Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about getting married on the Gold Coast - from legal requirements to choosing the right celebrant.
Why do I need a civil marriage celebrant?
You will need a celebrant to ensure that your celebrations and union is a legally binding marriage. Your celebrant will assist you to complete and lodge all paperwork to register your marriage with Births Deaths and Marriages in the relevant state in which your wedding is solemnised.
Where are you located on the Gold Coast?
I am a Gold Coast–based marriage celebrant located in Queensland. I regularly officiate weddings and elopements across the entire Gold Coast region - from Coolangatta to Coomera and everywhere in between, including the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland. I also travel as far as Brisbane and Northern New South Wales. NB: additional travel fees apply for ceremonies located outside the Gold Coast.
What areas on the Gold Coast do you service?
I service the entire Gold Coast area including Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Coolangatta, Southport, and the Gold Coast Hinterland (Tamborine Mountain, Springbrook). I'm also available for ceremonies in Brisbane, Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, and the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
Where do I start planning my Gold Coast wedding?
First of all, I will need to know the date, time and location of the wedding ceremony so that I can confirm that I am available for you. Once this is established, we will then need to arrange our first meeting. As your Gold Coast wedding celebrant, I'll guide you through every step of the planning process.
Is our first meeting obligation free?
Absolutely!! Our first meeting is completely obligation and fee free. This is simply a chance for us to get to know each other. It's an opportunity for you to share your vision for the ceremony, ask any questions, and see if we're the right fit to bring your special day to life.
What paperwork do I need to do?
As your celebrant I will complete all the obligatory paperwork required to legally register your wedding with Births Deaths and Marriages. The first form that needs to be completed is the NOIM (Notice Of Intended Marriage) form.
What documentation do I need to complete the paperwork?
You will need to provide two forms of ID each, one has to have photographic evidence and the other has to indicate place of birth. These documents must both display the same legal name. For example Drivers License and Passport and/or Birth Certificate. If you have been married previously you will need to provide evidence of dissolution in the form of divorce paperwork or death certificate where required.
How do we lodge our NOIM and how long do we have to register our ceremony date?
The NOIM needs to lodged with your Civil Marriage Celebrant who will be solemnising your marriage. This will offically register your ceremony date. A non refundable deposit will be required to secure the lodgement of the NOIM. The NOIM will be valid for 18 months.
How to complete a NOIM (Notice Of Intended Marriage)
We will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM) at least ONE calendar month prior to your wedding date. The NOIM must be completed, signed and witnessed. The most straightforward way to complete the NOIM is in consultation with your celebrant. This can be arranged either in person or via a video conference, depending on your preference. Did you know that the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) can be completed and lodged by just one party? This can be particularly helpful if one of you is travelling for work or relocating from overseas. Your celebrant will finalise the remaining details, including verifying identification, before the ceremony. This can be done remotely or the day prior to the wedding.
How much does a wedding celebrant cost on the Gold Coast?
Wedding celebrant fees on the Gold Coast vary depending on the type of ceremony and what's included. At Moore Tailored Ceremonies, packages start from $600 for a legals-only ceremony, $700 for an elopement, and $950 for a fully personalised wedding ceremony. Visit our Packages & Pricing page for a full breakdown of what's included.
When do I get my marriage certificate?
Your Celebrant must register your wedding within 14 days of the Ceremony taking place. Once your Celebrant receives notification that your marriage is officially registered, your Certificate will be posted by Births Deaths and Marriages and will take approximately 5-10 business days to arrive.
What if it rains on our wedding day?
A lot of people believe that rain on your wedding day is good luck, plus it makes for amazing photographs. Should your event be taking place outside it is advisable that you have a plan B that is undercover. You will need to inform your Celebrant if there is to be a change of venue as minor alterations to the paperwork will be required.
If I decide to get married overseas will it be recognised in Australia?
Smartraveller has information on getting married overseas. An overseas marriage is generally recognised in Australia if it was a valid marriage in the overseas country and would have been a valid marriage here.
Ready to talk?
Contact me for a free, no obligation meeting to determine if I am the right fit for your Gold Coast ceremony.