‘All About Us’ ceremony - example

This type of ceremony is completely personalised so yours might be a bit different, but here’s some examples of what is typically included to offer ideas.

About 2-4 months before your ceremony
We’ll have our Planning Meeting; in person, or phone/facetime if that’s more practical. We’ll chat about your ceremony and I’ll ask some questions to help get to know you as a couple, your values, and how you want your marriage ceremony to be. You won’t have to prepare anything in advance (it will be relaxed and fun) but if you have any questions it’s a good time to raise them. Afterwards, I’ll write the draft for your ceremony script, which will be sent to you with plenty of time for review and feedback.

About a week or two before your ceremony
We’ll catch-up over the phone to review our ceremony plan. This helps me to ensure everything runs smoothly, and will help you to know what to expect so you can relax and enjoy the big day as much as possible.

On the day, before your ceremony starts
I’ll arrive about 45 mins beforehand. Before your ceremony begins, I’ll need to complete these tasks:

• I’ll meet with you briefly to sign the pre-ceremony paperwork (‘Declaration of No Legal Impediment’). This is super quick and easy, but important

• I’ll set up the marriage papers on your signing table, ready for when they’re needed

• If using my PA system, I’ll set this up at the ceremony space and do a sound check to make sure everything is perfect

Ceremony Format

• Pre-ceremony announcements - optional
  Once all your guests have gathered and about 5 mins before your ceremony is due to start, I’ll make any ‘housekeeping’ announcements that you want your guests to know eg. reminder to switch phones to silent mode, put cameras aside, photo arrangements for immediately after the ceremony.

• Processional entrance - optional
  How would you like to begin? Is there a particular piece of music you want play? You can make an entrance however you want! For example:

  • Bridal party enter and walk down the aisle, followed by Bride and her parent/s or other chosen person. Groom is standing at the front of the ceremony area.

  • You each make an entrance by walking down the aisle to your own song, perhaps with your groomsmen/bridal party/parents.

  • As a couple, you walk the aisle together.

  • Parents enter and walk down the aisle first, followed by bridal party.

  • You and your bridal party enter the aisle from a different direction; walking through the guests.

  • Each of you walk to the middle point of the aisle with your parent/s, then as a couple you take the final steps together.

  • No aisle entrance; we start the ceremony with both of you at the front. This is a great option if you’d like to mingle with guests beforehand, and keep things less formal.

  • any variation of these ideas, or anything else.

• Introduction - option to personalise
  I’ll begin the ceremony by welcoming everybody and an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ if you wish. I’ll also say a few words about marriage in terms of what it personally means to you. If there’s specific guests you’d like acknowledged (eg. parents), this could be a nice time to do so.

• Parent’s Blessing - optional & option to personalise
  These days, when this tradition is included it’s often with a modern twist. For some couples it’s very important to include their parents in this way, while other couples feel the exact opposite. There’s no right or wrong! Just whatever is best for you.

• Marriage Ritual(s) - optional
  Rituals can be included at any point during your ceremony and can be a meaningful way to bring focus to an aspect of your relationship that’s particularly important (eg. commitment, family), acknowledge significant people in your life, recognise cultural traditions that are important to you and your family, or to incorporate a wider theme into your ceremony (eg. romance, nature). Ask me if you’d like ideas or to find out more.

• Reading(s) - optional
  This can be a nice way to include a particular family member/guest. The choice of reading can also help to create a particular mood (eg. lighthearted, romantic).

• Love Story - optional
  This part of the ceremony can be created in many ways, but generally tells a story along the lines of how you met, how you became engaged, what you appreciate and enjoy about each other, and your dreams for the future.

• The Asking - optional
  This is where I’ll ask “do you take this person to be your husband/wife/spouse/partner in marriage” and you reply “I do” - just like in the movies.

• Monitum
  I’m legally required to say this during your ceremony. It’s pretty short, but important.

• Vow exchange - option to personalise
  The legal vows are very simple; “I call upon all present to witness that I, [full name] take you, [full name] to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife/spouse/partner in marriage”. If you’d like also to include personal vows, I can share my large collection of vow examples for inspiration.

• Ring Exchange - optional
  I’ll offer you some wording options. Alternatively, you could simply exchange the rings with your vows.

• Signing marriage papers
  You can sign the marriage papers at this point during the ceremony, or you can sign the papers immediately after the ceremony if you’d prefer. If you’re unsure, I’ll be happy to talk through the pros/cons of each.

• Introduction as newlyweds - optional
  I’ll announce you as married (YAYYY!) using your preferred names, for example:

  • “Mr & Mrs” - this can be a nice way to announce that you’ll be sharing the same surname after marriage

  • “first name & first name” - this makes sense if you’re planning to not change your name after marriage

• First kiss - optional
  A great photo moment!

• Recessional - optional
  Traditionally, this is when you walk back down the aisle as newlyweds while everyone claps and cheers as they toss confetti over you. Another great photo moment!

After the ceremony
I’ll give you the decorative certificate, pack up my things and say a quick goodbye so you can continue your celebrations. Once back home, I’ll officially register your marriage with the Registry Office and, if you’ve chosen for me to submit the application for your legal certificate I’ll get that sorted too.