Marriage - Legal Requirements The legal procedure required is that a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ must be completed between a maximum of 18 months and a minimum of 1 month and 1 day prior to the date of your marriage. I need to sight a full birth certificate or certified extract of birth if you were born in Australia; if you were born outside Australia, then either a birth certificate or a passport is acceptable. Where one of the parties to the marriage has been previously married, evidence of finalisation that earlier marriage must also be presented

Click here to download - Notice of Intended Marriage

Preparing your Ceremony

I provide you with a booklet I have prepared which sets out several suggestions for the wording of each step of your ceremony. The whole celebration takes on much more meaning when it reflects your own personality and style.

To make this happen we work together incorporating personal, family or cultural traditions that are important to you. Anybody can provide ‘a wedding ceremony’, but YOUR wedding ceremony should be yours alone, and different from all those you have been to.
Of course, I will ensure also ensure that all necessary documents are completed and legalities attended to ensure that as a result of this wonderful celebration, your are legally married according to the laws of Australia.

Photographer

Your photographer has a very important job to do on your wedding day. Before the ceremony, I always check with the photographer to find out if you have some specific requests. We discuss positioning, light and background. There is only one chance to capture these special moments, and I find that by working WITH your photographer, everyone is happy!

Attention to Detail It’s the little details that make all the difference. There are so many things that can be taken for granted – but I assume nothing! After all, it is YOUR wedding day, not mine, so it is vital that I understand exactly what you have in mind. I spend time with you checking all the tiny things that matter – many of which you might even have thought about yet. With care and attention, you can ‘Live the Dream’ of your wonderful wedding ceremony.

Timing

It is SO important that the ceremony be punctual. If the Bride is later than expected, the domino effect takes over – photography might need to be cut short because of changing light conditions, food is past its best, the guests are restless and most important of all – the Groom is getting nervous.
Talk to me at the beginning of your planning and I can show you a couple of tricks to resolve this situation altogether.

Colours
Colour is so important – apart from wanting your bridal party to look best they possibly can, remember that colour influences our emotions. Talk to me about setting the mood that you want.
I also ensure that I dress in an appropriate style and colour to complement your wedding party. After all, I am not meant to be noticeable in the photographs – that is the Bride and Groom’s privilege.
I can adapt to your preferred style and location – from barefoot on the beach to Black Tie, I am perfectly comfortable.

Professional Fee My professional fee is a total, all-inclusive cost. I ask for a deposit to confirm your booking and hold the space in my diary, with the remainder due during the month prior to your ceremony. This fee covers - • all legal paperwork required including lodging and registration of your marriage at the Registrar General’s office • your Presentation Certificate be prepared by my calligraphy writer • a copy of your ceremony for you as a keepsake. Many of my clients find that there is so much excitement, emotion and fun happening during their Ceremony, that they can’t remember what was said! • a PA system so your guests can hear the ceremony, which is especially important in the outdoors • as many consultations and discussions as we need to ensure your ceremony is exactly as you dream

Wiccan and Alternative Ceremonies

I am very fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to share the most wonderful celebrations with many of my clients. As a Reiki practitioner, I seem to attract like-minded people, which brings a special quality to our work.
Several times I’ve been invited to take part in Wiccan wedding ceremonies which is a great privilege.
I am very happy to work with clients of belief systems other than mainstream, whilst always being mindful of respecting the part I can play without intruding on areas inappropriate for me. Talk to me about your special wishes.

Planning a wedding – long-distance

Don’t let distance worry you when planning a wedding in Australia. Whether you are living out of the country, or somewhere distant from your chosen venue, it is relatively easy to attend to everything. I have many, many clients who have been far away geographically until just before their wedding day, and we can always work together to ensure all details are covered.

Referral Service

Although I never promote the services of an individual service provider in the wedding industry, I am very happy to make recommendations of operators whose work I have seen and been impressed by.
After many years in my role as a Civil Celebrant, I have met vast numbers of people associated with weddings in a variety of ways, and can usually make some suggestions when requested.

You are welcome to contact me on info@mariesteele.com.au (or phone 0418 577 527) with the details of your wedding to obtain an obligation free quote.