QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
The legal bits, the paperwork and everything couples ask most before booking Alex.
The key document is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which must be lodged with your celebrant at least one month before your wedding date (and no more than 18 months ahead). Alex prepares and lodges it with you at your first meeting, then takes care of all the legal paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages after the ceremony.
Each of you needs an original birth certificate and driver’s licence, or a current passport. If either of you has been married before, you’ll also need evidence of how that marriage ended — divorce papers or a death certificate. Alex sighting these documents is a legal requirement, so bring them to your first meeting.
Australian law requires a minimum of one calendar month’s notice from the day your NOIM is lodged. In exceptional circumstances a shortening of time can be granted by a prescribed authority, but it’s best to plan on at least a month — most couples book Alex 6 to 12 months out.
Yes — Australian law requires two witnesses who are over 18 and able to understand the ceremony. They can be family, friends or anyone you choose, and they’ll sign the marriage certificates with you on the day.
Every Australian civil ceremony must include the Monitum — the legal definition of marriage spoken by the celebrant — and each of you must say the legal vows. Everything around those moments is completely personal: your story, your own vows, readings, rituals and music.
You’ll sign decorative certificates on the day, but the official registered marriage certificate comes from Births, Deaths and Marriages once your marriage is registered. Alex lodges everything promptly and can help you order the official certificate, which you’ll need for things like changing your name.
Most of Alex’s ceremonies run 20 to 30 minutes — long enough to feel meaningful, short enough to keep everyone engaged. A Kitchen Table Wedding™ signing takes just a few minutes, while a full ceremony with readings and rituals can run a little longer.
Absolutely — Alex encourages it. She’ll guide you with tips and examples, and can weave your personal vows around the legal wording so the ceremony flows naturally. If writing your own feels daunting, she can craft wording with you instead.
A rehearsal isn’t legally required, but it’s the best way to calm nerves. Alex’s Full Service Ceremony includes one rehearsal so everyone — bridal party included — knows exactly where to stand, walk and when.
North Queensland weather keeps everyone on their toes, so Alex always recommends a wet-weather backup plan. She’ll work with your venue on a Plan B and keep the ceremony relaxed and beautiful whatever the sky decides.
Yes. As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, Alex can legally marry you almost anywhere in Australia — beaches, islands, wineries, gardens, resorts or your own backyard. She’s also registered in Victoria and New South Wales, and travel is quoted individually.
Alex offers three simple packages: The Kitchen Table Wedding™ at $550 (paperwork only), the Small Elopement at $950 (up to 10 guests), and the Full Service Ceremony at $1,250 (up to 250 guests, personally written ceremony and rehearsal). Travel is quoted individually per couple.
Use the “Check My Date” form on the Pricing & Booking page with your date, location and package, or email alexthecelebrant@outlook.com. Alex replies personally to every enquiry.
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