Will you help me with my wedding vows?

I certainly can if you need help. Each of my couples is provided with an electronic resource guide which is full of vows, poems, special ceremonies and other ideas. I can also help you write your own personal vows or a story about your journey as a couple. Of course you can always write your own vows and ceremony as long as it meets the minimum legal requirements. I supply my couples with a sample ceremony template which includes the legal requirements of the ceremony and a suggested order of ceremony to ensure you are comfortable with what will be said on the day. And of course I am available at anytime to answer questions about your ceremony.

How will you dress on the day?

I dress to suit your wedding. This means I have worn everything from formal attire, summer dresses through to being dressed as a cowgirl and a pirate for themed weddings. Please let me know your requirements and I am happy to accomodate them.

What time do you get to the venue on the day?

I like to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the ceremony to ensure all of my equipment is functioning and also to ensure that any last minute questions can be answered. This also gives me time to greet your guests and prepare to deliver an amazing ceremony.

Ceremonies by Joelene - Marriage Celebrants Amaroo

OVERVIEW

Congratulations, you have finally met that one special person that you can love as much as you love your animals. I know how challenging this can be and understand that you want your cherished pets to be just as much a part of your ceremony as yourself and your partner.

I have been conducting marriages, civil ceremonies, naming ceremonies and funerals since 2005. Each celebration unique to the people involved, I tailer your day to suit yourself, any other significant humans and your animals. I have a passion for making your moments truly unique and special and I enjoy working closely with my clients to ensure your day is one with memories that will last a lifetime.

After struggling to find a celebrant that would allow my beloved dogs to have a part in my husband and my wedding, I decided to become a celebrant. There are many things that make your occasion special and having a celebrant that understands animals and allows them to play a role in your day is pivotal in the enjoyable and successful outcome of your celebration.

As an animal lover, I have experience with dogs, horses, birds, reptiles – including pythons – and sheep. Location is not an issue as I have conducted celebrations in Perth, Tasmania, Canberra, The Southern Highlands and The South Coast.

I look forward to meeting with you and helping you design a celebration that is perfect for yourself and your animal companions.

About

I started as a Celebrant in 2005 at the age of 25 and have worked tirelessly to develop my skills, knowledge base and resources. I was one of the first Civil Union Celebrants and am a strong supporter of Marriage Equality. As a qualified dog trainer, detector dog handler and dog judge, I specialise in incorporating your pets and other animals into your ceremony. I also help with more traditional weddings and theme based weddings. Lets get together and design the perfect wedding.

Ms Joelene Washington - King

Owner

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Marriage Celebrants-Ceremonies by Joelene

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FAQ

What happens when we contact you regarding our ceremony?

We will initially have a meeting to determine if you feel I would be suitable for your ceremony.

If you are happy with me and my services, we can either complete the paperwok on the spot or organise another time for this. You will need the following original documents to complete this paperwork:

An official (original) certificate of birth, or an official extract of an entry in an official register showing the date and place of birth of the party
Photographic ID.
a passport issued by the Australian government or a government of an overseas country showing the date and place of birth of the party
If you have been previously married I need to see either the Decree Absolute or Divorce Certificate or a Divorce Order.
If you are a widow or widower I need to see the Death Certificate of your late spouse
If any certificates are written in a language other than English you will need a Translation of this document completed by a NAATI accredited Translator.

How Much Do You Charge?

Each couples ceremony is so unique that my fee varies depending on each couples requirements. As such it is best if we meet in person to design a ceremony and a fee that best suits your needs.

What is an unplugged wedding?

An ‘unplugged’ wedding is where the couple request that guests put away all digital devices (phones, iPads etc.) during the ceremony and/or reception. As a result an ‘unplugged’ wedding can prevent guests from uploading photos onto social media from the wedding day if the bride and groom wish for this not to happen

Do I have to be given away?

No you dont have to be given away. This custom is often not suitable for modern ceremonies. The choice is completely up to you and I will support any decision you make. For couples that do wish to be given away they may chose to have both parents, a sibling or close friend walk them down the aisle. It is also common to see the Bride and Groom walk down the aisle together.

What are your qualifications?

I have a Certificate IV in Celebrancy, a Bachelor of Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. These qualifications mean I can support my couples through their journey of getting married. I am also a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants.

3 reviews 5 Write a Review

December 2019

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Joelene is a wonderful celebrant. She is so approachable and listens to all our question with responses easy to understand. She adapted to our wishes and created our dream ceremony, setting us up for a perfect celebration. we highly recommend Joelene.

Ruth W.

Ceremonies by Joelene

Ladies, it was my absolute honour to be involved in your marriage. The whole experience was such a pleasure!

September 2019

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We created the ceremony ourselves based on her guidelines and gave us ideas on little things to change. She was really good and was there early to organise everything! She made things really easy on the day! With writing our vows I had no idea where to start and she gave me a few starting points!

Hayley D.

Ceremonies by Joelene

Hayley and Dan, thanks for letting me share in your special day. We survived the winter weather and the ceremony was great. The kids really provided some entertainment on the day!

April 2019

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Joelene was amazing - she gave us heaps of time for preparation and delivered an amazing ceremony on the day!! I would highly recommend Joelene. You won't be disappointed!

Elizabeth T.

Ceremonies by Joelene

Thank you Elizabeth! It was wonderful being part of your special day and seeing your family again for another special occasion. I am sure I will see you again!

Expert Advice

As a wedding professional, Ceremonies by Joelene offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.

Get Expert Advice

What does a marriage celebrant have to say?

What are the legal requirements?

Ceremonies by Joelene

There is one official statement that must be said by the marriage celebrant. This is as follows:

"(Couples Name) before celebrating your marriage I am to say to you in the presence of these witnesses that I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to the law. Before you a joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life."

Aside from this, the bride and groom must also say an official vow, which your celebrant will advice you of.

Everything else is up to the bride and groom. This is when it is important that you let your celebrant know exactly what you want in your ceremony to ensure the wording is all you want it to be.

I'm looking for a funny celebrant in Melbourne/Canberra/Sydney?

If you'd travel to canberra, then I'd love to hear from you!

Ceremonies by Joelene

I am more than happy to help you, I have a sense of humour and have added plenty of humour to my ceremonies. I would love to meet you in person.

Joelene Washington-King

Guardian's Visa Marriage in Australia?

I am a U.K. Citizen & hold a Student Guardian Visa in Australia. Can I marry an Australian Citizen whilst here or will I have to leave and re- enter on a tourist visa for purposes of our intended marriage and spousal visa application?

Ceremonies by Joelene

You certainly can marry in Australia on any visa, so there is no need for you to leave the country and re-enter on a tourist visa . You need to make sure you have your passport and other photographic ID with you in Australia to meet the identification requirements of the Notice of Intended Marriage. This form needs to be filled out at least 30 days before your ceremony. I hope this helps!