Q. My wife to be and I are from Japan, can we be legally married in Australia? She does not speak or understand English.
A. Yes, you can be legally married in Australia. You will need to show me proof of your identification (passport, birth certificate). You will need an accredited English interpreter to interpret at the signing of the legal papers and at the wedding ceremony.
I can arrange an interpreter for you.
Q. I would like to marry my fiancée in three weeks time. Is this possible?
A. Unfortunately no, unless you have already signed The Notice of Intended Marriage form within 18 months and at least 31 days prior to your proposed date of marriage you cannot be legally married in Australia.
Q. Can I write my own vows for my wedding ceremony?
A. Yes, you definitely can. You must include a sentence that I can inform you of, to make the marriage legal, the rest is up to you to decide on.
Q. I wish to remarry and do not have a copy of my divorce. Where can I get one?
A. The decree absolute which you require can be applied for at The Family Court of Australia if you were married in this country.
Q. I have children from a previous marriage. Are they allowed to sign my Wedding Certificate?
A. You will need two witnesses over 18 for the legal documents. However your children can sign the presentation certificate as well as your legal witnesses.
Q. Can I be married on a week day?
A. Yes you can.
Q. Can I be married at any time of the day or night?
A. Yes you can, as long as your Celebrant agrees to your time and place.
Q. Can I legally marry my cousin?
A. Yes you can.
Q. Is there any difference in price between a simple ceremony and a longer ceremony?
A. No, as most of the work that the celebrant does is in the preparation of your ceremony, e.g. meetings, phone calls, legal paperwork, travel to and from your ceremony site, practice etc. etc. There is also a great responsibility in being a Celebrant to marry the couple according to law and see that all legal paperwork is correct and immaculate.
Q. Can Marriage Celebrants perform other ceremonies, such as Namings, Commitments, Renewal of Vows and Funerals?
A. Yes if they wish to.
Q. How can I change my name after marriage?
A. See section on Legal Requirements for Marriage. It is not compulsory to change your name after marriage.
Q. What is the most important thing to look for in a Celebrant?
A. It is important to look for a professional Celebrant who is Authorised by the Government to perform Marriage. It is imperative that you look for a person who you feel comfortable with. The ceremony can be a little unnerving for some people so it is good to have a Celebrant who will make you feel relaxed and who understands your wishes for your Ceremony.
