Kathleen Ryan Marriage Celebrant

I came upon the idea of becoming a marriage celebrant around the time many of my friends were getting married, and so I was attending many a wedding! After attending these weddings and speaking with friends about their struggles to find a celebrant they felt excited about, I realised there was a surprising gap in the market, especially in Tasmania, for fresh, young, modern celebrants. Weddings have evolved in numerous ways over the years but have always remained an incredibly important ritual and rite of passage in our society. Without taking away the special and emotional moments in a ceremony, there are so many moments of levity and celebration that are just as important. It's ok to laugh! 

I love weddings, meeting people, telling stories, and creating experiences, and realised I could help couples to bring about their ideal day, and make it entirely their own. 

There are several aspects that must be included in your ceremony to make it legal. 

Subsection 46(1) of the Marriage Act/Marriage Amendment Act 2017 (said before the vows) - Celebrant monitum: “I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages accordingly to law. 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.”

Subsection 45(2) of the Marriage Act - Vows: “I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, (name here), take you, (other name here), to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”

Signing of the three marriage documents by both parties to the marriage, celebrant, and two witnesses above the age of 18 yrs, and lodging of the legal paperwork with the Department of Births, Deaths, and Marriages by the celebrant. 

And, that's it! When it comes to the ceremony itself, there is a lot of room for personalisation, ritual, family and friend involvement, special moments specific to your relationship, and anything else you may think of - the sky really is the limit!

In a word, yes!

I will make my way to you wherever you are in Tasmania (costs may apply to Australia wide travel). Whether you are getting married atop the wind-blown Nut in Stanley, or beach side in Wineglass Bay, or in the heart of the historic and lively Hobart. Perhaps at a little winery in the Tamar Valley, or amidst rolling hills in the Huon Valley, wherever it may be, you'll be sure to see me there!