On 9 December 2017, Marriage Equality in Australia became Legal.

As of Tuesday January 9, 2018 ALL couples in love can be Married!

I have updated the Legals in line with the new legislation.

Here is what you need to know about the legal requirements for getting married in Australia as of Tuesday 9^th January 2018.

Requirements

There are essentially 4 requirements to fulfil before you get married.

1: You must not be married to someone else.

2: You must be over 18 years (there are some circumstances in which people under 18 can marry)

3: You must not be Brother and Sister (or in another prohibited relationship)

4: You must give real consent to the Marriage to be ordained.

Documentation

Before you get married, you need to complete some legal documentation that supports these requirements.

These documents are LEGAL and there are penalties for providing false information.

Notice of Intended Marriage

The Notice of Intended Marriage must be completed and lodged with your Celebrant no less than 1 month and no more than 18 months prior to your Wedding date. Your Celebrant is able to complete this Form for you at one of your meetings at least One Month before the Wedding.

To complete the NOIM – Your Celebrant needs to sight ORIGINALS (certified photocopies do not suffice) of your Birth Certificate or Passport, a form of photo ID – Your Current Drivers Licence would suffice. ORIGINALS of the proof of dissolution of your previous marriage – i.e. a divorce or death certificate if relevant.

The Notice of Intended Marriage now provides parties to a Marriage with the choice of whether they would like to be described as Groom, Bride or Partner, and it also asks Celebrants to list each party’s Gender, whether that be Male, Female or X.

Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

The Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage gets signed either at your rehearsal, or on your wedding day prior to the ceremony.( I prefer to complete at our 2^nd meeting). This Form asks you both to declare that you meet those requirements: that you are not married to someone else, that you’re over 18, and that you’re not Brother and Sister – and by signing it (with the help of an interpreter if required), you’re regarded as giving consent.

 

Ceremony

During the Ceremony on your Wedding day, there are four Legals that must occur.

1: The Celebrant must introduce themself by name as an Authorised Celebrant.

2: The Celebrant must recite the Monitum.

3: Both parties must recite the legal Form of Vows as laid out in the Marriage Act 1961.

3: The couple, two witnesses and Celebrant must sign three marriage certificates.

The Monitum

The Celebrant must recite the following lines for your marriage to be valid.

I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are married in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I must remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Vows

You both must say the following sentence for your marriage to be valid:

I call upon the people here present to witness that I, A., take you, B, to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse.

You can always add personalised words after the legally required ones if you wish.

Witnesses

Witnesses must be over 18 years of age, and must be able to hear and understand the Ceremony.

I trust this has helped with the legal framework for getting married in Australia from January 2018.

Your wedding ceremony isn’t just about the Legals, it is also a Celebration of Love and Commitment sharing with your family and friends.

It can be as romantic and colourful as you want.

What will be trending for 2018?

Hopefully next year will be the year of Equality…

With 2017 almost behind us, all the copper, grey and blush accessories are still keeping up their appearances.

This will be the year Pampas Grass makes a huge appearance…both in bouquets and  installations.

Fun and quirky floral installations are on trend for 2018. Suspended from the ceiling on their own, in baskets, shapes, initials, amidst a chandelier or two, across your arbor, over  your signing table.

Pretty much anywhere you want!

Minimalist white on white will always be on trend, both at your Ceremony and Reception. Be sure to book in advance!

Pops of tarnished silver, copper and industrial textures will keep the minimalist look both relevant and interesting.

Informal weddings are becoming very popular in 2018. Restaurants, Cafes and Wineries are on the increase.

Booking your Ceremony and Reception at the same space on a Friday or Sunday during the day is on trend and also less expensive.

Fairy lights, fairy lights and more fairy lights, chandeliers and more chandeliers.

Farm weddings are also on the rise, as is the hiring of a huge house on Air BnB and Stayz.

• Do make sure you check first that you are able to host a Wedding Ceremony.

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May I recommend the following services :

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

• Ryan Norieks Photography
• Bec Matheson Photography
• Corey Wright Photography

FLORISTS:

• Ivy and Eve Flowers
• Kate Hill Flowers

MEN’S SUITS:

• Tailor on the Road

CATERING:

• Peter Rowland

 

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

Relationships Australia

Interrelate

TRANSLATORS & INTERPRETERS

National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters Ltd (NAATI)

Lily Infusion Weddings (Interpreter for Mandarin-Chinese ceremonies)

WEATHER FORECAST (MELBOURNE)

Bureau of Meteorology

 

 

 

Spring is the time when Celebrants start to get very busy with our inquiries for the Year ahead … You will find that the current Year is now fully booked …

You have now decided on your Wedding Date and created your Wedding Checklist … by the way, Kikki K have a fabulous Wedding Folder … Note: I do not get paid for any endorsements!

You have by now chosen your Venue and Photographer … Next is usually your Celebrant.

So what is the process when you contact a Celebrant?

Please understand, this is my guide only of the process … Many Celebrants have varying prices and procedures.

The only procedure that has no changes are the Legals.

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The very first question I always get asked, is price. I am more than happy to advise of my price range for both Civil and Commitment Ceremonies at this point according to current Australian Law at the time of  writing this article. I list my fees to save time for my couples.

However, as I have stated in my previous Article “Celebrant Costs” please don’t base your decision on price alone.

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• Your first question to your Celebrant is to confirm their availability on your chosen date and time.

You will then arrange a time and place (usually a Cafe) for you both to meet and chat about your Ceremony – Your vision of  how you see your special day  –  how you met and the proposal with your Celebrant … This meeting can often last more than the average 45 minutes to 1 hour … I have personally stayed for dinner and a wine with one couple!

Sometimes, you just click with your Celebrant – other times they may not be the one you see sharing your day … This is fine … I always recommend you meet 3 Celebrants before you make your final decision.

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• The next step … after you have both gone away to discuss and have now decided on your Celebrant, is to pay your deposit to ensure your date is confirmed and booked.This is done in the usual way via Direct Deposit.A receipt will be forwarded to confirm all details.

Celebrants have various fees, therefore various deposits.

To help my couples, I have a variable Payment Plan. This is to relieve the financial pressures of planning a Wedding.

Celebrants (including myself) require full payment prior to your Wedding Day.

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• Next, is to have a meeting to plan and construct your Ceremony. This is usually done 3 Months prior to your Wedding day.

On this day you will also be required to complete the necessary paperwork, as follows:

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You must both be over 18 years of age.  If one person is under the age of 18 … your marriage is still possible with Parental consent (as per section 12 of the Marriage Act)

A Notice of Intended Marriage (N.O.I.M) must be lodged with your Celebrant at least One Calendar Month prior to your Ceremony.

Your Celebrant will prepare the document and witness your execution of this document.  Your Celebrant must also sight your Current Drivers Licences and Passports. If you do not have one of these documents …  you will require your Original Birth Certificates … If either of you have been previously married … you will need to present your original Divorce Certificate or Death Certificate.  (Certified copies of supporting documentation will not be accepted)

To obtain a copy of your Victorian Birth Certificate or the Victorian Death Certificate of your former spouse contact the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages.

If you require a copy of your Divorce Certificate or Decree Absolute, contact the Family Law Court in the state in which the marriage was dissolved. For further details contact Family Law Courts.

* If parties born overseas do not have a Passport and are unable to obtain a Full Birth Certificate,  your Celebrant can prepare a Statutory Declaration for your execution.

* Foreign language documents must be translated into English and a NAATI accredited Translation Certificate supplied.

* The ceremony must be witnessed by 2 people …  over the age of 18 years.  Your Celebrant cannot act as a witness.

*The Marriage Act 1961 requires that certain statements are to be included included in your Ceremony.

What if you want to be married sooner than the minimum time permits.

If special circumstances exist …  a Prescribed Authority may approve your Application to Shorten Period of Notice of Intent to Marry.

Special circumstances are the following:

• Employment related or other travel commitments
• Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations
• Medical reasons
• Legal proceedings
• Error in giving notice

You must attach documentation as evidence … such as letters of employment, travel documents, Airline tickets, receipts of payment, letters from your Medical Practitioner or Court orders.  Your executed NOIM … copies of your supporting identity documents and a letter from your Celebrant should also be included.

There is a lot to absorb … however your Celebrant will be able to help you with all of the above.

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• Your bespoke Ceremony will then be prepared and sent to you for final approval … as you may have missed something that is important for you to include.

Not all Celebrants will do this … It is a complete choice by both parties.

I prefer to send all or part, to be confirmed … (never the Vows)

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• Your rehearsal is now ready to take place.

You can do this up to one week prior to your Ceremony.Your Celebrant will advise the best time based on your circumstances.

These are usually:

* Your Attendants are arriving from Overseas or Interstate, and can’t be available.

*Your Venue has another function on that day.

You can also conduct your rehearsal at a nearby park or even your backyard. Of course, it is always preferable at your Venue.

It is preferable your whole  Bridal Party also attends the rehearsal.

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• Finally your big day arrives.

Your Celebrant will arrive half to 1 hour prior,  to ensure everything goes exactly to plan.

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I do hope this has helped in the process of finding the right Celebrant for celebrating your perfect day.

Jo.

No matter the tone, theme or number involved, most Ceremonies follow a similar process.

This is a sample running order of a Ceremony that flows nicely, however you can omit anything but the Monitum and Vows.

• Bridal Procession: (optional MUSIC) Attendant(s) enter followed by the Bride and person or persons giving away. (this can be anyone you choose)or not at all – I have many ideas.
• Opening and Welcome: I introduce the Ceremony and welcome family and friends.
• Introduction and Background:I talk about how you met, what it is that you love about each other, or how your partner proposed. This is an opportunity to make your ceremony unique and personal.
• Remembering: This is where you can remember special loved ones passed.
• Monitum(this is a legal requirement)
• Reading(s): These can be done by a family member, friend, bride, groom or celebrant. I have some suggestions for both vows and readings.
• Marriage Vows: “I ask everyone here to witness that I, [full name of Groom] or [full name of Bride] take you, [Bride] or [Groom] to be my lawful wedded wife/husband”.

Then you read your own vows from cards for you to easily read.

• Exchange of Ring/s: (Other symbols or rituals may be chosen in place of or as well as ring exchange.)
• Declaration of Marriage: I declare the bride and groom, now husband and wife.
• Bride & Groom Kiss: You’ve seen this moment a thousand times in films and TV. This is your first opportunity to kiss each other as a married couple. I move for the photographer to get a perfect shot.
• Signing of the Marriage Register and Marriage Certificates:
  (optional MUSIC) – this usually only takes 10 minutes. Signatories:
  Bride and Groom, 2 witnesses (over the age of 18) and the Marriage Celebrant are all required to sign the legal documents.
• Presentation of the married couple and closing with announcements, if required: Photo opportunity of husband and wife holding the marriage certificate.
• Bridal Recession(optional MUSIC) This is the exit with your partner and Bridal Party.

As I have a background in Event Planning, people often ask me what to look for when booking a Venue.

Here are some handy questions to help you:

DATES:

• Is our date available?
• How many other weddings will be booked that day?
• Is the venue available for exclusive use?

LOGISTICS:
• What is the seating arrangement?
• How many guests does the venue hold?
• What type of tables do you have (shape, size)?
• How long do we have at the venue? How much are additional hours?
• Is parking available?
• Is public transportation easily accessible from the venue?
• If an outdoor venue: Is there a backup plan for rain?
• Are there restrictions for the photographer in terms of flash usage?
• Is there somewhere secure to store wedding gifts?

CO-ORDINATOR:

• Is there an on-site venue coordinator?
• What services are included with the venue coordinator, and are there additional charges?
• Will the coordinator serve as day-of coordinator?
• How much assistance can I get with the set up/decor?
• Is any set up/tear down service available? How much does it cost?
• Do you have signage to direct guests to the wedding?
• Do you provide assistance getting gifts or decor back to a designated place?

MUSIC:

• Are there any noise restrictions?
• Can the venue accommodate a DJ or live band? Are there any restrictions?
• Where does the band/DJ set up?
• Where is the dance floor, and how large is it?
• Do you have a sound system with speakers, or will that need to be rented?
• Do you have microphones for speeches?
• Can I hook an iPod or laptop up to your sound system?

 

MONIES:

• What’s included in the fees (rentals, catering, lighting, parking, etc.)?
• Is there a discount for an off-season date or Sunday through Friday?
• How much is the deposit, and when is it due?
• When is the balance due?
• What forms of payment do you accept?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Do we need any insurance or permits?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• Is there a minimum spend?