April 02, 2025
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.
Every couple getting married in Australia must say a legally required sentence during the ceremony. One of the most commonly used versions is:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse.”
This sentence—or a legally approved variation—must be spoken aloud by both parties to make the marriage legally binding.
💬 There are a few acceptable variations of this legal vow wording, and I’ll happily go through all the options with you when we meet—so you can choose the version that feels most natural to you.
This is the only part of your vows that’s required by law. So if you're feeling nervous about public speaking or want to keep things simple, that’s absolutely okay.
Exchanging your own vows is a beautiful way to:
But it’s not something you have to do.
You can choose to:
Whatever you decide, I’ll work with you to make sure your ceremony feels authentic, comfortable, and true to your style as a couple.
There’s no rule that says you must exchange romantic or custom-written vows to be truly married. You get to decide how you want to mark this moment—whether it’s quiet and private, heartfelt and expressive, or full of laughter and personality.
If you’re feeling unsure about the vows or want to explore your options, I’d love to chat and help you craft a ceremony that feels just right for you.
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April 02, 2025
“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.
April 02, 2025
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.
April 02, 2025
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.