The Choice to be married in a Church by a member of the Clergy or a civil celebrant at a venue is an intensely personal one...
If your family is a member of a church or particular religious group it is likely that a Pastor, Minister Reverend or Rabbi would officiate the wedding service in lines with traditional services.
Civil Celebrants are not professionally affiliated with any particular religious order or spiritual group but they are trained to officiate a service that is personal while incorporating unique stories and experiences of the couple. Though some Celebrants are also able to provide services similar to religious services if requested, a Celebrants job is to make your celebration uniquely yours...
The officiate, be they clergy or celebrant will meet with the couple to discuss details of the service and gather memories and anecdotes and defining moments in the couples lives that brought them to this point. They will also if requested assist with the writing of the vows, selections of readings and other details of the intended service. They will advise on your legal requirements and responsibilities and assist and guide you through all the red tape and the paperwork required for the particular state in which the service takes place.
- To be married in Victoria, or any Australian State or Territory, you need to complete a Notice of Intent to Marry form (NOIM) and lodge it with the celebrant, minister or registrar who will be performing the Marriage. You must lodge the NOIM at least one month prior to your chosen wedding date, but no more than 18 months before.
Your officiate is there to help you tie the knot, but they can help with so much more - let them!