Karen Wilmot

As soon as you decide that you would like me to conduct your ceremony, you should make a booking, as I accept ceremony bookings up to 12-18 months ahead, especially for the months from October to April, these are very busy times for most wedding celebrants. Once you confirm your booking with me, an appointment will be made for an interview. At this interview, we will discuss what is legally required to get married.... birth certificates, etc.
We will also discuss your ceremony, what you do and don't want. There are many options for every part of the ceremony to choose from. We will discuss the use of rituals, symbolic acts (such as ring warming, hand fasting, heart lock ceremony, sand ceremony and more. Click on left menu for video clips) and having family or friends involved, or anything else that you may wish to incorporate into your wedding ceremony. I will provide you with wedding ceremony samples to take home.
The second interview is when the legal requirements should be finalized. You will now let me know what readings and any symbolic acts that you wish to include. The more that is written by you or chosen by you, the more unique your ceremony will be. After this interview, I will be able to create a ceremony that reflects your individual choices. A draft copy of this ceremony will be sent to you for approval and/or any changes.
The final meeting before the big day is usually about 1-2 weeks before the event, a rehearsal at the location of the wedding. At this time, we will look at positioning the bridal party and the celebrant, rehearse any rituals chosen and discuss final preparations, including any late changes to the ceremony. You will also sign the declaration that you are free to marry at this time, provided and witnessed by me your celebrant. Full payment, is required at this meeting.
On the day, I will arrive at the wedding location at least 1/2 an hour prior to the ceremony. During this time I will check all of the necessary arrangements, set up a table for the signing of your marriage certificate, chat with the groom & members of the bridal party and liaise with the venue operators if necessary. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I will present you with your marriage certificate.

Your ceremony should reflect your ideals, beliefs and personalities.
Apart from the Monitum* and the Vows*, which are required by law; all other parts of the ceremony are optional.

• Introduction and to welcome to guests
• Reading or Poem
• - Lots to choose from
• Giving away or presentation of the bride
• Monitum
• * (Section 46 of the Marriage Act) Legally required; word for word
• - All Celebrants are required by law to state the "Monitum"
• The Asking
• - A formal question... this is where we get the " I do's ".
• Vows
• - A promise to each other for the future. *Must comply with Legal requirements
• Exchange of Rings
• It is now my pleasure to declare you husband and wife!
• " The kiss! "
• Signing of Marriage register.
• - 2 witnesses over the age of 18 are required.
• Reading of a Poem or a symbolic act or ritual
• Conclusion and Introduction of Mr and Mrs.
• - Congratulations from family and friends

Other Inclusions: To ensure that your ceremony is heard by your guests, I use a P.A system, which does not require power. I also have a wireless hand held microphone for people doing readings and poems or the bride and groom may wish to use this microphone for their vows. The P.A system is also capable of playing music in any format, so we can play music for the bride's entrance, during the signing and after the ceremony. My husband, Ron acts as my "roadie" and operates the P.A for me.
I can also provide a signing table and chair, complete with white bridal cloth and chair cover.
I will register your marriage with Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Victoria.
I provide each couple with the necessary forms to obtain their "registered" marriage certificate.