Liz, we are thinking of choosing a Celebrant for our wedding next year. Silly question, but if we choose you and the venue we ideally want to use, will we be legally married?

No, not a silly question. I am a Wedding Celebrant and not a Registrar, for this reason I cannot marry you legally. Couples go to a Registry Office or Approved Venue to have their marriage legally registered by a Registrar, in front of two witnesses. Words of declaration, contracting words, signing the marriage register and finally clutching the marriage certificate you will hip hip hooray.. be legally marriedI! I have known couples deal with the formalities literally wearing their jeans and saving their flamboyant garb for their celebrant led garden wedding celebrations. Another couple together with their witnesses went for a boiled egg breakfast after their civil marriage before an eye-poppingly beautiful ceremony in an apple orchard. Check online for your local Registry Office and hopefully this site will give you a clear idea of the steps you need to take to become legally married. It is usually fairly simple and relatively inexpensive to undertake the legalities of the marriage registration.

Liz, are we duty-bound to use a Celebrant that our Funeral Director recommends?

No, not generally. You can tell your Funeral Director that you would specifically like me to lead your service. I am not affiliated to any one Funeral Director. Obviously a Funeral Director’s reputation is on the line with all suppliers and subcontracted services. I can promise professionalism, excellent liaison and communication with both you and your selected Funeral Director. It is important for you to find a Celebrant that you can build a rapport with, to trust, and to have the confidence that they are going to do the very best for you and your family. Remember you have choice in who officiates for you and can talk to a number of celebrants before making that important decision.