Q & A

Q: Are there certain services that all celebrants should provide?

Yes. There is a Code of Ethics for celebrants. This is given to all celebrants by the Attorney-General's Depatment in Canberra. Celebrants are expected to abide by this Code. I suggest you read the code before you chat to any celebrants. That way you'll know what you can expect. Here's the link to the Code ...cheers!

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Marriage_Becomingacelebrant_CodeofPractice [1]

 Q: My friend had a celebrant for her wedding and she felt that the celebrant did not do the right thing and was inappropriate at the wedding. Is there anything she can do?

Yes there is. If a person ever has serious concerns about a celebrant there is a complaint procedure. I encourage people to take action if they have concerns about a particular celebrant as this is the only way the government will know if there are celebrants who are not providing the level of service that they should. Following is the link which explains what to do. 

http://www.ag.gov.au/www/agd/agd.nsf/Page/Marriage_GettingMarried_Makingacomplaintaboutamarriagecelebrant [2]

Q: Kerry, how soon after we decide to get married can we actually get married?

By law, I am required to have the document, called the Notice of Intended Marriage, signed, witnessed and lodged with me at least one month and one day before your wedding day. For example, if I received your Notice on 15 March, your marriage could not be solemised before 16 April - but could be solemnised on the 16th.

There are just a very few legally sanctioned reasons why that period can be
shortened, but these are very special cases and the bride and groom would need to obtain court permission to shorten the time.

Q: What if we don’t know what we want in our wedding ceremony?

No worries. I do a lot of listening when we meet and usually pick up lots of interesting information to inspire me when I’m writing. I can also give you plenty of ideas … yahoo!

Q: What if we’d like to write some of our ceremony?

You are welcome to write as much of your ceremony as you wish. If it’s helpful, I can provide you with a general framework, plus some sample readings and vows. There are, of course, some legal ‘bits’ that must go in.

Q: Are there any legal requirements regarding our vows?

Yes. There are four lines of legal vows that you must say out loud to each. The wording for these lines is fixed by law. These lines are:
I call on everyone gathered here
to witness that I (name)
take you (name)
to be my wife/husband

You are most welcome to add personal vows before or after the legal vow.

Q: What if we live a long distance from you, or overseas?

No problem. I can gather the initial details over the phone and send you information and ideas via email or post. The Notice of Intended Marriage can also be witnessed and signed by approved people . I would still need to receive the Notice no late than one month an a day before your wedding.

Q: After the wedding, what do I have to do to change my surname to my husband’s name on my various documents?

To change your surname on your driving licence, passport and some other legal documents, you will need another kind of marriage certificate called the Standard Marriage Certificate. This can only be obtained from Births, Deaths & Marriages after your wedding and this certificate shows the registration number of your wedding.

 

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