Wedding Ceremony Process (Typically)

The process of becoming legally married is one I’m very familiar with and is crucial for a seamless experience leading up to your ceremony. Here’s a step-by-step wedding ceremony process guide to what you can expect:

  • Initial Meeting: A no-obligation meet and greet via Zoom to get to know each other before booking.
  • Legal Paperwork: An in-person meeting to sign the necessary documents, including the Notice of Intended Marriage and discuss the ceremony.
  • Ceremony Design: Ongoing assistance in designing your unique ceremony with my comprehensive guide, which includes clear steps and unlimited suggestions. Everything you need to create the perfect ceremony is provided and plenty of advice is given.
  • Final Meeting: A final meeting to confirm all ceremony decisions (ceremony script document) and a rehearsal of your ceremony, if needed. We’ll also sign the Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage here too.
  • Officiating the Ceremony: On the day of your wedding, I will conduct the ceremony using the decided script, legal documents, and all necessary portable PA equipment for sound, music, and microphones (at no extra charge).
  • Post-Ceremony Assistance: All legal forms will be lodged, name-changing assistance provided if needed and a follow-up email sent.

These steps ensure that all celebrant fees are transparent and that your ceremony runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day. Your satisfaction and peace of mind are my top priorities throughout this process.

Connect With Eliza McAllister Celebrant

Please connect if you have any other further questions or would like to arrange a time to meet in person. I’d love to meet with you and create a ceremony that you’ll love.

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Wedding Ceremony Process Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far in advance should we book our wedding celebrant?

It’s best to book as early as possible to ensure availability, ideally 6-12 months before your wedding date.

Can we write our vows?

Absolutely! I encourage couples to personalize their vows and give you lots of help. I can provide guidance and examples if needed.

What legal documents do you require to process our marriage documents?

You will need to sign the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding. Additional documents such as birth certificates or passports may be required depending on your specific circumstances.

Do you provide a rehearsal before the wedding day?

Yes, a rehearsal can be arranged to ensure everyone is comfortable with the ceremony proceedings.

What happens if the weather is bad on our wedding day?

We will have a contingency plan in place for outdoor weddings. This may involve moving to an indoor location or arranging for cover. We will discuss all options during the planning process to ensure your ceremony can proceed smoothly regardless of the weather.

Can we include cultural or religious traditions in our ceremony?

Yes, I am happy to incorporate any cultural or religious traditions that are important to you with your guidance. We can discuss these elements during the ceremony design process to ensure they are included in an appropriate and meaningful way.

How long does the ceremony usually last?

The length of the ceremony can vary depending on the elements you choose to include. Typically, wedding ceremonies last between 10 to 30 minutes, but this would be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Do you travel for weddings?

Yes, I am available to travel for weddings. Depending on the location, additional travel fees may apply. We can discuss the details during our initial meeting.

Do you do weddings on boats?

Yes! I love boats and am always happy to discuss how we can make this work!

What are your fees?

My celebrant fees are set with a booking fee of $500 and a final payment of $50 outlined on my Fees page (link). I provide a detailed invoice once you have decided to book with me after our initial obligation free meeting (usually via zoom).

Can we have a non-traditional ceremony?

Absolutely! I love working with couples to create ceremonies that reflect their unique personalities and preferences. Whether you want a simple and relaxed ceremony, a casual gathering, something fancy or something entirely unconventional, I am here to help make it happen.

Do you offer personalised ceremony scripts?

Yes, that’s all I provide and every ceremony I have created over 10 years has been different. I provide personalised ceremony scripts tailored to each couple’s preferences of what they are comfortable with and unique relationship. We’ll work together to create a ceremony that reflects you both as a couple and vision for your special day.