Getting ready to pop the question? Or has the question been asked, the answer was "YES" and now your knee deep in planning? Well, let me help. As we head into the proposal season I thought it time to dust off some FAQs about the marrying stuff to help couples with their planning, and hopefully make the process a bit easier.
The When.
Question: How far in advance can we book our wedding celebrant?
Answer: Anytime between 18 months and 4 weeks prior to your ceremony date.
You can register your intent to marry up to 18 months in advance with a civil celebrant, which is the maximum amount of time legally permitted to register your intent to marry. The shortest amount of time between booking and your marriage ceremony is 4 weeks, there can be some exceptions where short notice periods are permitted, but this requires additional approval which we can discuss if need be.
The Where.
Question: Where can we get married?
Answer: Honestly, just about anywhere.
Beach - yes. Park - yes. Helicopter - yes. Hot Air Balloon - yes.
I can legally perform a marriage ceremony anywhere as long as your NOIM has been lodged with me one month before the ceremony date. Beaches, Parks and Lookouts are popular given the wonderful weather we enjoy in Queensland.
If you are considering a Beach wedding, you may require a permit. Parks and Lookouts also require a permit, and most city councils charge a fee to secure the space. The easiest way to find out if the site you have chosen requires a permit is to search the local council’s website, and if necessary, give them a call before finalising the location if your chosen site isn’t listed in the permit section.
The How.
The marriage ceremony is a beautiful thing, it can be short and sweet taking only 15 minutes for a legal only ceremony or it can be up to 30 minutes sharing your love story with friends and family. Working with me you get to choose how it happens. Everything from songs to readings or poetry through to an exchange of rings or other symbolic rituals, it is entirely up to you as a couple to choose.
As your celebrant I will guide you through the 'must haves' which are the legal requirements to ensure the ceremony is legally binding according to the law in Australia plus I will make suggestions based on our conversations as we get to know each other for ideas that might help you create the ceremony you have in mind.
Popular ideas include guest vows, personalised or whispered vows, witness bingo, ring warming rituals and symbolic blending ceremonies. I also have an extensive catalogue of readings, poems, lyrics and quotes that can help bring some heartfelt moments to life, recognise family or capture the sentiment of your personal story without sharing all the details with your guests.
We discuss all of this and more during our kick off meeting so I can write your ceremony. It is your ceremony, bespoke to you so it can include anything and everything you want just as long as those all important legal lines are there somewhere!
Do you travel?
Yes. Travel is one of my all time favourite things. While I am based on the sunny Gold Coast, Qld, I do ceremonies all around the Gold and Tweed Coast, across the Scenic Rim and Brisbane. If you were wanting me to officiate your wedding further afield, please ask! I love travel. Trains, planes, automobiles, boats - love it.
Like many celebrants I have a free travel radius, which is 50km from my home in Parkwood. Anything beyond this radius I charge a mileage fee per km to cover petrol plus any road tolls.
Are you insured?
Yes. As a member of The Celebrant Society I am insured. I am a registered Civil Celebrant and details of my registration is available on the Australian Attorney General’s Department website. Insured by: Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited
Member of: The Celebrant Society ABN: 62112332755
Any other questions? Get in touch or check out my social channels to get an idea of how I work.
Facebook @ceremoniesbysacha Instagram @ceremoniesbysacha www.ceremoniesbysacha.com
