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Karen Wilmot Civil Celebrant
Frequently Asked Questions
I hope this page will be of assistance to you
- What documents do I need ... ?
- I have lost my personal papers, what do I do ... ?
- Can we write our own vows ... ?
- Can we write the whole ceremony ... ?
- What is the Monitum ... ?
- If we bring all the documentation, can we get married today or tomorrow ... ?
- Is the certificate we get on the day sufficient as proof of marriage ... ?
- I am from overseas and want to marry my Australian partner; will I then be able to stay in Australia ... ?
- Do I have to be given away ... ?
- We don’t want a fuss, just the 2 of us, can we do that ... ?
What documents do I need ... ?
1.Your birth certificate.2.If born outside Australia, your overseas passport.
3.Documents concerning any previous marriages, i.e. if divorced your Decree Absolute is required. If widowed a Death Certificate is required.
Please note that uncertified photocopies of documents are not acceptable.
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I have lost my personal papers what do I do ... ?
If you have lost your birth certificate, you will need to obtain a new one, by applying to Births, Deaths and Marriages. This can be done in person, on the internet or by mail.
For divorce papers, you will need to apply to the Family Court where your divorce was granted.
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Can we write our own vows ... ?
Definitely, I believe that vows that have been personally written are a special, unique gift to your partner.
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Can we write the whole ceremony ... ?
Yes, however the are certain legal requirements that must be met. These include, the asking of a question in which you give you consent to be married.The vows- a promise for the future, and the Monitum.
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What is the Monitum ... ?
That’s the bit the celebrant is required by law to include in the ceremony, reminding everyone present of the serious and binding nature of what is about to take place.
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If we bring all the documentation, can we get married today or tomorrow ... ?
No. To abide with Australian laws you must have all your documentation when you fill out the Notice of Intention to Marry at least 1 month prior to the marriage, but not longer than 18 months before.
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Is the certificate we get on the day sufficient as proof of marriage ... ?
In most cases the certificate provided is sufficent, however to change you name on any photo identification you will require the "registerd" marriage certificate. This is obtained from Births, Deaths and Marriages. Fee applies.
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I am from overseas and want to marry my Australian partner; will I then be able to stay in Australia ... ?
No, you can still get married but it does not guarantee you immigration into Australia. In these cases I strongly urge couples to seek the advice of an Immigration agent.
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Do I have to be given away ... ?
This segment of the ceremony is entirely optional. Some brides prefer to be presented.
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We don’t want a fuss, just the 2 of us, can we do that ... ?
Yes, however you do need 2 adult witnesses, if necessary I can arrange this.