For a marriage ceremony to be legal in Australia, the celebrant must declare their authority using pre-defined words from Section 46(1) of the Marriage Act 1961, and the couple must say specific words for vows, as per Section 45(2) of the Act.

I have timed the stating of these words aloud and you may be shocked to find that it takes just 1 minute and 45 seconds. That is speaking unhurriedly, in a calm voice. So, if you know anyone after the shortest possible marriage ceremony, even surpassing the 8-minute extravaganza at the Registry Office, then tell them about this. It is possible to marry under two minutes if that is of interest!

Hello!

This blog replaces the one I started a few months ago via BlogSpot.com.  I'm still learning all about blogging, but I know it will be much easier to do this via my own website than separately.

The great thing about being a celebrant, I've found, is the extraordinary, rewarding experiences that I've been privileged to be part of in people's lives.  Every week is different, every client is different, and every ceremony is different.  So much can be learnt from every single event - if only we let ourselves learn from those experiences.

Celebrants are appointed FOR LIFE, so it stands to reason that in order to progress as a celebrant, we have to engage in the process of LIFELONG LEARNING.  If we don't learn something every single week, we are not developing our knowledge and skills.