Timeline & Next Steps

Share details of the ceremony (ASAP)

The ‘Logistics’ form on this website helps me lock in the details and prepare for the wedding date. If any of these core details change please get in touch ASAP.

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) to be completed by both of you (ideally a few months out from wedding date)

To get married in Victoria, you need to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before and no later than eighteen months before your wedding date. This form can be witnessed by me in person or remotely. I will organise this with you as a priority once the contract has been signed. To complete the NOIM we will require:

• evidence of your date and place of birth (either a passport or a birth certificate)

• evidence of your identity (any kind of government-issued photo ID – passports are fine)

• evidence of the termination of any previous marriages if relevant (divorce or death certificates).

Couple to complete the ‘Share Your Story’ form (Four months prior to the wedding)

The ‘Share Your Story’ form is a way to understand the story of your relationship and how best to approach the crafting of the wedding ceremony. The first draft will be built on this information and ideally it will be filled out by both of you to ensure we capture the full picture of your past, present and future.

Let’s catch up for a follow up (Two to four months prior to the wedding)

This will give us a chance to go over any follow up questions once the ‘Share Your Story’ form has been completed and I have had a chance to consider some options on how best to craft your ceremony. This catch up can be done in person where possible or via Zoom. It is also a requirement by law for me to have a casual discussion in person with you both - this can be done in person at this time or if not, it will need to be done at the rehearsal or on the day of the wedding prior to the ceremony.

Balance of fees due (Two months prior to the wedding)

The final invoice for services will be sent two months prior to the wedding.

First draft of the Ceremony to be sent (Six weeks prior to the wedding)

This draft will be guided by all you have shared with me up to this point and an opportunity to ensure you are happy with the structure, storytelling and length of the ceremony. Any feedback or final thoughts are welcome before we finalise the ceremony plan.

Final draft of the Ceremony to be sent (Three weeks prior to the wedding)

All changes and feedback has been put in place, unless there are any small important edits this will be the final version of the ceremony that will be used on the day.

Rehearsal, if possible (A week before the wedding)

Have you asked your venue for a rehearsal? It can be a great and quick way to have one last check in and ensure everyone knows what they are required to do on the day. This is usually a fairly informal and fun process and a good way for everyone to meet properly before the ceremony. This is a great opportunity to ensure everyone is across any contingency plans - ie. for bad weather etc. This is also where we will sign the Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage form if possible.

On the day (The wait is over)!

The day is here and by now you should be feeling comfortable and confident with everything planned for on the day. If we have not yet completed the Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage form, this will be a priority as soon as I arrive at the venue and can either be completed with both of you together or separately.

I will next set up the microphone and speaker (if the venue is not supplying) as well as do one last check on the setup for the ceremony. I will have everything required as it relates to the legal forms and pens etc, and will ensure the venue has set up an area for signing once the ceremony is complete.

Once everyone is ready, the venue and I will coordinate and ensure your guests are seated and ready for the ceremony. We will then begin, based on the plan. Generally I will ensure everyone has a moment to take a few big deep breaths and land before the formalities begin.

Once the ceremony is completed and the legal vows have been spoken, there will be the signing of the documents. There will be three marriage certificates to be completed on the day by the couple, witnesses and myself, as the celebrant. These forms can be signed as part of the ceremony or as soon after the official ceremony (on the day) as possible. At this stage the legal requirements will be completed and the ceremony will conclude as per the planned order of events.

Obtaining a Registry issued Wedding Certificate (Following the wedding)

The commemorative certificate you will receive on your wedding day isn't the 'official' (legal) marriage certificate. Most organisations will only accept the BDM-issued legal certificate as evidence. A Registry issued wedding certificate can be used as proof of marriage, to change your name on a passport or update your driver licence. If you would like me to arrange a wedding certificate for you at a cost of $70 please let me know prior to the final payment.

You can also apply for this certificate through Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Changing names (Following the wedding)

Changing your name after a wedding is not a legal requirement and should be a decision made by each individual. If you married in Australia, you don’t need to apply legally for a change of name. All that is required is to give the relevant organisations a copy of your Australian marriage certificate as above. Further information can be found on the Births, Deaths and Marriages website.

Keep in touch!

It is a true life privilege for me to be able to lead ceremonies and the most significant events of our lifetimes. Please do keep in touch and I would be grateful if you feel to share feedback on how you felt the process and ceremony went. Thank you, again.