More Than Words Ceremonies

In Australia, we don't get a "marriage licence" like you see on all those American sit-coms. Instead, you must lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your celebrant no less than ONE MONTH and no earlier than 18 months prior to your wedding date. I can send you the link to fill in yourself, or we can make it really easy and sit down to do it together.

There are two components to your ceremony that must be included in order for you to be legally married. The wording cannot be altered or left out, and it must be audible to your witnesses.

As your authorised celebrant, I must say  "My name is Michaela Von der Borch and I am a Registered Marriage Celebrant. Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship 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."

Each partner must say to one another "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I (insert full name) take you (insert partner's full name) to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife/spouse."

Of course! I have plenty of resources to give you inspiration for your own personal vows to one another, and am happy to guide you along the way. Many couples choose to keep their vows secret until the big day and send them to me to be printed onto cards that they can keep as a memento.

Or perhaps you might like to try "Ninja Vows", where you write each other's vows and don't know what you will have to promise until you are reading them! Alternatively, if you really don't want to share your personal feelings and thoughts with everyone you know, you can recite just the legally required words and share your personal vows with one another at a later time - perhaps after the reception when the two of you are alone. Whatever floats your boat!

That is completely up to you. I have no definitive rule stating you should or shouldn't have a rehearsal. However, I do find that they can be very beneficial if you have little children involved in your ceremony. As adults, most of us have been to, or at the very least, seen a wedding and have a rough idea of what to expect. Children don't often have that experience and it can be quite overwhelming for them on the day. A rehearsal gives everyone involved the chance to meet those they will be spending a lot of time with on the big day.

Your bridal party might also be wondering how they will know where to walk and stand. A rehearsal can help to calm those nerves, but if you don't have one, I am very practiced at directing everyone on the day, using simple little hand gestures and signals to make sure they know what to do. (Think of me as your wedding stewardess - your exits are here and here!)

Not at all!

Some venues might not be able to accommodate your request for a rehearsal time, or it may not be convenient if there is a distance to travel. Your rehearsal can be in your backyard, a local park, or at my home office. As Shakira says - Whenever, Wherever!