ENTER SITE

Thank you for visiting my site and congratulations on your upcoming event.

I would like to tell you a bit about myself and the service I provide.. I am a fully qualified and registered Celebrant with the Australian Government and am enthusiastic about creating personal events, whether that be a wedding, baby naming day or committment ceremonies.

I take pride in delivering a ceremony that is professional, relaxed, friendly and ultimately memorable to all involved.

I am primarily based in the Illawarra but more than able to go beyond that area for a modest and mutually agreeable fee.

As all couples and events are different, I feel it is important that you feel, I am the right person for your special day. I meet with all my clients prior to the event at absolutely no cost to yourself.

I am very confident I can create a day for you that is relaxed, stress free and most importantly, about the people involved.

Hope to hear from you, Merinda on 0432168371 or merindacivilcelebrant@outlook.com

Fees:

Do you know that your local registry office charges $521 for a wedding on a Saturday? Why not pay a little more and get a ceremony you will love. Merinda Richardson charges $650 for a ceremony held in the Illawarra Area/Region.
If you are looking at the Shoalhaven area, a fee of $100 will apply, or Sydney and outer areas are will incur a fee of $200. Merinda is willingly to travel ANYWHERE and EVERYWHERE, please contact for a travel price. A deposit of $200 is required to secure your date and time. This deposit is non refundable. The remaining total is to be paid 2 weeks before the ceremony.
Note:If the ceremony is cancelled the deposit will NOT be refunded. If the couple needs to negotiate a different date/time then that will be organised. If the alternate time and date is available then no other costs will be incurred. If the cancellation is by the celebrant then all funds will be reimbursed.

Services Provided

• Complete notice of intended marriage
• Fulfilment of all legal requirements
• Planning a customised ceremony
• Wedding ceremony and certificate of marriage
• Unlimited phone and email support
• Researching all materials and costs
• PA systems

Extra Costs

• Any materials bought for the ceremony
• Official Marriage Certificate from BDM ($53)

Rehearsal

If you would like a rehearsal at your venue that is within the Illawarra Area, then that is free of charge. However if you would like a rehearsal at a venue located in the Shoalhaven/Sydney area a further charge may apply depending on travel time.

Booking

Engaged? Congratulations! Set your date? Book your celebrant as soon as possible. Celebrants can be booked out 12 months in advanced, especially in peak wedding season.

Please contact me by email merindacivilcelebrant@outlook.com or by phone 0432 168 371. You can also private message me on facebook.

Notice of Intended Marriage will need to be completed by at least one of you (see Paperwork) and received by me no less than one month prior to your wedding day and no more than 18 months prior to your wedding day.

Lets meet!

A celebrant has to be someone you feel comfortable with, which is why I offer a complimentary consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss you both, your engagement, your wedding and what I offer as a celebrant.

"Every couple is different that's why I offer a 100% free of charge meet and greet, so that you are able to see if I am the right celebrant for you."

During our first meeting, if you have not completed the Notice of Intended Marriage, and we are within the required time frame, we can do this together. At this stage, to secure you booking with me, I will require a deposit of $200.00. This can be paid by cash or direct deposit.

Paperwork

Get your documents together

Proof of Birth

You must provide proof of birth by original birth certificate. If you cannot find your original birth certificate and were born in Australia, you can obtain your birth certificate by applying at NSW Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages. If you were born overseas, you can provide either your original birth certificate or foreign passport, both of which must be legible in the English language.

Previous Marriage/s

If you are divorced you must provide an original Certificate of Divorce from the Family Court. Information on how to obtain a copy of the certificate of divorce or if widowed an original Death Certificate from Births, Deaths & Marriages, both legible in English

Notice of Intended Marriage Form 13

(at least one month prior to Wedding Day) As a legal requirement, you must complete the Notice of Intended Marriage and submit it to me at least one month and one day prior to your Wedding Day, the sooner the better as I often take bookings 12 months ahead. Read the notes carefully on page 2 of the Notice and follow all instructions. If you are confused or need help in filling out the Notice, you can contact me for assistance. You can download the form from nswcelebrant

Witnesses

Your wedding ceremony must be witnessed by at least two people who speak and understand English, and who are at least 18 years of age. They will be required to witness the ceremony and sign the certificates.

Creating Your Wedding Ceremony

In our first consultation I will get some information about you both as well as the style of wedding you are having. Merinda will create a beautiful personalised wedding ceremony.

Merinda Richardson Civil Celebrant has a great range of vows, poems, readings etc to provide you with ideas. Merinda recommends each ceremony be unique to the couple and recommends righting your own vows. Merinda can offer advice on finding those right words to say to your loved one.

All Marriage Celebrants are required to follow a Code of Practice as set out by the Australian Government Attorney General's Department.

• Must be 18 yrs to be married in Australia, If either of you are under 18, your parent's consent & an order from a magistrate must be aranged
• Prior to the wedding, I will organise lodgement of a Notice of Intended Marriage (to be completed no less than 1 month prior to your wedding. Valid for 18 months). A NOIM must be lodged with me at least one calender month prior to wedding
• Must sight original birth certificate and a photocopy is needed for my records, if born overseas please see me for more information. Passport, if you are a citizen of a country other than Australia
• If you have been married before, the Decree Absolute is needed
• If married before and partner has passed away a death certificate is needed
• All documents are needed to be in English. If they are not please see me for more information
• Declaration of marriage is filled in prior to ceremony (usually wedding rehersal)
• You must select 2 witnesses to sign revelant paperwork. Must be 18 yrs of age After your vows are spoken on the day, you will both sign your wedding certificate, record book and registry paper. (This will require two witnesses over the age of 18 to be present)

Please provide as much information as possible, such as date, location and type