frequently asked questions
Got wedding questions? You’re in the right place.
Whether you're knee-deep in planning or just starting out, these frequently asked questions cover everything you’ve been Googling at 2am. From celebrant costs and legal bits to micro weddings, elopements, and writing your vows, consider this your cheat sheet to getting married without the overwhelm.
How much does a marriage celebrant cost in Australia?
The cost of a marriage celebrant can vary depending on the type of ceremony you’re planning. My all-inclusive wedding packages start from $1500, while micro ceremonies start at $1000. Every package includes legal paperwork, planning, meetings, scripting, rehearsal, and more. A non-refundable $250 booking fee secures your date. I'll walk you through the full breakdown once we chat.
👉 See what’s included in my wedding packages.
What does a marriage celebrant actually do?
A celebrant is more than just someone who officiates your ceremony. I take care of:
All the legal paperwork
Writing and delivering a personalised ceremony
Lodging your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages
Organising certificates
I also officiate vow renewals, naming ceremonies and commitment ceremonies (aka the fun stuff without the legal bits).
👉 Read more about what a celebrant really does
What is a micro wedding?
A micro wedding is a small, intimate ceremony with 30 guests or less. It's perfect for couples who want a low-key, budget-friendly celebration without missing the meaning. I offer micro wedding packages that cover the essentials (including legals), so you can jump straight to the champagne.
👉 Discover the rising trend of micro weddings
What is an elopement ceremony?
An elopement is a beautifully simple ceremony focused on just the two of you (plus your witnesses, lucky them!). Whether it's on top of a mountain or in your backyard, it's about saying "I do" to big love, without the big guest list, big budget, or big fuss. Pure romance, no pressure.
👉 Read more about elopement packages
How long is a wedding ceremony?
Most wedding ceremonies run for 20–25 minutes, depending on what you’d like to include (vows, readings, rituals, etc). Micro or legals-only ceremonies are usually shorter, around 15–20 minutes.
👉 Check out how you could structure your wedding ceremony
Do I need a celebrant to get married in Australia?
Yes, if you're getting legally married in Australia, you need an authorised marriage celebrant. I’ll handle all the legalities, so you can focus on the fun stuff, like marrying your person.
👉 Read more about what a celebrant really does
Who can be a witness at our ceremony?
You are required to have two witnesses to legally tie the knot. These lovely humans must be:
18 years or older
Friends, family, or people known to you
Not required to be Australian citizens
Not required to show ID
They do need to understand what’s happening during the ceremony though. So if your chosen witnesses don’t speak or understand English, you’ll need to arrange a translator to help out.
Can I get married if I’ve already been married overseas?
If you’ve already been legally married overseas, you can’t legally marry again in Australia; but you can celebrate with a vow renewal or commitment ceremony. No legalities, just love (and less paperwork!).
👉 Ideas for celebrating your overseas wedding in Australia
How do I write my wedding vows?
Start with love and a blank page. Writing your vows can feel daunting, but I’ve got tools and tips to help. You don’t have to be a poet, just be real. I’ll guide you through it or you can check out my blog for inspiration (even the AI-assisted kind!).
👉 Tips on writing wedding vows
What is Marriage Equality?
Marriage equality means that any two people, regardless of gender, can legally marry in Australia. This law came into effect on 9 December 2017. I was proud to campaign for it, and I’m passionate about creating inclusive ceremonies for all couples.
👉 Read more about how you could incorporate inclusiveness in your wedding
do you acknowledge country?
Yes, I include an Acknowledgement of Country in the welcome and introduction of ceremonies. I believe it’s a sign of respect which acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ownership and custodianship of the land, their ancestors and traditions.
👉 Read more about the difference between an Acknowledgement of Country, and Welcome to Country.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely! I’m Melbourne-based and travel within 40km is included in my fees. Getting hitched elsewhere? No worries, extra travel is possible for an additional cost. We’ll cover all the details when we chat.
Do you write the ceremony yourself?
Yes, every word is crafted by me to reflect your story. No cookie-cutter scripts, no recycled vows, just a one-of-a-kind ceremony that sounds like you. We’ll collaborate to make sure it's spot-on.
👉 Read more about what a celebrant really does
Can you include religion in the ceremony?
As a civil celebrant, I don’t perform religious ceremonies, but you’re welcome to include faith-based elements like readings, rituals or blessings as part of your day. It’s your ceremony, your way.
How do I get my official marriage certificate?
After your marriage is registered, I can apply for your legal marriage certificate through your state or territory's Births, Deaths and Marriages at a cost.
What qualifications does a marriage celebrant need?
To become a celebrant in Australia, you need a Certificate IV in Celebrancy and be registered with the Attorney-General’s Department.
Are you officially registered as a celebrant?
Yes! I'm a Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant, regulated by the Attorney-General’s Department. You can check the register of celebrants to find out more.