OVERVIEW
I became an authorised Marriage Celebrant for two reasons because I love love and because it gives me an excuse to constantly top up my velvet jacket, bow tie and pocket square collection.
As a Marriage celebrant, MC & wedding industry professional, I know what couples want in a Marriage Celebrant. I also know what they don’t want too. They want someone who is organized, fun and warmly energetic, without being over the top. Someone who takes the time to get to know the couple personally whilst behaving respectfully and professionally. Someone who cares about the love, fun, and commitment they share and this will reflect in the marriage ceremony of the couple. What they don’t want is someone who arrives late, is generally unorganised, reads off a script, forgets peoples names, tells awkward jokes, and bombs all of your beautiful wedding ceremony photos.
I became a marriage celebrant because I get so much enjoyment from being an integral part of the biggest occasion in the lives of people I get to know well, and now call friends. I’m grateful for each opportunity to work with a couple, and together we will ensure that your ceremony is unique, thoughtful, sincere, moving and fun. Kind of like falling in love all over again! The ceremonies I create will have your family and friends still talking, laughing and crying about it at your Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
I’m here to help you create your dream wedding. Whether it's a fun, personal, heartfelt or more creative style of wedding that you're looking for, I am here to guide you through the process, legal aspects and make planning your special day effortless.
Creating dream weddings is a skill. I draw upon my many years of experience in the corporate world as an MC, and events management roles combined with a passion for public speaking, an eye for detail and a little flair.
I love meeting couples and unearthing your shared stories, heartfelt moments and your love for one another.
Throughout the preparations and on your wedding day, I bring a friendly mix of experience, warmth and life to make your day memorable for you and your guests.
I look forward to getting to know you
Much Love
Craig xx
About
I’m Craig Batchelor. I’m a young business owner with a lust for life. I have a great love for dogs, all types of sport, the ocean and outdoors. I also love love. How good is this thing that makes you talk in a dorky voice saying things you swore you’d never say. I’m pretty passionate about how much I love love which is why I became a celebrant. Your story – and your love – is like none that have come before and so your wedding day should beam and scream you, which I would love to create.
Mr Craig Batchelor
Owner
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FAQ
Your Marriage Celebrant must receive a completed Notice of Intended Marriage form at least one month before the wedding. You can give it to your celebrant up to eighteen months beforehand and it still remains valid during that period. Contact me discuss your Notice of Intended Marriage form
Prescribed authorities, which are usually at your Local Court or Registry officials can shorten the required period of notice if they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the Regulations are met.
There are five categories of circumstances set out in the Regulations.
Shortening of time is not automatic. Contact me to discuss shortening of time and how I can help you.
Your original Birth Certificates and a current photo ID or a passport are required for both parties. If you don't have a birth certificate then just a passport and current photo ID is sufficent.
If either of you have been previously married, then you must provide evidence of the termination of the marriage. This can be in the form of an original of your final divorce papers or a Death Certificate (if you have been widowed).
Please ensure that all the documents you provide are the originals, and if the originals are not in English, then a qualified interpreter (NAATI interpreter desirable) must have translated them.
You can’t have a surprise wedding for your intended spouse. Both of you need to be fully aware that you are getting married.
However, you can have a surprise wedding for your guests.
Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime moment - you want it to be perfect, and finding the right celebrant that fits your vision for the ceremony is absolutely critical. The only way to find the perfect celebrant is to contact them and meet with them in person, starting with celebrants that have websites, media and recommendations that resonate with you.
Don’t settle for a celebrant that you’re not comfortable with. A good celebrant will:
In terms of my experience as a wedding celebrant, I can offer couples a fresh, youthful and personable approach to wedding celebrations. My speciality is being able to customise and tailor ceremonies that will reflect the unique personalities of the couple.
I recommend booking your celebrant as early as 18 months before your intended wedding date. Two months prior to your wedding date is the recommended minimum time to book your celebrant. By law, the latest you lodge your intention to marry is one calendar month before your wedding.
I encourage as much input from all my couples for their ceremony - after all it is your wedding! The Australian Marriage Act 1961 has a few legal requirements that must be said in the ceremony, but other than this, I am more than happy to incorporate your ideas, and involve whomever you want in your ceremony.
If you are unsure of what to include in your ceremony, I am here to provide plenty of ideas, suggestions and resources! I will guide you through the process and discuss what works and what doesn’t so that we create a memorable ceremony that is unique and tailored to reflect both your personalities as a couple.
Yes, if your ceremony is going to be outdoors. I highly recommend a Plan B option in the event of poor weather to take away the stress and last minute panic. Ensure that your alternative venue is indoors.
Yes, I highly recommend a rehearsal preferably 1-2 weeks from the big day. A rehearsal will help to ensure your actual wedding day is as stress free and enjoyable as possible. I attend the rehearsal as part of my standard fee.
A rehearsal allows everyone involved in the wedding ceremony to run through the placement and roles of people; to get an idea of how the music and microphone system will sound; and to go through the ceremony to get a feel for how long it will take. Also, the rehearsal would be an ideal time for the couple to sign a Declaration confirming that there is no legal impediment to your marriage. Please note that if it is not possible to do the rehearsal at your intended venue, an ideal alternative would be a place that resembles the characteristics and size of the actual venue.
No need to worry about this. I will register and order your offical marriage certificate with Birth Deaths and Marriages on your behalf within 24 hrs of the ceremony taking place. Once I recieve it I will then post it to you.
December 2021
July 2021
April 2021
November 2024
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