Frequently asked questions
Contact me if your question is not here!
Can we write our own wedding vows?
Yes! There is a legal vow that must be said by each of you during the ceremony. You can add any other words to this, which may be declarations of love, promises, or wishes for the future. I can help inspire you, but the best vows come straight from your heart.
What is an elopement?
An elopement (also called a micro-wedding) refers to an intimate ceremony with only the couple, their celebrant and witnesses present. Australian law states that you must give a celebrant one month’s notice in writing before getting married, so while an elopement is small it is not spontaneous!
How many people do we need at our wedding?
The law in Australia states that you must have two adult witnesses at a marriage ceremony. So, the minimum number of people is 5 (the couple, witnesses and celebrant).
What are some of the venues around Oberon?
Oberon and surrounds has fantastic country wedding venues. Check them out here.
How much notice do we need to give before we can get married?
You must give a celebrant one month’s notice in writing before you can legally get married in Australia. This notice must be done using the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.
How far in advance can we book our wedding ceremony?
It’s a good idea to book your venue and celebrant up to 12 months in advance to secure your chosen date. Before you can legally marry, you must give your celebrant a Notice of Intended Marriage. This form lasts up to 18 months before the marriage ceremony.
Can we get married overseas?
If you get married overseas, you will be considered to be married according to the laws of the country you are in. Australia recognises legal weddings in most countries around the world as being valid in this country. An Australian celebrant does not have legal authority to conduct your marriage ceremony in another country.
What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
Sometimes the words ‘memorial’ and ‘funeral’ are used to mean the same thing. Usually, a funeral happens shortly after the person has died, whereas a memorial service may be held later, or even on the anniversary of the person’s death.
Where can a funeral be held?
Funerals can take place in established buildings such as chapels, churches or crematoriums. They can also be held outdoors or at cemeteries. Bookings may need to be made for public spaces such as parks or beaches.
What are the rules around scattering ashes?
There are not many restrictions on scattering ashes in Australia. You may need permission to scatter ashes on private land or in public spaces such as parks. Contact the owners or local council for more information. There are no rules about scattering ashes on waterways.
How long is a typical ceremony?
The ‘sweet spot’ for a marriage ceremony is about 20 minutes, while a funeral is generally 30 or 40 minutes. There are no set rules, and my ceremonies are created uniquely for you, so we can decide on the length that suits your needs.
Do we have to get copyright permission for our readings?
Most celebrants (including me!) have a copyright licence to include words from songs, poems or books in a ceremony. You generally don’t need specific permission to read out words from a publication that you own during a ceremony.
How far will you travel?
I’m always up for an adventure and while most of my ceremonies are around the central west and the Blue Mountains, I am happy to negotiate travel further afield. I have conducted ceremonies on the Central Coast of NSW, Darwin and Sydney’s beautiful coast and waterways.
Contact me if your question is not here!
Can we write our own wedding vows?
Yes! There is a legal vow that must be said by each of you during the ceremony. You can add any other words to this, which may be declarations of love, promises, or wishes for the future. I can help inspire you, but the best vows come straight from your heart.
What is an elopement?
An elopement (also called a micro-wedding) refers to an intimate ceremony with only the couple, their celebrant and witnesses present. Australian law states that you must give a celebrant one month’s notice in writing before getting married, so while an elopement is small it is not spontaneous!
How many people do we need at our wedding?
The law in Australia states that you must have two adult witnesses at a marriage ceremony. So, the minimum number of people is 5 (the couple, witnesses and celebrant).
What are some of the venues around Oberon?
Oberon and surrounds has fantastic country wedding venues. Check them out here.
How much notice do we need to give before we can get married?
You must give a celebrant one month’s notice in writing before you can legally get married in Australia. This notice must be done using the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.
How far in advance can we book our wedding ceremony?
It’s a good idea to book your venue and celebrant up to 12 months in advance to secure your chosen date. Before you can legally marry, you must give your celebrant a Notice of Intended Marriage. This form lasts up to 18 months before the marriage ceremony.
Can we get married overseas?
If you get married overseas, you will be considered to be married according to the laws of the country you are in. Australia recognises legal weddings in most countries around the world as being valid in this country. An Australian celebrant does not have legal authority to conduct your marriage ceremony in another country.
What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
Sometimes the words ‘memorial’ and ‘funeral’ are used to mean the same thing. Usually, a funeral happens shortly after the person has died, whereas a memorial service may be held later, or even on the anniversary of the person’s death.
Where can a funeral be held?
Funerals can take place in established buildings such as chapels, churches or crematoriums. They can also be held outdoors or at cemeteries. Bookings may need to be made for public spaces such as parks or beaches.
What are the rules around scattering ashes?
There are not many restrictions on scattering ashes in Australia. You may need permission to scatter ashes on private land or in public spaces such as parks. Contact the owners or local council for more information. There are no rules about scattering ashes on waterways.
How long is a typical ceremony?
The ‘sweet spot’ for a marriage ceremony is about 20 minutes, while a funeral is generally 30 or 40 minutes. There are no set rules, and my ceremonies are created uniquely for you, so we can decide on the length that suits your needs.
Do we have to get copyright permission for our readings?
Most celebrants (including me!) have a copyright licence to include words from songs, poems or books in a ceremony. You generally don’t need specific permission to read out words from a publication that you own during a ceremony.
How far will you travel?
I’m always up for an adventure and while most of my ceremonies are around the central west and the Blue Mountains, I am happy to negotiate travel further afield. I have conducted ceremonies on the Central Coast of NSW, Darwin and Sydney’s beautiful coast and waterways.
