Order of Ceremony

Music

Introduction
Reading

The Marriage Act

The Asking

Vows and Ring Ceremony

Declaration of Marriage

Signing of the Register
Presentation of Marriage Certificate

The Wedding Ceremony Wording

The words of the ceremony are entirely up to the couple, with the following words required to be included to satisfy the Marriage Act:

	The celebrant must introduce him/herself at the beginning of the ceremony/
	The Monitum must be said before the exchange of vows: “Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am bound to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia , is the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”.
	The bride and groom must say “I, (bride), take you (groom) to be my husband” – or words to that effect.

The marriage ceremony is the center of your wedding and the most important part of your wedding day because:

	It is when your promises are made
	It is when the legal contract is completed
	It is when you stand before your family and friends to declare your love and your commitment to each other

A wedding ceremony can be very formal or very relaxed, but its most important attribute is that it should reflect the personality of the couple being married.

A well designed wedding ceremony has a clear structure. It flows smoothly, maintains everyone is interest and remains very personal and intimate throughout.

The music and poetry should complement the promises and the setting, and the leadership provided by the celebrant should be warm and inclusive.

Everyone present should feel part of a very memorable event.

At the completion of the ceremony you will be required to sign the Marriage Register and Marriage Certificates, together with two witnesses and the Marriage Celebrant. You will be presented with your Marriage Certificate and a complimentary copy of your marriage ceremony.