Deborah Chaplin Civil CelebrantMarriage & Funeral Celebrant |
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Q: I would like you to officiate at my celebration - how do I contact you?
A: Please refer to the "contact " page for all my contact details. Q: What sort of ceremonies do you perform? A: Weddings, Funerals, Same Sex Commitment Ceremonies, Renewal of Vows, Name Givings, This is Your Life Celebrations, Birthday Celebrations, Scattering of Ashes any ceremony at all. Q: Can Same Sex Partners Marry? A: Australian Law does not allow marriage of Same Sex Couples. Same Sex Couples are permitted to commit to each in a Same Sex Commitment Ceremony. As Commitment ceremonies are not recogonised by Australian Law, no formal documents are required - eg - birth certificates, passports or any other form of idenitication. Q. Can I register my domestic relationship? A. By registering a domestic relationship, you and your partner gain the dignity of formal recognition of your relationship and the security of knowing that your commitment to each other is recognised and respected in Victoria. Q: Can I have a surprise marriage? A: A surprise marriage is permitted providing BOTH parties have completed a NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage). - two witnesses over the age of 18 will be required to witness your ceremony and to witness your marriage certificates. You are not permitted to arrange a surprise for either of the marrying parties, you may however, surprise the guests! Q: When do I pay for the ceremony? A: If you are arranging a wedding - a 50% non - refundable deposit is required at the time of submitting the Notice of Intended Marriage - the balance of the fee is due 7 days before the ceremony (usually at the time of the rehearsal). Other ceremonies are required to be paid in full at the first consultation. Q: If the ceremony does not go ahead- do I receive a refund? A: Generally the answer is "No" - the date and time have specifically been set aside for you. Exceptional circumstances will of course be considered differently. Q: What is the Notice of Intended Marriage & what is time frame for submitting the NOIM? A: Notice of Intended Marriage is a document declaring your intent to marry - this form must be received by me no more that 18 months prior to your wedding date and absolutely no less than 1 calender month prior to your wedding. Q: Do I need to provide you with any other documents other than the Notice of Intended Marriage Form? A: Yes. If you were born in Australia you will need to produce your original birth certificate, if you were born overseas an international passport may be provided (Australian passports under no circumstances may be accepted). If you have been married and are no longer married you will need to produce evidence how the marriage ended. In the case of divorce - a divorce order and - in the case of death, a death certificate. If you have changed your name - a Change of Name Certificate will need to be produced. All documents must be originals. Q: How do I obtain my original birth certificate? A: If you were born in Australia - contact Births Deaths and Marriages in your state to request a copy. If you were born overseas, you will need to produceyour overseas passport. If you don't have an overseas passport, then you will be required to provide your birth certificate and a statutory declaration witnessed by a qualified person. This statutory declaration must declare your birth date and birth place - it must also include details of your parents.
Q: What are the certificates that are signed at the time of marriage?
A: You will need to apply to the Births Deaths & Marriages office in the state that you married & apply for your marriage certificate. On receipt of this certificate you will be able to approach the relevant entities to change your details, for example - your passport. Q: Do I have to change my name when I get married? A: No you may continue to use your current name. You may change your name anytime after marriage or not at all. Some brides add their married name to their maiden name by inserting a hyphen for example Black - White. Name change is a very personal thing so take your time in making that decision. Q: Can gay couples change their names during a commitment ceremony?
A: The short answer is "No". However, to change your name offically, contact Births Deaths & Marriages in your state and ask how best to go about changing your name. Q: Can I choose my own funeral celebrant? A: Yes you can. Your funeral director may make recommendations, however the decision is yours. Your funeral director will gladly contact the celebrant of your choice. You have the opportunity of asking celebrants for independent advice by clicking on the link below. So go ahead, post your question/s and celebrants will respond!
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