Some things to know about getting married when you are wedding planning...

Sacha Clark
Oct 26, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Jul 6

Getting ready to pop the question? Or has the question been asked, the answer was "YES" and now your knee deep in wedding 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. This is important to remember when you are wedding planning as it impacts when you can legally have your ceremony. To find out more about this requirement and the paperwork associated with it, known as the NOIM or Notice of Intended Marriage, read my article all about how to fill in this first piece of legal paperwork here.

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!

The Did You Know?

All couples in Australia, regardless of gender or sexuality, have the legal right to marry following the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017. I am a proud ally and inclusive celebrant. I provide a safe and respectful space for every couple to share their love story, and it is my privilege to enable all love to be celebrated equally.

Marriage in Australia is open to all couples, regardless of gender, sexuality, or nationality. No matter where you're from or who you love you can freely marry in Australia, and with me as your celebrant, we can make it a moment that genuinely feels like you. To read more about this click through to my article about Marriage Equality.

The Role of Your Celebrant (It’s More Than You Think!)

One thing couples are often surprised to learn is just how involved a celebrant is in the lead-up to your big day. It’s not just about the ceremony itself—I’m here to guide you through the legal steps, help shape the structure and tone of your ceremony, and support you in finding the right words if you're writing your own vows. My goal? To make sure your ceremony is personal, inclusive, and a true reflection of the two of you—without stress or stiffness.

Finding the right vendors can make all the difference. When you work with me as your celebrant, I’m happy to share recommendations for trusted wedding professionals I’ve worked with—planners, photographers, venues and more—who align with your style and values.

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 Coast, across the Scenic Rim and Brisbane. If you want 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 Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants 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 Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants ABN: 62112332755

Any other questions? Get in touch or check out my social channels to get an idea of how I work.

Or visit my reviews on Easy Weddings, ABIA and Google.