How does a great celebrant create your personalised ceremony script? It's a step-by-step process, and you are involved at every stage.
Step 1: Getting to know you
A great celebrant starts by learning about you as a couple: how you met, what you love about each other, and the feel you want for your ceremony. Some couples want laughter, some want a few happy tears, and most want a bit of both.
Step 2: The legal essentials
Every Australian wedding must meet the requirements of the Marriage Act 1961. Your celebrant will:
lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month (and up to 18 months) before the wedding
include the legal wording your celebrant must say, which explains that marriage in Australia is the union of two people, voluntarily entered into for life
include the legal vows you each say, which can sit within longer personal vows
arrange for two witnesses aged 18 or over to sign the marriage certificates.
These words take only a few minutes. Everything else in the ceremony can be shaped around you.
Step 3: Your first draft
Your celebrant then writes a first draft that combines the legal wording with the parts that make it personal:
a welcome that sets the tone for your guests
your love story, told warmly and with a little humour if you like
readings or poems, chosen by you or suggested by your celebrant
the ring exchange, with words that suit you
any cultural traditions, rituals or family acknowledgements.
Step 4: Your personal vows
Many couples write their own vows. A great celebrant can guide you with prompts, help you agree on a similar length, and keep each set private until the day if you'd like a surprise.
Step 5: Refining together
You review the draft, suggest changes, and your celebrant polishes it until it sounds like you. Nothing is final until you're both happy with it.
Step 6: On the day
Your celebrant runs the ceremony with good timing, a clear microphone and calm confidence, so you can relax and enjoy every moment as you marry the love of your life.
Mark David has 15+ years wedding experience and writes every ceremony script from scratch with each couple.
Planning your ceremony? Book a call with Mark.