Telephone: (02) 9642 1844 or 0419 267 084

Other Ceremonies

There are so many ways we can celebrate life's milestones and special events e.g.  Engagements, Commitments (same or mixed gender couples), Renewal of Vows, Anniversaries, Baby Name Giving, Adult Name Giving or Coming of Age ceremonies.

Do we need a celebrant to have any of these ceremonies? No you don't, but having a professionally trained, skilled celebrant to conduct your ceremony can make the difference between your special day being a meaningful inspiring event that everyone will remember or mediocre. 

What do we do next? Call me for an informal chat or an obligation free meeting. if you book me for your ceremony I will loan you a ceremony planning guide, which has samples of ceremonies, readings, poems etc to give you some inspiration. Every ceremony is individually created to suit your needs using my planner as a guide. We will work together to create a truly unique & inspiring ceremony.

How much does it cost and what do you provide? The fee for Commitments & Renewal of Vows is $300, fee for Baby Name Givings is $250. A non-refundable booking fee of $150 is required to secure my services for your celebration and the balance is payable no later than one week prior to the ceremony.

♥ Covered signing table/chair  ♥ PA system (if over 20 guests) ♥ Tasteful certificates ♥ Decorative cards for readers ♥ Copy of the ceremony ♥ Rehearsal if required

Are there any other costs? Additional costs may apply for long distance travel, inner city parking fees, national park entry fees,  early morning ceremonies (before 9am) or unusual venues where extended time is involved.

Do you supply candles etc? Candles, sand, rose petals etc are normally supplied by the couple, however, I can provide a simple unity candle (free for baby name givings) and coloured sand & bottles at a reasonable fee. Hand-fasting ribbons are free of charge.

About the Ceremonies

Commitment Ceremony - is similar to a wedding ceremony however it is not legally binding. It is a public affirmation of your commitment/love for each other in front of family and friends. This ceremony is perfect for same gender couples or anyone who does not want to, or is unable to include the legal components of a marriage. Although no legal paperwork is lodged, I treat this ceremony the same as a wedding and you receive a presentation copy of the ceremony and tasteful commitment certificate.  

Renewal of Vows Ceremony - offers a couple who are already officially married the opportunity to renew or re-affirm their love and commitment to each other.  If you were married interstate or overseas, re-affirming your vows can be a way of including family and friends that were absent at the original ceremony. Or perhaps you would like to celebrate that special wedding anniversary by declaring in front of family and friends and/or each other that you cherish the past and the present and, that the best is yet to be!

Baby Name Giving Ceremony - is similar to a christening or baptism but without the religious content. Name Giving ceremonies are conducted to formally celebrate and welcome the baby into the family, introduce him/her to the close circle of friends, or to welcome adopted or stepchildren into the family. Included in the fee is a naming certificate for bubby, certificates for the Godparents/Mentors and a small candle if you would like a candle ceremony.  If you would like more than one child included in the ceremony the only extra cost is $2.50 for any extra certificates.

Adult Name Giving or Coming of Age Ceremony -  can be performed for children, teenagers or adults. The reasons for this type of ceremony vary, but it is usually requested because no formal christening occurred in childhood, or to celebrate a change of name or adoption.

"There is only one happiness in life ~ To love and be loved"

~ George Sand ~

© Copyright 2011 Marlaine Nicholson-Smith