NEVI LAKETA
CIVIL MARRIAGE CELEBRANT
weddings
My biggest joy is simplifying things. I’m here to make your day easy, guide you through the legalities and have it literally be the best day ever.
CATCH-UP
So what’s your story? That’s what I want to know. This is the part I love the most. Let’s meet for a coffee, over a doughnut or via Zoom. The initial, obligation free meeting is your chance to ask any questions about the legal elements, what’s involved and generally suss me out.
CHOICE
If I’m your celebrant, the first official documentation is the Notice of Intended Marriage (submitted to me no later than one calendar month prior). I’ll give you a folder of documents which includes a basic ceremony layout, paperwork, ideas for vows and other important info. I also have a set of questions I like to ask that helps me create a bespoke ceremony, in collaboration with you of course. At this stage I’ll request a $250 non-refundable deposit and give you my statement of fees outlining all costs.
CREATION
As I craft the ceremony and prepare the legal framework, I’ll keep you in the loop so you’re happy with the flow and words. I think it’s important you have as much input as possible. We can go through the requirements by law regarding your vows and other bits. I want you to love your ceremony as it sets the tone for the rest of the wedding day/night! Let’s make it a cracker - whatever that looks like for you. I’ll prepare the rest of the legal documentation during this time and we’ll meet again, with your ID and/or divorce papers (if you were previously married.
REHEARSAL
Close to the wedding day, we’ll go to the venue (ideally) or another suitable location, to run through the event. It’s really helpful for people to know what their role is, people doing a reading can practice, we can check things like tides (don’t laugh, this has happened before and we almost got swept away!), how the event will run and everyone involved gets the chance to bond. And most importantly, it provides you two with the peace of mind that all logistics are taken care of. The balance of my fee is paid at this time.
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THE BIG DAY
I always arrive one hour before a ceremony to set-up and test my PA. I’ll welcome the guests and ensure the bridal party is at ease. I’ll have your vows printed for you (and a set of tissues just in case). I will have the three certificates ready for signing during the ceremony. So really, the only thing you both need to do is show up and have a great time! NB. my PA plays music, I suggest nominating someone trustworthy to control this during the ceremony.
AND THEN...
I’ll finish the legal elements and lodge your completed documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days to ensure your marriage is legally registered. If you need a legal wedding certificate to change your name, I can order that for you too.
