Shar Logan || Mackay Marriage Celebrant

Q. What documentation do we need to be married in Australia?

A. A Birth Certificate is the only requirement if person has never been married.

    Divorce papers (Decree Absolute) or Certificate of Nullity are required along with a Birth Certificate for a person has been married previously.

 

A Death Certificate along with a Birth Certificate is required if person is widowed.

 

If you were born outside Australia an overseas passport showing date and place of birth is acceptable.

 

All Certificates MUST be original or certified copies and be produced prior to your Ceremony.

 

Q. How much notice do we need to give to get married?

A. In order to be married you must lodge a “Notice of Intended Marriage” (NOIM) with me (Celebrant) at least one month and one day prior to your wedding, and no more that 18 months prior.

 

(A shortening of time can be requested through the Court House, which may or may not be authorized.)

 

Q. How old do I need to be to get married?

A. You must be over the age of 18 to be married in Australia, except in limited circumstances where one party is between 16 and 18 years old and wishes to marry a person over 18. In this case you must have the permission of a Judge or Magistrate as well as parental consent.

 

Q. Can you tell me about changing my name?

A. For many years it has been a custom for a woman to change her surname to her husband’s surname when she marries. This is a widely practiced custom, both in Australia and in other societies. It is, however, a matter of choice. You are not legally required to change your name and many women do continue to use their own surname after marriage.

 

Q. Do I need to make a new will when I marry?

A. If you already have a will before you marry, the marriage usually means that the will no longer applies. A solicitor can help you with this.

 

Q. How do we go about putting our Wedding Ceremony together?

A. This is where I can help by giving you suggestions on the order of your Ceremony, plus suggestions for your readings, vows etc. You are very welcome to change them to suit yourselves or come up with your own.

 

There are only TWO things that are legally required in a wedding ceremony. The following wording

 

“I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

Plus

“…………, do you take……… to be your lawful lifelong husband/wife?

 

 

Q. Do we need to have witnesses?

A. A marriage shall not be solemnized unless at least 2 persons who are over the age of 18 years are present as witnesses.

 

Q. Do we receive a Marriage Certificate?

A. A Presentation Certificate is signed and presented to you at your Ceremony. This is conclusive evidence that your marriage has been solemnized. It is an important document and is best kept in a safe place. This Certificate does not provide conclusive evidence of the identity of either of the parties and in some situations you may be asked to produce a registered copy of your Marriage Certificate. As part of my service I apply and pay for a registered copy of your Marriage Certificate at the same time as I send off your other paperwork to Births, Deaths and Marriages. This is sent off on the first working day after your Wedding.

 

Q. What are your thoughts on Marriage and Relationship Counseling?

A. Real life knowledge of marriage is available in programs run by trained marriage educators. Courses can be practical, fun, and do not push a particular moral or religious view. Courses teach attitudes and skills which enrich family life and enhance successful marriages. Counselors will not tell you what to do. They help you to find the best way to resolve any difficulty together.

 

Q. What do you think about a rehearsal before our Wedding?

A. Where practical, I think it’s a great idea. It gives us an opportunity to see where the sun will be on the day so that none of us are looking into it. We can work out between us where each will be standing for your Ceremony so that there are no surprises on the day. It also ensures that we all know where we need to turn up to on the day!

 

Q. Will we see a copy of our Ceremony before the day?

A. Once I receive your choices back relating to each area of your Ceremony, I will create a draft copy, which I will run by you to ensure that all information is correct. This too ensures there are no unwanted surprises on your special day. I will also give you a copy of your Ceremony as a special keepsake.

 

Q. Can you supply a table and chair for the signing of the documents?

A. Yes, I certainly can.

 

Q. Are you able to give us any hints on what our personalised gift will be from you on our Wedding Day?

A. No, and thank you for asking. You will have to wait until the day!

 

Q. How do you personalise our Ceremony?

A. This is a “trade secret” and I am happy to discuss it with you at our first meeting.

 

Q. How much can I expect to pay for the services of a Marriage Celebrant?

A. Celebrants in Queensland charge from $300 to $800. Keep in mind that we need to value our time in order to deliver a professional service to you as there are many hours put in behind the scenes to ensure your Ceremony is very personalised and special.