Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Celebrant do?

I attend to all your legal paperwork, assist you to write and arrange a ceremony to suit your needs and solemnise your marriage.

What are the legal obligations?

1. You both must be over the age of 18 years
2. Prior to the day of marriage, you need to produce either your Birth Certificates if born in Australia and if born outside Australia you need to produce both Birth Certificates and Passports.
3. You must give the Celebrant one calendar month's notice
4. If either of you have been previously married you must produce your Divorce
5. Decree Absolute papers and/or if either of your spouses are deceased, you will need to produce the Death Certificate
6. On the day of your marriage you must have 2 witnesses over the age of 18 years
7. (I can assist you with this)

What are our first steps?

1. Book in a time and date with me as soon as you can.
2. Organise an appointment to discuss your requirements.
3. Your ‘Notice of Intended Marriage' needs to be completed no less than a calendar month prior to marriage but it is strongly advisable to complete this with me as soon as you have decided on the date and time for your ceremony.
4. Most couples book months is advance.
5. Only one person needs to visit the Celebrant to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage. The other person can sign at a later date prior to marriage

If either of us are applying for immigration, what do we need to do?

Make an appointment with the Celebrant where you will complete and sign the Notice of Intended Marriage. The Celebrant will then type you the necessary letter for the Department of Immigration. Only one of you need to complete the form for this to be done. Call Frank please call: 02 4959 6483 or 0408 113 938 or email: frank@wakewood.com.au for an appointment.

What does our fee include?

• GST
• Time: Unlimited appointments, consultations and rehearsal times at the Celebrants residence / legal paperwork preparation and typing / travelling to and from ceremony venue / presentation time
• Ceremony Guide: Your Ceremony Guide which includes format, selections of ideas, reading and verses to assist you formulate your own personal ceremony - you are of course welcome to write your own wording and vows to include cultural, spiritual or religious wording. Your Ceremony Guide is shown to you at your obligation-free appointment and given to you after your deposit has been made.
• Personally written ceremony with vows of your choice, to suit individual needs
• Your beautifully printed Marriage / Renewal / Commitment / Blessing certificate
• Printed ceremony wording in memento presentation folder
• Costs: Travel / stationery / postage / telephone calls within Australia only
• Completion of all legal paperwork prior to marriage – after the marriage couples must obtain their own Registered Marriage Certificate (extra cost at Births Deaths & Marriages $31 + $5 secure postage)
• Use of Celebrant's p.a. system
• Use of Celebrant's p.a. system for larger weddings (most venues)
• Use of silver ring dish
• Use of lectern for signing on the day of marriage
• Celebrants home for the marriage ceremony (max. 10 people)

What do I do if I can't find my documents?

If you were born in Australia , you can obtain a copy of your Birth Certificate (and if applicable, the Death Certificate of former spouse) from Births, Deaths & Marriages, in the state in which you were born.

If you have divorced and need a copy of your Divorce Decree Absolute, then this can be obtained from the Family Law Court in the state in which the marriage was dissolved.

The Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages
35 Regent Street
Chippendale NSW 2000

Postal Address:
PO Box 30
Sydney NSW 2000
www.bdm.nsw.gov.au

Where can we get married?

There are many beautiful and romantic wedding locations you can get married in Sydney – parks, gardens, beaches, historic trust homes, Sydney Opera House, universities, lighthouse areas or on Sydney Harbour . Some parks and gardens require a fee for usage – the Celebrant can advise you and assist with your booking.

If you prefer an intimate marriage ceremony you may choose your hotel or restaurant venue, or perhaps on a beach for a sunset wedding.

Some popular wedding venues in Sydney and Newcastle are:

• Newcastle Cathedral
• King Edward Park
• Country Comfort Mudgee
• Hunter Valley Gardens
• Crowne Plaza Newcastle
• Nobbys Head
• Newcastle Beach
• Newcastle Town Hall
• Royal Botanic Gardens
• Centennial Park
• Sydney Opera House
• Balmoral Beach
• Rocky Point - Balmoral
• Observatory Hill – Millers Point
• Sydney Harbour
• Bondi Beach
• Vaucluse House
• Cronulla & Coogee Beaches
• Elizabeth Bay House
• Sydney Tower
• Manly Beach
• Oatlands House
• Shelly Beach
• University of Sydney
• Old Government House – Parramatta
• Ku-ring-gai National Park
• Newport Mirage
• McKell Park – Darling Point
• Macquarie Lighthouse – Watsons Bay
• Nielsen Park – Vaucluse
• Curzon Hall – Marsfield
• Taronga Function Centre
• Darling Harbour – cafes/restaurants
• Chinese Gardens – Darling Harbour
• Swain Gardens – Lindfield
• Eryldene House – Gordon

Can we choose spiritual or religious wording for our ceremony?

Yes. You are welcome to include any wording you feel reflects your beliefs or way of life.

Do we have to attend any pre-marital courses?

No. However, all Celebrants have course information should you wish to attend.

Relationships Australia 1300 364 277

Interrelate 1300 736 966

When do I need to book the Celebrant?

Most professional Celebrants are busy, so please book me as soon as you have decided on your date, time and venue.

You are advised to book as soon as you can. Call today for an obligation-free appointment. If you would like to discuss your wedding or entertainment with Frank please call: 02 4959 6483 or 0408 113 938 or email: frank@wakewood.com.au