Question 1

What do we do first?

Accepted Answer

After the excitement of your engagement settles, it’s time to dive into planning your special day. Start by locking in your date and booking your key vendors, including your Celebrant, venue, and photographer, as early as possible. (In Victoria, November and March are the most popular months for weddings, so these dates book up quickly!)

Question 2

How soon before the wedding do we have to organise things?

Accepted Answer

You can start organising your wedding plans whenever it suits you, but keep in mind that popular Celebrants and other wedding vendors are often booked well in advance. To secure your preferred vendors, it’s best to lock them in as soon as you’ve set your date. Additionally, under the Marriage Act, the legal paperwork (Notice of Intended Marriage) must be completed and lodged at least one calendar month before your wedding date.

Question 3

What documents do we need?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need to provide the following documents:
 • Your original Birth Certificate (an extract is acceptable) or a current Passport to confirm your identity. Photocopies cannot be accepted.
 • If you’re using a Birth Certificate, I’ll also need to see a form of photo ID, such as a driver’s licence.
 • If either of you has been married before, I’ll need to see the original Divorce Order or Death Certificate, depending on the circumstances.

Question 4

What if some of our documents are not in English?

Accepted Answer

If any of your documents are not in English, I will require accredited translations.

Question 5

Where can we get married?

Accepted Answer

You can get married anywhere you like! Whether it’s a vineyard, chapel, reception centre, beach, park, garden, hotel, on a boat, or even in your own home, the choice is entirely yours.

Keep in mind that some locations, like local parks, may require a permit and charge a fee, so it’s a good idea to check with your local Council in advance. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, don’t forget to have a backup plan in place in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Question 6

For our first official meeting, where can we meet?

Accepted Answer

We can arrange this meeting anywhere that suits you! Your home or a cozy local café over a cup of tea or a glass of wine often works best. If you’re based interstate or overseas, no problem - we can easily connect via Zoom, FaceTime, or even a simple phone call.

Question 7

How far will you travel?

Accepted Answer

I’m happy to travel wherever your wedding takes me! I travel within a 100km round trip from my home is included in my fee. For Ceremonies further away, a travel fee per kilometre applies. We’ll discuss and confirm any additional travel costs during our first meeting.

Question 8

What times are you available?

Accepted Answer

Since I also have a day job, I’m generally available after 5:00 PM on weekdays and throughout the weekend. However, you can always reach me via email or text message if you need to get in touch!

Question 9

Can I have a friend or family member read a poem at my wedding?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! You can have a friend or family member read a poem or special piece during your wedding. It’s a wonderful way to include loved ones in your Ceremony.

Question 10

Can you children give me away?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can 'give you away.'

Question 11

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

I absolutely love when you choose to do this! I’m more than happy to assist with this part of the Ceremony and will send you plenty of examples to help inspire you.

Question 12

Do we have to memorise our vows?

Accepted Answer

Definitely not - that would be far too stressful for you! I’m more than happy to print your vows on a lovely card in large print for you to read from. Alternatively, you can create your own beautiful vow books (there are so many wonderful options available) or we can always do 'repeat after me.'

Question 13

What if some of our guests don’t speak English?

Accepted Answer

No problem at all! I can incorporate some of their native language into the Ceremony. However, if many of your guests don’t speak English, it might be a good idea to hire an interpreter to translate what’s being said during the Ceremony.

Question 14

How long will the Ceremony take?

Accepted Answer

On average, my Ceremonies typically last about 20-30 minutes. However, the length can vary depending on the number of rituals, readings, or performers you choose to include.

Question 15

What rituals can I include?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to include any ritual you’d like in your Ceremony (just keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to provide any items needed for the ritual). Some popular options include:
 • Sand Ceremony
 • Unity Candle
 • Wine Ceremony
 • Butterfly Release
 • Dove Release
 • Hand Fasting
 • Tree Planting
 • Love Lock Ceremony

Question 16

Can I include cultural aspects in my Ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Just provide me with the details, and I’ll happily include anything you’d like in your Ceremony.

Question 17

Will you help us with music?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to use my PA system on the day, but you’ll need to provide the playlist and arrange for someone to operate it during your Ceremony.

Question 18

What will you wear?

Accepted Answer

I love to dress up and always make an effort to coordinate with your bridal colours and the overall style of your wedding to ensure everything aligns perfectly.

Question 19

We would like a themed wedding, will you be a part of that?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We're creating your memories, so you can have whatever theme you want. Whether it’s Alice in Wonderland, the Roaring '20s, Musical Theatre, or a Superhero theme, your wedding Ceremony should be a true reflection of who you are and what you love.

Question 20

Who can we have as our witnesses?

Accepted Answer

You can have anyone you like, as long as they are over 18 years old.

Question 21

How do I sign the Register?

Accepted Answer

You’ll sign the register using your current name. If you’ve been married before, please use your current legal signature. Keep in mind that all document signatures must match.

Question 22

Can I use the Marriage Certificate we receive at our Ceremony as proof for a name change?

Accepted Answer

On your wedding day, you’ll receive a decorative certificate called the 'Marriage Certificate.' This certificate is for keepsake purposes only and is not a legal document. It cannot be used as proof of marriage for official purposes, such as updating your driver’s licence or passport with your married name. If you plan to change your name, you’ll need to apply for an official Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths, and Marriages. You can easily order your official certificate online at http://www.bdm.vic.gov.au(http://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/)

Question 23

What happens after the Ceremony – do you stay for the reception?

Accepted Answer

No, it’s not expected that I stay for the reception. Once your Ceremony is finished, I’ll quietly pack up and leave you to enjoy the celebration with your family and friends. However, I do like to grab a quick photo with you both before I head off to add to my collection!

Question 24

What happens in the event that we have to postpone our wedding?

Accepted Answer

I’m more than happy to reschedule your wedding if you need to postpone, as long as I’m available on your new date. The required paperwork (Notice of Intended Marriage) is valid for 18 months, so if your new date falls outside that timeframe, we can easily complete a new one.

Question 25

What would happen if you were to get sick?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully, this won’t be necessary, but if it ever is, I have a fantastic network of Celebrant friends who can step in and perform your Ceremony exactly as I’ve planned it for you. All fees and documentation would be taken care of between us, so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

Question 26

Do we really need a rehearsal?

Accepted Answer

A wedding rehearsal isn’t necessary as we’ll ensure everything runs smoothly on the day with clear guidance for everyone involved.

Question 27

Do you do more than one wedding a day?

Accepted Answer

In the busy times of wedding season, there may be occasions where I have two weddings on the same day, but I always make sure there’s plenty of time to travel between them both. Rest assured, you will always receive the same level of attention and care at your Ceremony, whether or not I have another wedding to attend.

Christine Skicko

Celebrant

Frequently Asked Questions

Christine Skicko

Celebrant

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