As a minister in The Uniting Church in Australia I am able to conduct weddings at any time and any place on Australian soil or at sea in Australian waters or in the air in Australian Air Space. With permission I may be able to conduct a wedding in a church of your choice but am very happy to be the celebrant for outdoor weddings and at venues other than churches.
Procedures for arranging your wedding
Initial Meeting
At the initial meeting there is an opportunity for you as a couple to get to know me and for me to get to know you. Any issues that may arise as you plan your wedding and as you plan to spend the rest of your lives together can be discussed. As an experienced minister I am able to offer you support if dealing with tension from other family members. Preparing for a wedding can put a great strain on your relationship and I will endeavour to support you every way I can.
The wedding ceremony is discussed. I will give you information and a pamphlet regarding marriage preparation and some copies of wedding ceremonies plus a copy of Uniting Church
Forms and Certificates
If you want to proceed with me as your celebrant the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form is completed at the initial or a subsequent meeting and signed with your signatures being witnessed and dated by me. The completed ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form remains with me until I lodge along with the Marriage Certificate after the ceremony has taken place. If either or both of you have been divorced you will need to bring along your divorce papers for me to witness. If both of you have been born in Australia or are Australian citizens I will need to witness your birth certificates. For those who are not Australian citizens I just need to witness your passport. If either of you wish to change your names an official marriage certificate will need to be purchased from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Information and forms as well as costs for official marriage certificates can be downloaded from www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
Subsequent meetings
Subsequent meetings to discuss the ceremony or other issues may be made at anytime. The order of service is often completed by Email.
Wedding Rehearsal
A rehearsal is usually held during the week prior to the wedding. This is important as it helps to make sure the actual wedding goes smoothly. Saying your vows at the rehearsal is very helpful for those unused to speaking in public. At this meeting a declaration will need to be signed by both of you confirming that there are no prohibiting reasons why you may not marry. Not all the bridal party need attend.
The Wedding Ceremony
For outdoor weddings it is recommended to have a person assigned to marshalling the guests and liaising with myself, musicians, singers, sound operators and caterers to ensure the smooth running of the event.
After the Wedding
Following the wedding I will complete the certificates and mail them to Births, Deaths and Marriages.
At anytime during your marriage you can contact myself to discuss any issues that concern you about your marriage.
Fees
If I conduct a wedding in a church of your choice, that church will most likely have a fee for use of the church. Local councils may charge for outdoor weddings in Parks etc. My fee is $500. If I need to travel out of the area Uniting Church
