If your Partner is from Overseas

Even though the person you would like to marry is currently residing in another country you can still plan your wedding as only one partner is required to be present to sign the Notice of Intended Marriage.  The other partner can sign this form once she/he has arrived in Australia.

Prospective Spouse Visas/Partner Migration

The Australian Immigration Department has certain procedures and formalities which need to be attended to involving Visa applications should one party be from overseas.  Once the required documentation has been presented a Celebrant can then provide a Letter of Confirmation to support the Visa application as well as a Notice of Intended Marriage permitting you to enter the country and marry under the Partner Migration Program.  This letter is addressed to the appropriate authority and it advises them of the Celebrant’s availability to officiate your marriage on a set date, time and venue.  A deposit of $100 is required to confirm the booking upon lodging this form.

The Notice of Intended Marriage can be signed outside Australia but it must be witnessed by

• Notary Public
• Australian Diplomatic or Consular Officer
• Employee of the Commonwealth who is authorized under Paragraph 3C of the Consular Fees Act 1955.
• Employee of the Australian Trade Commission.

These types of applications can be a mine field so therefore the advice and assistance from an Immigration Law Specialist/Registered Migration Agent would be an advantage in the successful lodging of those relevant forms.For a specialist in this area contact: grossman@bigpond.net.au

The following  forms are available  from the Immigration Department’s website: www.immi.gov.au/allforms/

• 47SP Application For Migration To Australia By A Partner
• 40SP Sponsorship For A Partner To Migrate To Australia (Completed by your Sponsor)

 Notice of Intended Marriage forms can be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Australian High Commission/Embassy in the country you are coming from.  This form must be lodged no later than a one month and one day before the marriage and it can either be posted to me or lodged from your country.  You must also have your Birth Certificate, Overseas Passport, Death Certificate of any previous spouse or Decree Nisi as proof of divorce.  If you can’t produce any of these original documents in Australia you will not be permitted to get married.

Following your marriage you will be required to contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages before your departure for a copy of the Marriage Certificate which may need to be stamped by the Foreign Affairs Department to legalize your marriage worldwide.  You can either do this before you leave Australia or apply upon return to your country.

I can meet any of your cross-cultural needs and language requirements where an interpreter can be provided along with the international recognition of marriages.   If you provide your own interpreter, this interpreter will be required to complete an Interpreter’s Statutory Declaration as confirmation of them performing in this capacity at your wedding.

Basic Marriage Ceremony

Introduction
Celebrant welcomes all wedding guests and prepares them for the entrance of the bride.

Giving Away (Optional)
The father or a friend of the bride gives her away.

A Reading (Optional)
This can be done by a relative or person of your choice.

A special section on how the couple first met
This is your special story on how you first came together and the things you both love about each other.

The Asking (Optional)
The celebrant asks who giveth this woman to be married to this man?

Monitum
Must be done before marriage is solemnized. (Compulsory)

Vows
These are words of your own choice or I can help you put it all together.

Exchanging of Rings (Optional)
This is usually followed by special words such as “With this ring I thee wed”.

Special Symbol Ceremony for example Rose or Lighting of Candles

Declaration
Where you are declared to be husband and wife.

Signing of the Marriage Register
This is done seated at a special table and signed by two witnesses.

Introduction of the new couple
Couple are introduced as Mr and Mrs for the very first time.

 

 

Special symbols for your wedding day

Joining of Families and Friends

Special words can be compiled by the couple to thank both sets of parents for all their love and support throughout their lives as well as to welcome them into each other’s
families. This is done during the ceremony.

Celebrant:
Will ask family and friends – will you support Jane and Luke in their new lives together, and help them through all the hard times?

All:
We will.

Sharing of Wine in the Cup of Life

The groom pours a glass of wine and both the bride and groom drink from it.  This is done during the ceremony.

Celebrant:
This glass of wine is symbolic of the cup of life.  As you share this wine, you promise to share all that the future may bring.  All the sweetness the cup of life may hold for you should be sweeter because you drink it together; and whatever drops of bitterness it may contain should be less because they are shared.

We wish you all the blessings that life can bring – joy and gladness, love and companionship, happiness and prosperity, all the days of your life.

 Breaking The Glass

Celebrant:
The breaking of the glass is a Jewish tradition, which symbolizes the fragility of life and love.  It is a sign of good fortune, and a hope that your love remains as true and as pure as it is at this moment.

The glass is wrapped in a cloth, and the groom breaks the glass by stamping on it with his foot.

Essential Oils

This is usually done during the ceremony on the forehead where a combination of selected oils is used with Wicca and other ceremonies.

Rose Ceremony

This may be used instead of exchanging rings, (if the couple can’t afford rings) or in addition to the ring ceremony.  After the exchanging of rings, roses are given as gifts to each other symbolizing the past where the rose was “you”.  Thus, making it a wonderful first gift to each other, being that, of a single rose.  Then with each anniversary the couple can give each other the gift of a single rose to celebrate the love they share forever.

 

Hand Fasting

Hand fasting is an ancient Celtic tradition where the binding of the hands of the couple together is done using cord or ribbon, which constitutes an agreement that they want to be ‘married’.  Traditionally, hand fasting lasts a year and a day, and is then optionally renewed.

It is a form of betrothal.

The hand fasting is done before the couple makes their vows and is untied before they exchange their rings.

Celebrant:
As you join hands, so your lives are joined – holding each other, supporting each other, loving each other.  (Ties the ribbon around their hands, joining right hand to the right hand, or left hand to the left hand.

Celebrant Says:
“Now I tie this lover’s knot you are joined together.  Gentle are the bounds of this union, pull one way and the bonds are strengthened, pull the other way and they are loosened”.

Author unknown

The couple then removes their hands and the knot remains tied forever.  This knot is then placed into a velvet pouch for the couple to keep.

When removing the binding:
May you be bound, not just for a lifetime, but for an eternity. (Celebrant removes the binding and places it in a small bag.)

 

Jumping Over The Broomstick

After being declared husband and wife at the end of the ceremony, the bride and groom jump over the broomstick held by members of the bridal party.  This symbolizes crossing over the threshold into their new life together.

The broom could also be used earlier in the ceremony to “sweep” a circle around the wedding party, to represent eternity and a sacred space created within the circle.  Flower petals can also be used to create the circle.

By Dorothy Shorne

 

Blending of Sands

Three containers are required: one larger one and two smaller ones.  An inch of white sand is placed in the larger container.  Different coloured sand is placed in the two smaller containers for example red and blue.

The Celebrant then says:
“The blending of the sands symbolizes the beauty of this union of Luke and Jane”  “The first container represents you Luke and all that you bring to this union and the other is you Jane and all that you bring to this union”

Celebrant then hands the smaller containers to the bride and groom containing the different coloured sands.  Each colour is unique and contains its own strength, love, and beauty but together they can become one and stand on their own.  They are then asked to pour their own individual sand into the other one’s container as the celebrant is reading a lovely poem.

 

Ring Warming

The rings can be placed in a small velvet pouch, which is then held by the Celebrant who holds it between her palms and after gently rubbing it, this pouch is then handed around to the bridal party followed by all the guests requesting they hold the bag and make a wish for the couple for the future.  During this time a lovely poem can be recited.

 

 

The bride and groom both light a candle at the beginning of the ceremony once they have been declared husband and wife.

Unity Candle or Marriage Candle

"Family and Friends:  Now for something very special - it is the Lighting of the Marriage Candle.  It is also a time for family to share in their loving commitment.  I therefore call upon the mothers of the Bride and Groom to present them with a lighted candle representing their individuality, unique and special.  They each symbolize separate families, backgrounds and qualities uniting together, thus creating a rich union of support.

(Mothers to present the candles - the couple then walk to either side of the table so that all may see)

The Bride and Groom will together light their Marriage Candle, and then blow out the other two, as from today, they shall be as One.   May the Flame of Love in their hearts open their eyes to the beauty and mystery that awaits them, and nurture the promise of this moment on their journey together and beyond."

 

Legal Requirements

Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

It is a legal requirement to give exactly one calendar month and one day notice of your intention to marry by lodging a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ with the celebrant of your choice. Once completed, this remains valid for a period of 18 months from the day on which it was lodged.

Celebrants can provide these forms or they can be downloaded from the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department.

This is a requirement for the Births, Deaths and Marriages as well as for the preparation of your Marriage Certificate.

It will be necessary to produce:

• Your original birth certificate, birth extract or a Statutory Declaration.
• If divorced, your Decree Absolute.
• If widowed, the Death Certificate/Extract of Death of your former spouse.
• If one or both parties were born overseas, a passport showing the date and place of birth.

You must be over the age of 18 years and not married or in a prohibited relationship (such as with a blood relative).

If one of the parties has not turned 18 years, then consent and other legalities need to be obtained under the Marriage Act 1961 before the wedding can proceed, as a person under the age of 18 years is not of marriage age unless she or he gets an order under Section 12 from the court.

A ‘Shortening of Time Notice’ involving written approval must be obtained from a prescribed authority which is usually from Birth, Deaths and Marriages in cases where it is less than 31 days notice, for example, during severe illness or other special circumstances, such as travel or employment arrangements.

If an interpreter is required, he or she will need to complete an ‘Interpreter’s Statutory Declaration’ confirmed that he/she acted in this capacity.

Prospective Spouse Visas Partner migration under the Immigration Act requires a letter of confirmation to support the visa application as well as perhaps other special needs such as languages, cross cultures and international recognition of marriages.

If one of the parties is available and the other isn’t, the person available can sign the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ in front of a witness and then lodge the document, then the other person can sign it any time prior to the wedding. However, both parties must be aware of the wedding plans.

Notices of intended marriage must be signed in front of one of the following:

• Authorized celebrant.
• Barrister or solicitor.
• Medical practitioner.
• Member of the Federal, State or Territory Police.

You are also required to sign a pre-wedding ‘Declarations of Conjugal Status’ where you both attest to your eligibility to marry.

On your wedding day, you will both sign your Presentation Certificate of Marriage as well as the certificate which is then sent to the Registry Office as well as the celebrant’s register. You will also need two witnesses over the age of 18 years to sign your certificate.

After the ceremony, even though you are presented with the Certificate of Marriage, you will need to obtain your official numbered Certificate of Marriage from the Registry Office which proves that your marriage has been registered. This is especially required if one of the parties is changing his or her name on a passport as well as for immigration and other purposes.

With the ceremony, the requirements are:

• A description of the meaning of marriage (Section 46 from the Marriage Act).
• Both of you can answer a question displaying your commitment and giving your consent to be married which is often referred to as the “I do’s”.
• Chosen vows exchanged in your own words which are best repeated after the celebrant rather than trying to go by memory. These vows also need to acknowledge that each is taking the other as husband or wife.

Shortening Of Time Notice

If an urgent wedding is required in less than a month and a day a Shortening of Time Notice may be granted under certain circumstances.  You are firstly required to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage, along with a letter supporting your application from a Celebrant at the Births, Deaths and Marriages.  Also included with this application is the required documentation such as your Birth Certificates, Overseas Passport, Decree Nisi or any Death Certificates from previous marriages.

There are many reasons why these applications may be approved such as health/medical reasons, travel arrangements, overseas employment, innocent mistakes in giving notice or any pending Legal proceedings.  Proof of your intention to marry before the urgent situation arose would also be an advantage.

 

Funerals

I believe it is a privilege to conduct a Funeral Ceremony. As a Celebrant, I visit the family home where a lot of time is spent with the family gathering a lifetime of stories regarding the loved one who has passed away so that I can then prepare an appropriate eulogy.  This is then delivered to form the best tribute to celebrate their life.  Special poetry, music, speeches, symbolic rituals such as burial or committal to ensure it reflects the feelings friends and family left behind.

Cultural beliefs are also taken into consideration and all grieving family members are invited to pay their own tributes or use their own words. All needs are taken into consideration and my words during the service are given with compassion, warmth and sincerity.

Commitment Ceremonies

On your special day you will become partners in life celebrating the union of two soul mates together in front of all your family and friends as you declare your commitment to one another.

The lighting of a unity candle, the blending of wines and sand as well as the exchange of rings can all be part of a unique ceremony where I can offer you practical advice on how to plan your own ceremony. You can either choose your own words or I will assist you so that the ceremony can be delivered exactly the way you want it, followed by the signing of a Certificate of Commitment.

Renewal of Vows      

Remember your Wedding Day as you celebrate and re-affirm your Wedding Vows where you can gather all of the bridal party plus family and friends as you reinforce your love and commitment to each other for which there are no legal requirements.

Name Giving

Celebrate and welcome the entrance of a new baby into the world with a Naming Ceremony as an alternative to a Church Christening where there are no legal requirements.

Healing or Ceremonies

For healing after a tragedy spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Celebration Ceremonies

All special life celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, house warmings.

 

Marriage and Relationship Education

Your Celebrant should inform you of the services available to you for relationship education as some Religious institutions often request you undertake a course in marriage and relationship education before you can be married.  However this is not a requirement for a Civil Ceremony conducted by a Celebrant so whether you use these services is up to you.

To ensure you give your marriage the best start pre-marriage counseling can be organized by contacting any of the following organizations.

Relatewell

www.relatewell.org.au/

Relationships Australia

www.relationships.com.au

Lifeworks

www.lifeworks/com

ELIZABETH WILDE
Civil Celebrant

Cert IV in Marriage Celebrancy
Cert IV in Assessment & Workplace Training

Industry Associations

Member, ACMCV – Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants (Vic)

Legal Executive

As a registered nurse, my experiences are wide-ranging, so you will find me very easy to talk to and someone who has a good sense of humour.

I provide unique and relaxed ceremonies that are a reflection of your wishes coming true for your very special day, with memories that will last forever.

I have the necessary skills to create relaxed, easy-going, joyous and unique ceremonies incorporating family and friends.

Resources

I can offer practical advice on the planning of your own ceremony and will assist you in the selection of readings and music as well as the writing of your own vows, so that the ceremony can be delivered exactly the way you want it.  Attendance at professional development seminars ensures I have a wide ranging knowledge on all wedding ceremonies from various cultures to a wedding with a difference is a must.

I will provide you with a Wedding Folder and books containing examples of many different wedding ceremonies, vows and readings. This will give you many ideas to facilitate in the planning and design of your wedding where every ceremony is truly unique because this is your special day.

Every ceremony whether it may only be a simple, no fuss ceremony or a larger, more traditional one is conducted with dignity in a very relaxed and joyous atmosphere.  As a past stage performer I use my personality to provide a perfect balance of romance, warmth, fun, creativity, lightheartedness, meaning, formality and professionalism.

I can also offer ongoing advice and reassurance as well as the alleviation of stress and nervousness due to my sense of humour and relaxed manner.  I also delight in the blending of families and children from previous marriages where I like to make them all feel as though they are part of the ceremony. 

Celebrant’s Responsibilities

• Abide by the Code of Ethics as stated in section 39G(a) of the Marriage Act 1961.
• Deliver a marriage ceremony in a professional and dignified exactly how you want it.
• Presentation and dress will be of a very high standard.
• Be friendly and helpful towards everyone.
• Act professionally at all times.
• Capable of handling all types of people and situations involving weddings.
• To make couples aware of relationship courses available.  Life Works - 9654 7360, Relatewell - 9354 8854.

Choosing Your Celebrant

Many people are more interested in getting the cheaper price for a celebrant without realizing that they would not think twice about spending a lot of money on perhaps less important items. The thing to remember is that, without the celebrant, the wedding would not be able to go ahead so a cheaper price may not guarantee quality and the good service you are looking for.

The Celebrant is the one who can create your moments of special magic so it is imperative you choose the right personality type that will suit you. For example I specialize in theme weddings where dressing up in costumes for Wicca, or movie characters can really compliment the wedding.  I also perform a lot of ceremonies for overseas couples where Prospective Spouse Visa’s and letters of Confirmation must be organized.

Apart from being experienced in cross cultural and some interfaith ceremonies as Australia has become multicultural, I welcome overseas traditions, beliefs and ceremonies.  A few of my weddings have involved Chinese Tea ceremonies plus the involvement of children.

I welcome any wedding with a difference and I am very laid back in my approach. I also enjoy the presence of all the guests as well and try to involve them in the ceremony as much as I can.  In one wedding the family dog was the one who carried the rings around his neck whilst being coaxed with a biscuit.

You receive a well presented marriage certificate as well as your own personal copy of the marriage ceremony.  All prior preparation is done via email during which time we can swap ideas to assist with the compilation of words and music for the ceremony.

Due to my experience I know what you both want.  I am looking forward to meeting you so that together we can make the ceremony all that you have been wishing for.

Testimonials

Thank you so very much for our wonderful wedding.  It was the most romantic wedding you could ever wish for.  We can’t thank you enough as all our friends and family thought it was the most beautiful and touching ceremony they have ever been to. We would recommend you to anyone.
- Maryanne and Bernard

Many thanks for our fantastic wedding.  You put us both at ease as we were both very nervous at the time, however your sense of humor and very relaxed manner soon put us at ease, making it a day we will never forget.
With great appreciation.
- Sharon and David

We met you Elizabeth on a day when Angie and I were both in dire straits. We had planned and organised our wedding, including our Chinese Tea ceremony. However, as we were both from overseas we did not realise that we could not have our own marriage ceremony without making it official through a Civil Ceremony.This was to make it legal in Australia so Elizabeth, you came in at the last minute and saved the day. With your help we applied for a Shortening of Time which was granted and the wedding went ahead shortly afterwards.
You are a life saver as you stepped in with very little time for preparation and made our day a very special one.
Thank you so much Elizabeth
- Nick & Angie

Our wedding was a Wicca ceremony on a beach under a full moon where where we all shared the most amazing connection and circulation of energy. Every guest was included in this ceremony which was the most moving and memorable occasion of all time. People still talk about it so many thanks Elizabeth.
- Simon & Hannah

Our wedding day was one we will never forget thanks to Elizabeth who managed to perform the ceremony in such a dignified and creative way that the whole family was included.  My two daughters did the Handfasting after my son had given me away. This was the second marriage for both of us but we felt we had known each other for a lifetime.
Thank you Elizabeth for helping us to bring the whole ceremony together for us so that we could say what was in our hearts.
- Nathan & Alison

We would both like to thank you for making our day ‘unforgettable’. You assisted us in the writing of our ceremony, which we found very hard to do ourselves and you also took control of the situation when Debbie was half and hour late due to unforeseen circumstances. All the guests present were very appreciative of your calmness and kind words during this time.
We can’t thank you enough.
- Michael & Debbie

Thank you for our very unusual but beautiful wedding.  Both sets of families became joined together as one with your candle lighting ceremony.  Your creativity and performance during the ceremony helped to create a loving bond which will last a lifetime and will be forever etched in our minds.
It really meant a lot.
- Maree and Richard