Frequently Asked Questions

I have relatives coming from overseas and I want to get married while they are here. This would be before the legal requirement of 1 month and 1 day. Can this be done?

Yes I could perform the Ceremony to fit in with your visitors. Keeping in mind that you would not be legally married until we repeat the procedure after the required time, we will require 2 witnesses for this to occur. Your legal Wedding date, appearing on all your documents would be the date of the repeated procedure.

What will you wear?

Accordingly to suit the formality/informality of your wedding- Elegantly, appropriately and relatively neutral. It’s your day not mine. It is my intention to complement the bridal party.

We want to have the ceremony and reception on a boat, would you stay onboard afterwards?

No I will ask that the captain take me back to the pick up point or else I will get a water taxi to take me back to land. (The water taxi would be at your expense)

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

The Notice of Intended Marriage is valid for 18 months, I am only too happy to reschedule the wedding with you.

Who can I have as my witnesses?

Anyone you like providing they are over the age of 18 years. They may be from overseas.

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

Yes, I would encourage this as it adds dimension to your Ceremony ensuring that your ceremony is personalised and unique to you and your partner.

How many poems/readings is the right amount?

This is personal, 1- 2 is appropriate and ensures that the Ceremony is not too long.

How long will the Ceremony take?

The average time is 15 – 20 minutes but this may vary depending on how many readings/poems etc. you include.

Do I have to be given away?

No this is a personal choice and is not a requirement.

Who usually gives the bride away?

Again this is personal. It can be anyone you like.

We want to arrive at the ceremony together, is this suitable?

Absolutely – these days anything goes, it’s your day you, your choice.

Is it fashionable for the bride to be late?

No, is not fashionable to be late! Consider your guests, who may be elderly and become hot, tired and thirsty. Your reception, caterers, photographers and musicians are all running to a time schedule. If the Ceremony starts late so does everything else.

What happens if there are people around where we plan to hold the Ceremony?

Providing you have written approval from the relevant Council to hold the Ceremony, you have the right to ask them to move. I am happy to do this on your behalf.

Should we have some chairs for our guests – how many is the right amount?

Yes chairs are a good idea, approx 12 chairs, is a good number, mostly for the elderly and family. Unless you have the exact amount of chairs as people most people prefer to stand.

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

No I will leave soon after the ceremony, quietly and discreetly, occasionally staying for a drink.

What would happen if you were to get sick?

Unless I am on deaths door I will attend to your Ceremony. In the event that I am too ill, I have a wonderful group of celebrants I can call on who would perform your ceremony.

What do we do if you were involved in a traffic jam or accident and can’t get to the Ceremony?

The appropriate thing to do would be to continue on with the photographs and then onto the Reception venue. We could perform the Ceremony at the Reception once I arrive.

What name does the bride sign on the day of the Wedding

Her maiden name on all documentation.

What name should the bride us when booking travel/ honeymoon reservations?

Her maiden name as this is her legal name until after the Wedding day, once the Marriage has been registered with Births Deaths and Marriages.

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