 choosing
your celebrant
The ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day. In fact,
it’s the reason for having a wedding day at all!
Apart from the happy couple, the most important person taking part in the ceremony is the person conducting it. And in the case of 60 per cent of all marriages in Australia, that person is a civil marriage celebrant.
Civil celebrants do not come from any particular standpoint of belief or non-belief so they are a good option for couples who don’t have particularly strong religious beliefs themselves.
However, equally, a civil celebrant should be accommodating and willing to incorporate religious practices and traditions from all cultures.
Quite often, I come across couples who have agreed upon a compromise – that is to have a civil ceremony but still include some religious content. I encourage this, as it is a great way to appease both families and mesh the two together.
Unlike religious ceremonies, a civil ceremony is all about you, with the focus of the whole moment shining on the both of you alone.
There are many choices to make before you can compose the exact ceremony to express your lifestyle, love and personalities. I find this part a lot of fun with endless creative possibilities.
A great celebrant will allow you to include poems, readings, music and cultural symbols or rituals. Family and friends may participate in the ceremony and it’s always a joy to me to include children.
So, how do you choose the celebrant who is right for you? Here are some considerations:
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Decide what style of ceremony you want to have.
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What is the feeling you want to create to continue through the rest of your wedding day?
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Does the celebrant have a personality that will complement your style?
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Is the celebrant flexible over the content of your ceremony?
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Do they have an extensive resource kit and PA system?
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Are they established and experienced?
The average fee charged by a civil celebrant for a standard ceremony within the Sutherland Shire is $550.
But don’t simply choose the cheapest celebrant, as they may be compensating for their inexperience, or lack of skill. They are likely to cut down on the quality of service and fail to give you the time and attention needed.
You cannot change the memory of your ceremony once it is over.
As with all services for your wedding day I would advise choosing a well-known professional, especially considering the effort you have put into planning the whole event!
Parks and reserves
There are a number of magnificent parks and reserves (listed below) around the Sutherland Shire where you can conduct your marriage ceremony or have your photographs taken. A booking fee may apply and there are certain restrictions to what you can and can’t do. For bookings and further information phone Sutherland Shire Council on 9710 0333 or visit www.sutherland.nsw.gov.au
Bass & Flinders Point,
Gowrie Street, Cronulla |
Joseph Banks Native Plants Reserve,
Manooka Place, Kareela |
Como Pleasure Grounds,
Cremona Road, Como |
Lilli Pilli Point Park,
Lilli Pilli Point Road, Lilli Pilli |
Darook Park,
(both northern and southern end),
Cronulla |
Peace Park,
Stapleton Avenue, Sutherland |
EG Waterhouse National
Camellia Gardens,
corner President Avenue and
Kareena Road, Caringbah |
Salmon Haul Reserve,
to the west of Bass and Flinders
Point, Gowrie Street, Cronulla |
Forby Sutherland Memorial Garden,
corner Princes Highway and
Eton Street, Sutherland |
Shelly Park,
Ewos Parade, Cronulla |
Gunnamatta Park,
Nicholson Parade, Cronulla |
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Written by Hollie-Berri CMC, award-winning Shire celebrant.
Carol Provan – every moment is a celebration ... so celebrate it all in style
0418 246 524
www.carolprovan.com.au
Deborah Jenkins/Coral Kortlepel – Professional Celebrants
Deborah 9540 4192 / 0417 021 292, Coral 9524 7111 / 0417 717 359
www.deborahjenkins.com.au or www.getmarried.com.au
Dot Nolan – ceremonies as unique and individual as you are
9533 1917 or 0411 350 908
www.dotnolancelebrant.com.au
Elizabeth Brown – ceremonies with heart
0419 974 175
www.alluneedislove.com.au
Elizabeth Davis – professional and friendly
9525 2562 or 0411 654 900
www.elizabethdaviscelebrant.com.au
Frances Kneil – beautiful memories of a perfect day
9542 8184 or 0418 224 340
www.celebrantceremonies.com.au
Hollie-Berri CMC – everything is possible
0425 270 524
www.hollie-berri.com.au
Jelena Willis – making meaningful memories
0400 070 863
email
Jennifer Rolles – civil marriage celebrant
0404 452 575
www.civilmarriagecelebrantsydney.com.au
Keith Lammond –your special day, your special way
9542 2708 or 0409 399 956
www.marriagecelebrant.net
Lillian Lyon & Joanne Love – Shire Celebrants
Lillian 0438 506 123 / Joanne 0414 979 460
www.lyonheart.com.au / www.weddingswithlove.com.au
Louanne Holohan –for weddings & calligraphy
9523 3662 or 0412 301 311
Nan Bennett –friendly and relaxed ceremonies
9546 5401
email
Sarah Oluk & Robert Hughes – fine weddings, anywhere
Sarah 9579 3142 / 0409 801 516 Robert 9579 6173 / 0416 067 285
www.saraholuk-sydneycelebrant.com.au / http://home.exetel.com.au/robhughes
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Choosing
your dress