Wedding Vows and More

A great marriage celebrant works with you and supports you with years of experience and vast resources. Make contact today to book your celebrant.

Ideas to help with writing your vows... Your wedding day is getting closer.

It’s hard starting with a blank screen. Here are a few starters to get you going with your wedding day vows. Also the internet is full of vow samples to use to start the ball rolling. If you are totally stuck for words try watching a few chick flicks where there is a wedding. If nothing else you’ll have a good laugh.

And always remember your marriage celebrant will be happy to help with your vows, poetry, readings, and rituals. If speaking in public is totally out of your comfort zone your marriage celebrant will help by turning your vows into an Asking – just ask them how

A few starters for your wedding vows:

Statements which start with the word “I”: I love you because .., I met you and knew .., “I commit myself to you because”
Statements which start with the word “You”: You walked into the room... , You make me feel.., You bring to my life ..
Statements which start with the word “we”: We will together make a life filled with .., We will be..., We will in the future...
Another big starter line is “I promise to ....

Eloping? Elopements and Small Wedding Ceremonies

By Maarit Brisbane Celebrant

I think every bride and groom at some stage during their wedding planning thinks that eloping would be the easiest and best thing to do. Your friends and family will understand why you are having the ceremony that suits you whether it is an elopement or small intimate wedding.

Contact a celebrant today so that you can find out how easy it is to elope or have a small intimate wedding !

Maarit Brisbane Celebrant's hints for a Great Elopement or Small Wedding

Pick the date for your ceremony which suits the two of you best
Pick a venue that is meaningful for you. This could be at a beach, at home or a favourite spot.
Make the guest list only those who absolutely need to be there. Catch up with others later at a casual BBQ or family gathering. Even if they aren't invited to the wedding they will still want to congratulate you.
Create a statement to say to people that you both will use. Example "We are having a very small ceremony and would love to have shared it with you but our budget is limited. Let's catch up after we come back from our honeymoon"
Don't announce your plans too early!! Weddings have a habit of growing if announced too early.
Select a LOCAL Celebrant. They will have information about local venues, caters, photographer and other service providers.
Remember this is about you two starting the rest of your lives together.

Eloping is Easy...

By Ms Amanda Knapton CMC, NSW

Eloping can be a lot of fun - and it doesn't necessarily mean the family and friends miss out.

Many couples simply choose to have a small private affair to cover the legalities and opt for a party or celebration at a later date. Or some couples simply want to create a wedding ceremony that is meaningful and beautiful for the two of them, without the expense and/or hassle of a large event

Today's elopements are no longer taboo affairs, they are happy surprises.

Image the two of you, at your favourite location, whether it is barefoot on a beach at sunset, where you first kissed, the ‘proposal' location, or simply in your home - or even at the airport.

The beauty of eloping is you can do it your way! If you wish you can still incorporate traditional components as part of the ceremony: a beautiful bouquet, professional photo's, champagne, the "big white dress," and the groom in his best. Alternatively you can turn up to your Ceremony in casual attire and bare feet! Whatever you choose we can create a Ceremony which reflects your unique personal style.

Just because you elope does not mean that family members or friends can't be with you. You can still have your father walk you down the ‘aisle' or your best friend or parents witness your ceremony. The best part of eloping is that there are no rules!

The great thing about an intimate elopement ceremony is that you can say anything you like without feeling self-conscious. Many couples find it difficult to express themselves fully in front of an audience but with an elopement this is not an issue! You can be as romantic and heartfelt as you wish... it's a wonderful feeling and will mean so much to your partner to hear your deepest emotions expressed on your wedding day.

Whatever the reason, it can still be a beautiful and meaningful day for the two or you and something you'll remember forever.

Tips for Eloping:

Go ahead and keep your marriage a secret from your family, but let flight attendants and hotel clerks know! They might boost you up to first class or give you extra perks with your room service.
Get creative with your elopement ceremony and do something you couldn't do with 200 on looking guests. Your memories will thank you for it.
If you don't want the hassle of planning a wedding but would like a handful of your closest family and friends to be present, consider a modified elopement. Invite the few people you want present, and tell them this is top secret. Make sure you only invite people who can keep a secret.
Take a lot of photos of your elopement, so you can share your experience with your friends and family when you are ready

But remember it's your Wedding Day and have fun with it, because Life is worth celebrating!

Amanda Knapton Civil Marriage Celebrant Sydney M: 0409 658 743 www.acelebrationday.com.au

Prospective Marriage Visa

By Maarit Brisbane Celebrant www.Maarit.com.au

Prospective Marriage Visa / Are you looking at applying for a Prospective Marriage Visa or sometimes known as a Fiancé(e) Visa? The Department of Immigration and Citizenship website has detailed information for applying for this Visa.

One of the requirements for your application is supporting documentation of your "Intent to Marry". Your Marriage Celebrant can provide this supporting documentation once you have lodged your Notice of Intended Marriage form with your marriage celebrant.

The letter the celebrant provides will be on their celebrant letterhead stating the names of the parties, the date the Notice of Intended Marriage Form has been lodged with the celebrant, and the date of the proposed marriage (or date range), and the proposed venue.

Contact a Marriage Celebrant today for a chat for more information.

Why I love beach weddings...

By Ms Amanda Knapton CMC, NSW

Beach Weddings are always so much fun to plan and attend and Sydney has so many beautiful beach and harbour backdrops perfect for a Wedding Ceremony. Water is calming and the warmth of the sand and scent of the beach will leave your guests feeling like they are on a holiday.

However, there are many factors to consider when planning your beach wedding. Here are a few tips when planning your beach wedding:

Remember to contact your local council to book in the location. Depending on what beach and how many guests are invited, there may be a small fee.
Make sure you send your guests a map with the exact location for the Ceremony- some beaches in Sydney are very large - and can have a number of possible sites for the Ceremony.
In the summer months the midday heat can be a little overbearing for the guests to stand around in, try planning the Ceremony earlier on in the day before the midday heat or later in the day. The light will be warm and golden later in the day and will give a more romantic effect than the full midday sun.
If there is no shade for the guest, have bottled water available for the guests to drink.
Ensure you have a back-up plan in case of bad weather and a contact number the guests can call on the day to check (you can leave a recorded message telling guests where the alternate location for the Wedding Ceremony will be, if necessary).
Remember your shoes - if you have to walk through the sand, wear practical shoes so you are not uncomfortable during the Ceremony. There are many styles of shoes that are flat, or have very little heel, that would still look spectacular. Many couples opt to go completely barefoot, rather than wear any shoes! And why not? If it's warm and dry and safe, going barefoot is definitely a beach wedding option for lots of people!

But remember it's your Wedding Day and have fun with it.