Your Wedding Day – the first day of the rest of your life. Make it a day to remember and a ceremony to treasure. No two couples are alike, therefore no two ceremonies should be alike. I have a selection of ceremonies, readings and vows as well as a vast selection of other resources for you to choose from. This will enable you to build your ceremony to your beliefs, traditions and dreams. Your personal journey together can be woven into the ceremony. I am happy to offer suggestions on music and the roles you may want your guests to have in your ceremony. I will attend a rehearsal to ensure that everyone in the wedding party is comfortable with their role. There are many things to think about in the preparation of a wedding, I aim to make it as enjoyable and stress free as possible. Your wedding will be the only ceremony I will perform on that day, so my focus will be on you. At our initial meeting we will get to know each other and discuss your hopes and dreams for your wedding ceremony. We can meet at your home or my home office at a time to suit. This initial discussion is free.
Documentation
Notice of Intended Marriage Form (NOIM)
Once confirmation of the time and date has been established the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) should be lodged with the Celebrant no earlier than one month and no later than eighteen months prior to the wedding day. The NOIM will be completed at our first meeting. Original copies of birth certificates (full or extracts) must be produced and if either parties have been married before divorce papers and/or death certificates. I also require photo ID (driver’s licence, passport) to confirm your identity. You may visit the Attorney General’s website to download the NOIM form www.ag.gov.au
Declarations
Before the marriage takes place, you will be required to sign the Declarations which are on the back of the Official Marriage Certificate. I usually ask you to do this when we are discussing the final wording for your wedding ceremony or during the rehearsal.
Certificate of Marriage
On your Wedding Day you are required to sign three documents – the Official Marriage Certificate, the Marriage Register and the Couple’s Certificate (which I will present to you after the ceremony). These documents are also signed by your witnesses who must be over the age of 18 years.
Spouse Visa Applications
To apply for a spouse visa application you will require a letter to the Department of Immigration www.immi.gov.au. You will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage, I will then give you a letter addressed to the Australian Embassy in the country your spouse resides stating that you have lodged the necessary forms with the date and time of your wedding. When approval is granted we can then meet and discuss your wedding. There is a fee for this service.
Changing your Name
You are legally able to take on your husband’s name without completing a Change of Name Application, however, if you wish to have a hyphenated name you will have to apply for a Change of Name with the Office of Births Deaths and Marriages. I encourage you to complete the Application for the Certificate of Marriage that I give you in the Resources Pack. I can then lodge this Application when I register your Marriage, this will save you having to provide the 100 points ID check. The cost of the Certificate of Marriage is $37 or $50 for the Commemorative Certificate (which includes a certified copy).
http://australia.gov.au/topics/law-and-justice/births-deaths-and-marriages-registries
“Light up your own life by lighting up another’s”
maria fontaine, Mottos for Success