Ceremonies

Memorial Services

When someone dies and a body is unavailable for a burial or cremation or the family prefers to have a private funeral, they then sometimes prefer to have a memorial for other family and friends to reflect on and say their goodbyes.

This may take place within a day or two of death, or it can be delayed as long as needed, to meet the convenience or needs of the family. It is an alternative to the traditional funeral, but still can incorporate many of the elements of a funeral: music, prayers, readings from scripture, poetry or other prose, a eulogy honoring the life of the deceased and sometimes a sermon.

Funeral Services

These are really for the living.  This is the ability to say goodbye to family or friends in a special way that reflects on their lives.  

This ceremony is a rite of passage for both the deceased and survivors. The traditional ritual that takes place when one passes away. As there are no legal requirements to have a funeral, there is no set format – but most people prefer a traditional ceremony typically including: music, prayers, readings from scripture, poetry or other prose, a eulogy honoring the life of the deceased and sometimes a sermon focusing on the role of death in human life.

For me funerals are particularly personal, and I prepare my ceremonies by getting to know the family and the life of the deceased.

Baby Naming Ceremonies

A naming ceremony is an ideal way of celebrating the birth of a new baby. Many couples want to have a special occasion to celebrate the birth of their baby, and this is a great way to introduce their baby to their family and friends. These ceremonies can also be used to celebrate adoptive children and step children becoming part of a new family.

A certificate of the ceremony will be signed and presented during the ceremony. It should be noted however that neither the naming ceremony nor any documents issued as part of the proceedings has any legal status.

Commitment Ceremonies

Partnership and Commitment Ceremonies are for those who wish to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. 

This is not a lawfully binding contract but more of a public acknowledgement of your relationship. You can elect for a ceremony with guests or for a private occasion with just the couple in attendance. As same-sex couples are (currently) unable to marry in Australia, a commitment ceremony provides an opportunity for couples to celebrate their love and commitment to one another in the presence of their loved ones.

A Partnership and Commitment certificate will be presented on your special day.

Renewal of Vows

This ceremony is for any married couple wishing to reaffirm the love for each other that has matured and deepened over the years. These are often when a couple has been married overseas and want to relive that moment for their family and friends that could not be at the original ceremony, or for that special Anniversary.

These ceremonies are like wedding ceremonies except we do not have to recited the Monitum from the Marriage Act as you are already married, but we can incorporate anything that would suite you as a couple and it is a good way of including the whole family. You may choose to make this a formal occasion or more casual than the first time around. Your ceremony may have aspect of your first celebration or you may choose to come up with something new going forward. This can be quite fun involving Children/Siblings re-enacting the actually events even down to wearing your wedding dress/suit or a bridesmaid/best man reading a poem/blessing for you. 

Whilst this ceremony has no legal effect it is a public statement by a couple of their continuing affection, love and commitment to each other. Couples will need to produce a copy of their original marriage certificate when booking a ceremony.

• Any married couple may arrange a Renewal of Marriage Vows Ceremony.
• The couple can be of any age and be married for any length of time.
• A Renewal of Marriage Vows Certificate will be presented on the day.

Weddings

It can be difficult to know where to start when planning your wedding ceremony. All of a sudden you’re faced with selecting readings, writing vows, incorporating traditions, including family and friends – it can be extremely overwhelming. That’s where I come in. My role is to guide you through this process and make it not only easy, but enjoyable, too.

Together we will work to create the perfect ceremony that will be remembered with great joy by you and your loved ones for the rest of your lives. We can include tradition if that is what you would like or include any of the following ceremonies: hand ceremonies, sand ceremonies, tying the knot ceremony, whatever takes your fancy.  We can include members of your family or friends. 

At our initial meeting, we will discuss your thoughts on the design of your ceremony, it's essential that you trust and feel comfortable with your celebrant, so I offer an obligation-free meeting to see if I’m the right celebrant for you.. The Marriage Act 1961 has several legal passages that must be recited, but the rest of the ceremony can be created to reflect your personalities and commitment for each other. Also at this meeting, you sign the Notice of Intended Marriage, which must be done no later than a month before the wedding.

Prior to the wedding, I must sight the following documents:

• Photo ID, such as a driver licence or passport
• If you were born in Australia – an Original Birth Certificate
• If you were not born in Australia – either an Original Birth Certificate or an overseas passport
• Either Divorce Order or Death Certificate of spouse (if applicable)

Between the initial meeting and your wedding day, we will communicate as often as necessary to finalise the details.

My equipment

• Professional PA system with wireless microphone and 8 hour wireless battery life.
• Signing table and chairs if needed.
• Black Lecturn
• Wardrobe – yes! You want me to compliment your wedding, so I will wear something that we agree is perfect for your special day.

I’m excited to learn more about the two of you and the life you share together.