What can we have in our ceremony?

This is one of the most commonly ask questions, and the answer is only limited by your imagination. The list below is a good place to start; if you have something new and exciting I would love to hear about how we can include it in your ceremony.

Traditional aspects of a ceremony

The processional / walking down the aisle 

Traditionally the groom stands at the alter while bride is walked down the aisle with her father. But we are in the 21st century now so let’s get creative with how you want to arrive at your wedding.

Readings

This can be a passage from a book that you both love, a movie quote, a bible verse or music lyrics. It’s a great opportunity to involve family or friends in your special day as well.

The asking 

This is the famous “I do” part that we see in all the movies. It’s not a legal requirement and thus can be tailored to suite your personality as a couple.

Ring exchange

This is where you will give your newly married partner their first gift; a new ring. Most couples like to have this included in with their vows but it can go where suites your ceremony the best.

First kiss and announcing the happy couple

All the stress and nerves will be gone at this point. So it’s time to kick back and let the party begin. I don’t think you will need my advice on how to kiss but I will need your direction on how you would like to be announced to your nearest and dearest. 

Additional Rituals

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander welcome to or acknowledgement of country

You may wish to pay your respects to the traditional owners of the land or waters on which we will gather. I can do an acknowledge of country as a non-indigenous person or a traditional owner of the land and waters on which we will meet can do a welcome to country.

Sand ceremony 

Is a unity ceremony as it expresses the coming together of two people and two families into one new large family. It is a very simple idea that can be incredibly powerful. Usually all persons or families involved will have a different coloured sand they take turns pouring it into one clear vessel, forming a layered effect. You can create one or several vessels that you can keep yourself or give to those close to you as an extra special wedding gift.

Love letter and wine box

What better way to share a future wedding anniversary than reading a letter your loving partner wrote while enjoying a fine bottle of aged wine together. Place a special bottle of wine and a letters into a locked box in front of your guests or do this in private and store it for a future day.

Unity candles

The Unity candle symbolizes the joining of two families and the merging of two individuals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to involve your family or close friends in your ceremony by getting them light the outside candles and then the happy couple to light the unity candle.

Dove release

Doves are symbolic of love, peace and new beginnings and can be a great symbolisation of your new unity. They can also provide you and your guests and your photographer with a visually stunning memory as they fly away home.

Ring blessing 

This can be done before the ceremony as the guests are given an opportunity to bless the rings upon their entrance or during the ceremony as they can be passed around and everyone can silently send you their love and good luck via the rings and pass on their best wishes before they are given back to you at the front.

Hand fasting / platting / tying

Is a Western Europe tradition in which the you stand face to face with your partner as your hands are tied together (hence tying the knot). You can place one or a hundred cords, ropes or plattered ribbons around your hands and your guests can be included in this part of the ceremony as well. 

Is there anything that has to be included in our wedding ceremony?

Yes, in addition to the optional sections of the ceremony there are four sections of the ceremony that must be included in all weddings to establish a legal union. 

The monitum

Is the a crucial legal phrase that an authorised celebrant must  say at all ceremonies and it must be said before the vows are exchanged and is extremely limited with regards to any changes. Though there are a few options that we can use and we will discuss this during the planning for your ceremony.

The vows 

Can be as traditional or creative as you would like. Yes there is a certain sentence that you both must say but that can be at the start, middle or end or your own custom vows.

You can include your own personal history, humour, pop culture reference or recite a loving story. This is the part that most of the guests have travelled to listen to; I am always happy to help any couples write down what their hearts are trying to express.

Witnesses

Your ceremony must be witnessed by two people over the age of 18 and who can hear and understand the vows (they can whiteness the vows in the presence of an interpreter if required)

Signing of the register

After the ceremony both parties to the marriage, the two witnesses and the celebrant must all sign three documents. Your certificate of marriage and the two official certificates of marriage; one which I will keep and one that I send to the Department of Births Deaths and Marriages with your (NOIM) Notice of Intent to Marriage to register your union.

Other services

Many people would like their vow renewals or commitment ceremonies to follow the same structure as a traditional wedding and this is a great idea however there are a few small changes will only be observable to a trained set of eyes and ears. The reading of the monitum will not be included, apart from this you have full control over what is included. You will actually have a lot more freedom compared to a wedding as you do not have to have certain aspects included, so go crazy with your ideas.

Vow renewals 

A vow renewal is a great way to celebrate your marriage. Perhaps you've made it to 1, 5, 25 or 50 years together and you want to show to the world that you would do it all over again in a blink of an eye. 

Maybe you want to reaffirm your commitment to each other after a rough patch in your relationship. There's never a bad reason to renew your vows.

Commitment ceremony

It may be as you have had a registry office ceremony and want to recreate the magic for your family and friends, you may have previously gotten married overseas or it could be one of a hundred other reasons as to why you have chosen a commitment ceremony. Regardless I am here to help you create your special day as you publically demonstrate the love and respect that you and your partner have for one another.