Having A Friend Marry You

A Better Way Than Becoming a Celebrant

Are you or a friend considering becoming a marriage celebrant just to perform one special ceremony? While the sentiment is beautiful, there’s a simpler solution that saves time, money, and stress.

Why Becoming a Celebrant Isn’t the Best Option

Becoming an authorised marriage celebrant requires:

  • Certificate IV in Celebrancy ($2,500-$5,000)
  • 12-18 months of study time
  • Application fees to Attorney-General’s Department
  • 3 months processing time
  • Annual registration fees
  • Professional insurance
  • Ongoing professional development

Plus business costs like:

  • Marketing and advertising
  • Professional equipment
  • Travel expenses
  • Administration time
  • Ongoing education

Our Simple Solution

Instead of this significant investment, we offer a service that lets your friend or family member conduct your ceremony while we handle all legal requirements. Here’s how it works:

Three Flexible Options

  1. Legal Marriage Before Your Ceremony

    • Quick legal service with us (5-10 minutes)
    • Your friend conducts your ceremony on your chosen date
    • No legal restrictions on their ceremony content

  2. Legal Marriage After Your Ceremony

    • Your friend performs the ceremony
    • Legal paperwork completed with us later
    • Gives complete freedom for ceremony design

  3. Legal Marriage at Your Ceremony

    • We attend discretely
    • Complete legal requirements privately
    • Your friend conducts the full ceremony
    • We remain present as required by law

Benefits of Our Approach

For Your Friend

  • No need for expensive qualifications
  • No legal responsibilities or risks
  • Freedom to create a personal ceremony
  • Can focus on the emotional aspects
  • No ongoing commitments or costs

For You

  • Professional handling of legal requirements
  • Personalised ceremony by someone who knows you
  • Significantly lower cost than celebrant training
  • Faster and simpler process
  • Complete ceremony flexibility

What Your Friend Can Do

They have complete freedom to:

  • Write their own ceremony script
  • Include personal stories and memories
  • Add any readings or rituals
  • Perform symbolic ceremonies
  • Create unique ceremony elements
  • Sign ceremonial certificates
  • Design the perfect ceremony

What We Handle

We take care of all legal aspects:

  • Notice of Intended Marriage
  • Required declarations
  • Legal documentation
  • Marriage registration
  • Official certificates
  • Compliance requirements

Simple Pricing

Standard fees apply:

  • Simple Marriage Service: $700 (inc GST)
  • Witness Service if needed: $130 (inc GST)
  • Official Marriage Certificate: $70 (inc GST)
  • Travel/after-hours fees may apply

How to Get Started

  1. Initial Planning

    • Choose your preferred timeline
    • Decide on ceremony location
    • Select your ceremony date

  2. Legal Requirements

    • Lodge NOIM (one month notice required)
    • Provide identification documents
    • Arrange witnesses (or use our service)

  3. Ceremony Planning

    • Work with your friend on the ceremony
    • Design your perfect celebration
    • Include any elements you wish

Common Questions

Q: Will guests know about the legal arrangement? A: Only if you choose to tell them. Many couples keep this private.

Q: Can our friend still sign something during the ceremony? A: Yes, we can provide a ceremonial certificate for signing.

Q: What words does our friend need to say? A: None! They have complete freedom in their ceremony wording.

Q: Can we still have traditional elements like ring exchange? A: Absolutely! Your ceremonial celebration can include any elements you wish.

Let your friend focus on creating a meaningful, personal ceremony while we ensure everything is legally perfect.