Vicki McLachlan | Civil Celebrant

• A Welcome Pack with a copy of the beautiful book 'Create Your Own Inspiring Wedding Ceremony' (by Wendy Haynes), a 'To Do" notepad, all of the relevant legal forms, as well as a questionnaire to get you thinking about your ceremony
• The creation of a unique, personalised and sincere ceremony that is everything you want it to be. You may write your own or draw from the extensive range of resources I have available.  The choice is yours.
• Supply and lodgement of all legal documents
• Confidential and secure record keeping
• Meetings in my home or at a mutually convenient location. This includes the initial meeting and any additional meetings for confirmation and finalisation of ceremony details.
• Telephone and email consultations as required
• Great ideas and support for making sure your wedding day runs smoothly and with ease
• Scripting of the ceremony
• Beautifully printed copy of your wedding ceremony
• Professional printed marriage certificate 
• Ceremony rehearsal at agreed venue
• My arrival at least 30 minutes before your ceremony starting time
• The solemnisation of your marriage ceremony on your wedding day
• A clear and professional presentation using a high quality wireless PA system.

That is entirely up to you!  As long as they are qualified, you can choose whoever you wish. Marriage Celebrants in Australia must be registered with the Attorney-General's Department of the Australian Government.

I personally think that the ceremony is THE most important part of a wedding.  It's the words you say, the promises you make to each other, and the commitment you make in front of witnesses.  It sets the scene for the rest of the celebrations.

So my advice is to pick a celebrant that you 'click' with.  I think it's nice to have someone you feel a connection with, who listens to what you want and who can help you with the process (which can be confusing).

Selecting on price will still get you married and everything done legally.  But when you think about the cost of the celebrant compared to most other costs for your wedding, that cost is not significant in the overall scheme of things.  For most weddings, the cost of a celebrant will be less than your cars, your photos, your video, your flowers, your rings, your dress...and definitely your venue, food and drinks.

Yes there are specific legal requirements for the marriage ceremony as well as matters that arise before and after the ceremony. A marriage cannot be solemnised in Australia unless these procedures and documents are completed. I will help you with this process to ensure it is made as easy as possible and that everything is done according to the Marriage Act 1961.

Before the ceremony:

• Notice of the intended marriage (NOIM)has been given to the authorised celebrant within the required notice period (no later than one month before the date of the marriage)
• Each party has produced the following documents to the authorised celebrant: Evidence of date and place of birth; evidence of identity; evidence of the termination of any previous marriage, where relevant; each party has made a declaration as to his or her belief that there is no legal impediment tothe marriage 
• Information about marriage education and counselling is made available to the parties to the marriage.

At the ceremony:

• Two witnesses over the age of 18 must be present
• A statement (‘monitum’) explaining the nature of the marriage relationship must be included
• Parties must include vows as per the Marriage Act 1961
• Three marriage certificates must be signed by the celebrant, the parties and the two witnesses.

After the ceremony:

• Celebrant to complete the rest of the details on the NOIM
• Celebrant to send the official certificate of marriage, declarations of no legal impediment and NOIM to registry of births, deaths and marriages in appropriate state or territory.

Absolutely!  I personally don't like the term 'same-sex marriage' (after all we don't use the term 'straight marriage' or 'different-sex marriage'). Now that we FINALLY have marriage quality in Australia, effective 9 December 2017, the right to marry will no longer be determined by sex or gender.

Couples can now lodge their Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with their chosen celebrant and start planning for their big day!

You can also make a personal choice about the terms to be used in your marriage vows that best reflect your relationship.

That's always a hard question, so I asked friends what they would say!  Here's a snapshot...

"Vicki has an engaging personality.  She acts and speaks with compassion, kindness and understanding."

• "She has always been such an approachable, non- judgemental, caring, warm & nurturing person that bringing people together on their special day seemed to be such a natural fit."
  
  
• "Her ability to listen and understand people to deliver something very personal."
  
  
• "Vicki works with people really well and she gets things done. She is a great public speaker, is sensitive to peoples' needs, genuinely celebrates diversity, has an excellent sense of humour, high self-awareness, and is committed to doing a great job."
• "Her personality and style, her wonderful laugh and the fact that she is fun!" 
  
  
• "Vicki is loyal, trustworthy, is a natural at putting people at ease & has a wicked sense of humour so will also bring fun & laughter to your special day."
  
  
• "Vicki is a romantic and when you add her fun, caring and loving personality you have someone that has your best interests at heart. She knows when to be serious and when to have you in tears from laughter."
  
  
• " Vibrant   |  Attentive  |  Engaging  |  Compassionate  |  Fun-loving  |  Supportive  |  Genuine  |  Respected  |  Professional  |  Reliable  |  Positive  |  Enlightened  |  Sensitive  |  Friendly  |  Witty "