. Shé D'Montford
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Shambhallah
What is the Cost? I charge a final flat fee, which is discussed, at our first interview.
There are no hidden extra charges
What do we get for our fee? Your final flat fee will include your initial visit, completion of legal paperwork prior to and after your marriage, a' Ceremony Guide' to assist you to make your choices and to help you write your own ceremony, rehearsal time, telephone, mailing and fax costs, the use of my portable microphone and speaker with a selection of appropriate music to be played prior to your ceremony and while you are signing the Marriage Register. Your fee also includes the use of my table and bridal cloth for signing the Marriage Register, use of a silver ring dish or red velvet pillow, the use of my ceremonial sword for arch of steel of other available props and your Marriage Certificate. It also includes a printed copy of your ceremony in a folder to keep as a memento?
What can we have for our ceremony? It's your day and your ceremony can be whatever you wish it to be - long or short, casual or formal, new-age or pagan. I will give you my Ceremony Guide which offers selections for you to choose from or you can write your own. You might like to write your own vows and promises, and have your own choice of any readings, verses ,songs or invocations. I will assist you to write a ceremony to suit your own special needs.
Where can we get married? Anywhere which is suitable to both you and I. Your own home, park, garden, beaches - it's your choice. If you so chose you might by arrangement and a small additional fee use the rain forest and grounds of 'Shambhallah', my home, for your wedding.
Do we have to attend any pre-marital courses? No. However all Celebrants have program information from the Attorney General's Department called RELATE - Relationship skills for love, family and life should you wish to attend. The are also brochures and counselling available.
When do we need to book our celebrant? Book as soon as you have decided on the date and selected the venue but please have a time option available. Most professional Celebrants are busy, so book me as soon as you can!
