ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BOOKING A CELEBRANT

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
BOOKING A WEDDING CELEBRANT

Many people have asked me what is involved when making a choice to find a good celebrant. Your ceremony remains in hearts forever. This is why it is important to make the right choice.

COMMON QUESTIONS (click on question for the answer)

1	What does the Celebrant do?
2	How soon should I book a Celebrant?
3	Do I go to the Celebrant or does the Celebrant come to me?
4	What paperwork do I need to complete?
5	Does the Celebrant provide a rehearsal?
6	Does the Celebrant bring their own equipment?
7	How many meetings should I have with a Celebrant before the wedding?
8	How do I start designing the ceremony that's for me?
9	How much does a wedding Celebrant cost?

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Jennifer Joy Merrett

1	What does the Celebrant do?	(Back to top)
	First and foremost your celebrant must live up to the standards set by the Attorney Generals Department. This includes maintaining high moral conduct, sound ethics and complete professionalism. My aim is to: Provide information and guidance Ensure that there is clarity in understanding of the Act and the wider issues facing couples. Provide details of interpreter's and/or other services if applicable Offer a relaxed interview at your place or mine or a chosen venue to discuss your wedding requirements (free of charge) Check and lodge legal documentation with Births Deaths and Marriages Witness your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) Undergo regular compulsory Professional Development Programs Keep up to date with industry changes and trends Provide unlimited consultations, in person, by phone, or email Your wedding certificate is prepared professionally in calligraphy Be receptive to your needs and wants Provide a meaningful ceremony suited to your needs Deliver your ceremony in YOUR way with warmth and sincerity Ensure that your guests can hear the ceremony A personal commitment that I will familiarize my self with your ceremony prior to your wedding As far as possible dress to suit your occasion Maintain trust, integrity, dignity reliability and confidentiality Hopefully, I will put you at ease and confirm with you that you will have a wedding ceremony (or what ever other ceremony you require) which will remain in your heart and your guest's hearts forever
2	How soon should I book a Celebrant?	(Back to top)
	As soon as possible! Your Notice of Intended Marriage must be lodged with the celebrant one month and one day prior to your wedding. It takes a long time to plan an effective wedding. Get your ceremony started ASAP. As soon as you have set you wedding date contact your celebrant. Your ceremony is the most significant part of your wedding day -Book early
3	Do I go to the Celebrant or does the Celebrant come to me?	(Back to top)
	From my part - This is up to you, my philosophy is "Client needs and wants" I am more than happy to come to you (within an appropriate distance).
4	What paperwork do I need to complete?	(Back to top)
	A Notice of Intended Marriage The Notice of Intended Marriage must be signed in front of the Celebrant. People born in Australia must produce a fully certified copy of their birth certificate and/or birth extract. People born out side of Australia must produce either a passport or naturalization certificate if they do not have a birth certificate. People who have been married previously must produce either a decree absolute or a death certificate. Two witnesses are required at the wedding ceremony and both must be over the age of 18.
5	Does the Celebrant provide a rehearsal?	(Back to top)
	I most certainly encourage you to have a rehearsal at the venue- This is included in my price. (Conditions apply if wedding is out side a certain radius)
6	Does the Celebrant bring their own equipment?	(Back to top)
	To eliminate pressure on the bride and groom I provide my own sound system
7	How many meetings should I have with a Celebrant before the wedding?	(Back to top)
	Unlimited - as many as you need - we are all unique beings and have unique expectations- I will fit with your requirements.
8	How do I start designing the ceremony that's for me?
	Give me a call, express your needs, let your ceremony evolve, be innovative, be original, be creative, be true to yourself, enjoy the experience. There are several elements of the ceremony which are legal requirements; the rest is entirely up to you. I will provide you guidelines or alternatively create your complete ceremony. Most people wish wedding ceremonies to be dignified, sincere, simple and not too long. The basic Structure of a ceremony is as follows: Introduction Reading Monitum Giving Away of the Bride (Optional) The Asking Vows Ring Ceremony Reading Declaration of Marriage Signing of the Register Presentation of Certificates
9	How much does a wedding Celebrant cost?	(Back to top)
	Celebrant costs vary from one Celebrant to another. It's always a good idea to find out what is included in the price as some Celebrant's may have a cheap base price, however there may be additional costs to consider for a full service. I have set my price as an all inclusive price at $650 per ceremony, here is what you get: All pre-marriage meetings (I always allow enough pre-marriage meeting time to ensure that you are comfortable with the process and ready for your big day). I come to you for pre-marriage meetings to ensure that the process is as easy and comfortable as possible. I will assist you to prepare an individualised ceremony that is meaningful to you. I have all necessary equipment to ensure that your guests are able to hear the proceedings during the ceremony (lapel microphone etc). A pre-wedding rehearsal to get the kinks ironed out. Lodgement and fulfillment of all legal responsibilities for your marriage. A momento presentation wedding certificate.