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Your style of marriage ceremony is probably the most important decision you will have to make. The ceremony can be religiously based or a strictly civil (legal) act and until you have decided on a style, location and date for the ceremony, it is hard to plan anything else. This page gives you a brief overview of both the church and civil style of ceremony, and the advantages and requirements of each.

THE OPTIONS

In Australia approximately 51% of couples are choosing to have a religious ceremony and 49% are opting for civil ceremonies.

Religious Ceremony

Generally a religious ceremony is held in a place of worship, although in some instances the ceremony can be performed in a different location. Additionally, you do not necessarily need religious adherence to have a religious ceremony. You will also have some freedom to tailor certain elements of the ceremony such as the music, vows, prayers, hymns and order of service. 

Your first meeting with the officiant (priest, minister...) should clear up most of the technical issues such as rules about divorce and remarrying, religious differences, pre wedding requirements, essential parts of the ceremony and so on. These meetings should allow you to decide whether a religious ceremony, or which form of religious ceremony, is right for you.

Civil Ceremony

A civil ceremony will suit you if you prefer to bypass the problems associated with an interfaith ceremony, are unsure of your religious convictions or you would rather a simple and inexpensive ceremony. The ceremony is conducted by a civil celebrant at a registry office or a location of your choice (historic building, garden, local park, restaurant, beach, boat cruise....), and can be as formal or as casual as you like.

A typical civil ceremony will consist of a short welcome, an address detailing the significance of the occasion, an exchange of vows, a declaration, the signing of the register and presentation of the marriage certificate. However you can tailor your own ceremony, so when choosing your celebrant, pick one that will cater for your individual needs.

A 'Notice of Intended Marriage' must be lodged at least one month and one day before the ceremony. Proof of age and identity, plus evidence of dissolution of any previous marriage must also be presented to the celebrant. A civil ceremony has three legal requirements:

• declaration by the celebrant that he/she is the officiating person

• an explanation of the legal meaning of marriage

• an exchange of vows in the presence of the celebrant and two adult witnesses.

A civil celebrant must be registered by the Commonwealth Government. For a listing of marriage celebrants in your local area, click here.

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