Wedding planning
Your ceremony
I can help you plan a wedding ceremony that is about meaningful words and actions.
Our first meeting will help me understand your personal needs. Then I can:
help you develop the tone and style for the ceremony, which tells your unique story.
suggest the type of vows and pledges that are personal and sincere.
help you include any rituals or meaningful moments. They could be symbolic, fun or simply memorable.
help you choose music and guide you through copyright restrictions.
include important cultural or traditional practices.
choreograph the ceremony so everyone knows:
where they need to be
what they need to say
when they need to say it.
We'll review a draft of the ceremony at our next meeting and keep working at the ceremony until you are entirely happy.
At the rehearsal, I'll walk you through the ceremony and make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable.
Paperwork
You have enough to think about!
I organise the legal side of getting married so when I hand you the marriage certificate, it's official!
By law, at least one month before the wedding I will have collected:
the completed Notice of Intended Marriage form signed by both of you - I will give you this form.
copies of your proof of birth and photographic ID.
Before, during and after the wedding, I'll make sure all forms or declarations are completed accurately and on time.
We're all different. Some people will have been married before, some won't. Don't worry, I will explain exactly what is needed.
Cost
Wedding ceremonies start at $550.
Once you confirm that you would like me to conduct your ceremony - usually following our first meeting - I accept a booking fee of 50 per cent. This commits me to be your marriage celebrant.
Occasionally, there are additional costs for the ceremony. These can include:
travel expenses for locations more than 50 kms from Balhannah
sourcing materials for rituals
researching unique cultures or traditions
extra meetings - more than four
legal correspondence for other countries
ceremonies on a public holiday.
Renewing your vows
Whether you have been married forever or not quite that long, John can help you renew the commitment you made to each other at the beginning.
It may be significant to use the same words, or you may want to use different words that reflect where you have been and where you are going. He uses the same approach as for wedding ceremonies - relaxed and organised - so that you can enjoy this moment in your life together.