What Happens on Your Wedding Day
Everything you need to know about your ceremony, from arrival to signing the register.
Your wedding ceremony is the moment you've been waiting for. Whether it's an intimate elopement with just your witnesses or a celebration with family and friends, here's exactly what to expect on the day.
Ceremony Duration
A typical ceremony takes 10-15 minutes. This includes the legal requirements, vows, ring exchange (if applicable), and signing the register. If you're adding personal vows or readings, allow a few extra minutes. Your celebrant will stay for a maximum of 30 minutes from your booked ceremony start time.
About Your Celebrant
You'll be matched with one of our network of Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants. With over 1,000 registered celebrants in WA alone, we work with qualified professionals who are experienced in performing legal ceremonies.
Your celebrant will arrive at your specified time and location, perform the legal ceremony professionally, and then depart. All communication before your ceremony is handled through us.
Looking for more? Premium celebrants who offer personalised ceremony writing, multiple consultations, and on-the-day coordination typically charge $1,500-$2,000+. Our service is designed for couples who want a simple, efficient, and affordable way to get legally married.
The Ceremony Timeline
1. Arrival & Setup
Your celebrant arrives 10-15 minutes early to set up. They'll check the location, prepare the paperwork, and greet you and your witnesses as you arrive.
2. Welcome & Introduction
The celebrant welcomes everyone and introduces the ceremony. This sets the tone and acknowledges the significance of the occasion.
3. The Monitum (Legal Statement)
By law, the celebrant must read the "monitum" - a statement about marriage being a union voluntarily entered into for life. This is required at every Australian wedding.
4. The Vows
You'll exchange the legally required vows. These must include the words "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [name], take you, [name], to be my lawful wedded [husband/wife/spouse]." You can add personal vows after.
5. Ring Exchange (Optional)
If you're exchanging rings, this happens after the vows. The celebrant will guide you through the words - there's no legal requirement for rings, so it's entirely your choice.
6. The Pronouncement
The celebrant officially pronounces you married! This is the moment you become legally wed.
7. Signing the Register
You, your partner, your two witnesses, and the celebrant all sign the marriage register and certificates. This is often a nice photo opportunity!
What's Included in Your Ceremony
Legal Paperwork
All required forms and lodgement with BDM
Legal Vows
The required legal vows for Australian marriage
Ring Exchange
Optional ring exchange ceremony words
Signing Moment
Time for photos while signing the register
Adding Personal Touches
While we provide a simple, legal ceremony, you're welcome to personalise it:
- Write your own personal vows (in addition to the legal ones)
- Include a reading or poem
- Have a friend or family member say a few words
- Play entrance, exit, or signing music
- Include cultural or religious elements
Let us know in advance if you'd like to add any personal elements so your celebrant can prepare.
Common Questions
Do we need to memorise the vows?
No! Your celebrant will prompt you line by line. You just repeat after them.
What if it rains?
Have a backup plan - a covered area, gazebo, or indoor space. The ceremony only takes 15 minutes, so even light rain is manageable with umbrellas.
Can we have guests?
Absolutely! It's your wedding. You can have just your two witnesses or a hundred guests - whatever suits you.
Note: If you're booking a ceremony at a celebrant's home/office, guest numbers are limited to 6 (including your 2 required witnesses).
What about the PA system add-on?
If you've purchased the PA system add-on, the celebrant will bring a portable speaker with all necessary cables (3.5mm aux, USB, Bluetooth). You'll need to provide your own device (phone or tablet) with your music ready, and have someone available to press play/pause at the appropriate moments during the ceremony.