Weddings

“Once we’ve chosen a celebrant, do we still need to submit paperwork to the government ourselves?”

The short answer is: No—you don’t.

Your Celebrant Takes Care of the Legal Lodgement

As an authorised celebrant in Australia, it’s my legal responsibility to manage and lodge all your marriage documentation with the relevant state registry.

Absolutely—you can get legally married without having a traditional wedding ceremony.

As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant based in Perth, I often work with couples who prefer a simpler, no-fuss approach to getting married. Whether you're planning a big celebration later, keeping things private, or just want to be legally married without the bells and whistles, you don’t need a wedding to make it official.

Yes—your family member can be your witness at your wedding or legal marriage registration in Australia, as long as they meet a few simple requirements.

As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, I often get asked this question—especially by couples planning a small, intimate ceremony or a legals-only marriage. The good news is that the rules around witnesses are flexible and inclusive.

When it comes to getting legally married in Australia, there’s a lot of paperwork and formalities to cover—but luckily, some parts are more flexible than people expect.

One common question couples ask me is:

“Do our witnesses need to bring ID on the wedding day?”

The answer is: No, witnesses are not required to show ID for your marriage to be legal.

The short answer is: No—you don’t have to exchange personalised or romantic vows on your wedding day, unless you want to.

As a celebrant, I often meet couples who feel uncertain about this part of the ceremony. Some love the idea of writing their own vows, while others feel shy, overwhelmed, or unsure what to say.

The truth is: what you say to each other should feel right for you.

Let’s break it down.

What Does a Celebrant Do?

At the heart of it, a celebrant’s role is to legally solemnise your marriage—which means making sure your wedding meets the legal requirements to be recognised under Australian law. But that’s just the beginning.

If you're planning to get married in Australia, one of the most important parts of the process is making sure the right documents are prepared, signed, and submitted on time.

As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant, part of my role is to guide you through each step—so nothing is missed, and your marriage is registered smoothly and legally.

The answer is:
If you choose to marry at the Perth Registry Office (the government-run registry), you cannot bring your own celebrant—including me—to conduct the ceremony.

Let me explain the difference—and what your options are if you're after something simple but still personalised.

Writing your own wedding vows can feel both exciting and intimidating. It’s a beautiful chance to express your love in your own words—but many couples find themselves staring at a blank page, wondering, “Where do I even begin?”

As your celebrant, I’m here to guide you every step of the way—and yes, that includes your vows!

The good news is: there’s no right or wrong way to write personalised vows. What matters most is that they’re genuine, heartfelt, and true to who you are as a couple.

Absolutely not—you don’t have to wear a veil, and you definitely don’t need to cover your face unless you want to.

As a celebrant, I often get asked about traditions like veils, garters, and “something blue.” While these can be beautiful symbols with historical or cultural meaning, they’re completely optional in modern weddings.

The most important thing? Your wedding should feel like you.

If you and your families speak different languages—or you want to honour your cultural background—a bilingual wedding ceremony can be a beautiful and meaningful choice.

As a Commonwealth-registered celebrant who speaks English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, I’ve supported many couples in creating ceremonies that feel inclusive, heartfelt, and deeply personal.

But how does it actually work in practice?

Let me walk you through it.

A Renewal of Vows is a beautiful way for couples to reaffirm their love and commitment—whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty. It’s not about the legalities. It’s about the journey you’ve taken together and the promises you continue to honour.

As a celebrant, I often get asked, “Is a vow renewal like a real wedding? Is it more casual? Do we need to prepare anything?”

Let me walk you through what a vow renewal actually involves—and how it compares to a legal wedding ceremony.