New Beginnings Ceremonies

Why a ceremony with a wedding celebrant?

A celebrant ceremony has no restrictions in terms of the content, format or style of a wedding, and can be completely personalised.Ceremonies can contain the same elements that you or your guests would expect to see at a normal wedding ceremony, such as an exchange of vows or rings, symbolic gestures and lots of beautiful details about the couple.

Is the wedding legal?

A celebrant cannot legally marry you, this can only be conducted by a registrar or recognised religious officiant. To have a legal marriage or a civil partnership, you must register your intent within 12 months of your official ceremony and no later than 28 days prior to the day you complete your civil registration. This is then recognised in law.

Where can I hold my ceremony?

Anywhere, and it’s extremely popular now for outdoor weddings, so long as the wedding venue has granted permission. The venue does not need to be licenced if using a celebrant, it is only required when a registrar is being used. So, you can have your ceremony in your dream location.

Do I have to have a certain day or time?

You can select the day and time you want. Your wedding will be the only one I book in for that day, so if you are running late, I am also running late, I won’t need to rush off to do another service.

When should I book you?

You should book your wedding celebrant as soon as possible to ensure your date is reserved. You will be asked sign a booking form and to make a 50%, non-refundable deposit to reserve your date and time. Once the booking form is signed the date is secured.

Can I write my own vows?

Yes, you may want to write your own vows individually, or you might ask me to write them. You might want to keep them secret from each other until the day. You can say “I do” or you can write something of your own choice, put in your own sentiments, and even involve family and friends if you wish.

Will I see the ceremony script before the day?

Once I have received the final payment, at least four weeks before the date of your service, I will send you a draft copy of your script. Any changes, add-ins, removals etc can then be done. The script will not be finalised until you are happy with it. I will also present you with a keepsake copy of your ceremony along with your certificate.

Where can I have a naming ceremony?

Wherever you would like. Think about numbers and who you will be inviting and will the venue be appropriate.

Can we have Godparents?

Yes. You can call them whatever you like, whether that is God parents, support parents, guardians, your choice. What is important is the intention for their role to your child. They can make promises to your child, to support their upbringing, their education, their values and to just have fun.

Who else can be involved in the ceremony?

Whoever you like. Siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles. The more they feel included, the more special the day. They too can make promises to the child, or do a symbolic gesture or present them with a gift.