Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests required?
You do not need wedding guests beyond the two required witnesses. A private ceremony can consist of the couple, authorised
What happens if our celebrant is sick or unavailable on the day?
A replacement authorised celebrant may be able to take over, including receiving your existing NOIM. Contact your celebrant or their
Do we need to rehearse the ceremony beforehand?
A rehearsal is optional, but it can help everyone feel more comfortable. It is particularly useful when there are several
Can our celebrant help us write our vows and plan the ceremony?
Yes. Many celebrants offer help with personal vows, ceremony structure and the practical running of the day. The amount of
Is there a cooling-off period after lodging the NOIM?
The NOIM creates a minimum notice period, not an obligation to go ahead with the wedding. Your celebrant must normally
How much does a marriage celebrant usually cost?
There is no single price for a celebrant's service. The fee depends on the ceremony you want, location, preparation, travel
Can we have a destination wedding within Australia with a local celebrant?
Yes. You can choose a celebrant near your Australian wedding destination or ask a celebrant to travel with you. Confirm
Can we have a surprise or secret wedding?
You can surprise your guests, but both people marrying must know about and freely agree to the marriage. A wedding
Do we need witnesses, and who can they be?
Yes. You need two witnesses who are over 18 and physically present at your marriage ceremony. They also sign the
How long does a marriage ceremony usually take?
The length depends on your ceremony, rather than a set wedding timetable. A simple legal ceremony can be brief; personal
