Question 1

What does a Wedding Celebrant do?

Accepted Answer

A wedding celebrant is qualified and registered with the Attorney General / BDM / Births deaths and marriages, to officiate civil marriage ceremonies. Sort of like what a minister or priest does without the religion, just the lurve. It’s our job to meet with you and assist in creating and performing a wedding ceremony that reflects you as a couple.

Question 2

Why are Celebrants so Expensive?

Accepted Answer

Great Question! What people don't often think about is the time and expenses of a Celebrant prior to and post wedding ceremony day.

Each wedding entails: Email conversations, administration, Zoom meetings, in person meetings, filling and submitting paperwork, writing the ceremony, rehearsing the ceremony, arranging music, equipment - music subscriptions, PA sound system / Mic / iPad / lap top, other equipment costs, performing the ceremony, purchasing and printing stationary, registering the wedding, purchasing the official wedding certificate from BDM, Celebrants compulsory annual registration fees and professional development.

THEN : 10% GST + ATO, 20% (or more) goes to the ATO and 9.5% on Super, so take about 50% off your fee and that's what a Celebrant is actually getting paid.

I have a range of packages to suit all dreams and budgets, check them out here.

More experienced Celebrants charge more too. I try to keep my rates reasonable, so I don't price myself out of working with my community.

Question 3

What is a NOIM?

Accepted Answer

The acronym stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. The celebrant and couple must fill this out together at least 1 month before the ceremony. You will need hard copies of birth certificate, passport and any proof of divorce from previous marriages. The NOIM goes out of date after 18 months.

Question 4

How soon can we get married?

Accepted Answer

The soonest you can marry in Australia is in one month, once the NOIM is complete. That's why REAL drive through weddings can't be done in Australia.

Question 5

Is the registry office the only way to have a legals only wedding?

Accepted Answer

Hell no, and TBH the registry office is cheap because you get what you pay for.  All Celebrants can facilitate and officiate legals only, registry style weddings, but we can offer you the option to do it anywhere you want. E.g. A park, cafe, bar, backyard, boat, balcony, roof top, hot air balloon... You get my drift? Just because it's a legals only wedding, doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with it ;-)

Question 6

But where have you DJ'd Renee?

Accepted Answer

I've DJ'd at Midsumma Festival, The Espy, The Laird Hotel, Victoria's Pride, The Post Office Hotel, Third Day, Rupert on Rupert, Aunty Kims, Lulie Tavern, Inflation, TopYard, Studio Take Care and Beyond. I'm an open format DJ, so I play all kinds of music. On your wedding day, I play the music YOU want to hear!

Question 7

Can I have religious/cultural elements to my ceremony with a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, but I'd prefer you choose a practicing family member or friend of your culture/religion to perform that element of the ceremony out of respect.

Question 8

We’ve already booked at the registry office, can you be my celebrant?"

Accepted Answer

No, the registry office supplies their own celebrant. I would always recommend using an independant celebrant who can recommend free or competitively priced venues that suit your vibe and make for better photos. We can also help you write a personalised, kickass ceremony, you won't get that at a registry wedding.

Question 9

Can we change celebrants?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can, they just need to transfer the NOIM via email to the new celebrant. This may incur a fee and depending on the previous celebrants booking T&C's a booking fee is usually non-refundable. Check all this when you book.

Question 10

Can we change our wedding date or venue once we’ve completed the NOIM?

Accepted Answer

Yes but only if we can agree on a date and location that suits the celebrant, there’s also a fee incurred for the extra administration with any changes.

Question 11

Will you travel for weddings?

Accepted Answer

If I have time, yes, but travel costs $100 extra for every 50km beyond Seaford VIC (my hood).    I’m also up to negotiating staying in accommodation close by the ceremony. If the wedding is interstate the couple must cover flights, accommodation and expenses.

Question 12

Can you help us with event management and planning.

Accepted Answer

If you choose the right package, yes!

Question 13

Can we Invite more than 20 guests to a 'legalise us' package wedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but for every 10 extra guests it's a further $100. This package was created to be competitively priced for smaller 'elopement' style weddings.

Question 14

What is an elopement?

Accepted Answer

Usually an elopement means grabbing your besties and getting married without inviting or telling anyone else. It’s seen as a low-key way to lock it down without breaking the bank. Elopements are becoming the rock 'n' roll way to seal the deal. Check out my 'legalise us' package!

Question 15

Can we get married anywhere we want?

Accepted Answer

Within reason, but pretty much, yes. I can marry you anywhere on Australian land or airspace. Lots of my couples do pub, park and backyard weddings. Have some fun with it!

Question 16

Can we get married on a plane, boat or hot air balloon?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with my permission and as long as you’re on Australian water, land or airspace.

Question 17

Can you dress in theme for our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, let’s have a chat about what you’re thinking and go from there.

Question 18

Will you marry us dressed as Dolly Parton?

Accepted Answer

YES, for an extra $500 on any package!
I can marry you dressed in many different costumes, let’s chat!

Question 19

Do you only marry LGBTIQ+ people?

Accepted Answer

Hell no, love is love after all *wink* I don't discriminate lol.

Question 20

Are there other types of ceremonies you perform?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, take a look at my packages and if you don’t see anything that suits, we can chat more about your needs. Commitment ceremonies, renewal of vows, dead-name fun-erals, divorce partys, pet fun-erals to name a few!

Question 21

If we meet you, do we have to book you?

Accepted Answer

There are no obligations after we meet, finding a celebrant is like dating, there' someone for everyone out there and I believe it's important for both parties to feel chemistry.
But please don't expect weeks and weeks of free advice before booking a Celebrant.

Question 22

Is it ok to be fashionably late to our ceremony?

Accepted Answer

We don't do tradition here, so please show up on time. Often Celebrants have more than one ceremony in a day and time keeping is really important. Fees will be incured for lateness.

Question 23

How much does a celebrant cost?

Accepted Answer

All celebrants charge different fees based on the time spent meeting, writing, planning, administration and performing a ceremony and their experience. If a ceremony is cheaper, it usually means there’s less input from the celebrant.

Question 24

What is BDM?

Accepted Answer

BDM stands for Births Deaths and Marriages. It's a department of the Attorney Generals Office that registers marriages. They also run the registry office at Parliament.

Question 25

What happens if we need to cancel our wedding?

Accepted Answer

Weddings that need to be cancelled, lose their booking fee ($200)
If you need to reschedule to another date, then you will negotiate with Renee the Celebrant to move the wedding to a weekend she is free. If you can't find a suitable reschedule date then you'll need to find another vendor.

Question 26

Why do Celebrants cost different amounts?

Accepted Answer

Every Celebrant creates their own pricing structure based on the amount of work put into each wedding. Time in the industry and experience also play a role in how much they charge. I like to keep my prices on the middle of the spectrum, as I'm aware that weddings are bloody spenny and I don't want to work with people who have a lot of money and not a lot of kindness.

Question 27

What happens if you get sick on our wedding day?

Accepted Answer

I have great relationships within the wedding industry. So based on the package you book me for, I will find another trusted, aligned wedding professional who will step in and cover for me. 
This is something that has only ever happened once in my wedding career (7 years). I take my good-health very seriously to ensure I'm showing up for you on your biggest day, at my best!

Question 28

Can we have a non-traditional wedding?

Accepted Answer

Heck yes, in fact I encourage it! Did you know we do cute, affordable micro weddings with Tattoos, venue and photo's included in Brunswick / Melbourne? Check out www.flashromantics.com

Question 29

Where can I find a marriage Celebrant in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Aside from the obvious (right here ;-) there are lots of ways to find wedding suppliers. I would use google or AI to find someone who you resonate with aesthetically & with aligned values. Most good wedding vendors will have a no obligations meeting with you prior to making a decision.

Question 30

How to book a wedding celebrant in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

Booking a celebrant has never been easier, we have many online tools to find the right fit and within budget. Use google, social media, AI to shortlist the ones you like the look of. Then email them and arrange a no obligations Zoom chat to suss them out further.

Question 31

Who offers the best marriage celebrant services in Melbourne CBD

Accepted Answer

Without tooting my own horn, I reckon you could put your money on me, check out the reviews section on my website to hear what my couples have to say & you'll find over 100 five star google reviews who also agree.

Question 32

Can I hire a DJ and MC for my wedding in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

Hell yeah, if you work with me, you can book ALL THREE!
Yes, I will marry you, manage you, MC for you and give your loved ones a dance-floor to remember with my most popular 'One Woman Show' package. HMU to chat more!

Question 33

Where to get personalised wedding ceremonies in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

Every ceremony I write is customised to suit your unique brand of love. Whether that's soppy, sassy, sweet or sincere, we collaborate to create magic that will set the tone for your entire day. 
You will get to see, edit, add and approve the ceremony script before your wedding, so there are no unwelcome surprises on the day.

Question 34

What does a marriage celebrant do at a wedding?

Accepted Answer

Here’s what a marriage celebrant actually does at a wedding (beyond just making things legal):

Before the Wedding
1. Gets to know the couple
Asks the couple questions to get the full love story
Helps them plan the vibe: fun and flirty? Elegant and emotional? Pagan, punk or picnic?
2. Handles the legal paperwork
Fills out with you and then lodges the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the wedding
Makes sure both parties can legally marry (age, consent, etc.)
Collects ID and proof of divorce (if applicable)
3. Writes a personalised ceremony
Crafts a ceremony that reflects the couple’s love, humour, culture, beliefs and quirks
Adds readings, rituals, music or traditions if wanted
Plans out the running order with the couple and their vendors

On the Wedding Day
4. Runs the ceremony
Welcomes the guests and sets the tone (warm, heartfelt, hilarious or all of the above)
Shares the couple’s love story (cue tears or belly laughs)
Guides the vows, ring exchange and any rituals
Makes sure to include the legal bits (very specific words are required to make it binding)
5. Legally marries the couple
Declares them legally married with the right words: “I am duly authorised...” etc.
Makes them sign the legal paperwork with two witnesses (18+)
6. Pronounces them married!
The big moment: “You may kiss!” (or smooch, or howl at the moon — up to the couple)
Keeps things flowing with warmth, charm, and a solid pair of lungs when the wind picks up mid-vow

After the Wedding
7. Finalises the paperwork
Submits the marriage to the relevant state registry (e.g. Births, Deaths and Marriages VIC)
Helps the couple apply for their official marriage certificate

TL;DR: A marriage celebrant is…
🪄 Storyteller — Setting the tone for your entire day!
 📄 Legal official
 🎤 MC of the most magical kind
 💛 Heart-holder and love wrangler

If you're thinking of booking one — a great celebrant brings warmth, personality, professionalism, and makes everyone feel seen and celebrated. Not just the couple — everyone in the room.

Question 35

Where can I find queer-friendly wedding services in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

Right here baby, check out my 'friendors' page!

Question 36

Where to find affordable celebrants in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

I have all of my prices and packages listed on my website so that you can see how much a celebrant costs. I have packages for all budgets, but if you are part of a minority group and would like to work with me, but cannot afford my entry level package, please get in touch.

Question 37

How to choose a marriage celebrant in Victoria

Accepted Answer

Decide your ceremony tone (e.g. cheeky, emotional, inclusive).
Browse celebrant directories
Short-list your favourites
Review their online presence, social feed, and testimonials.
Meet the one you feel drawn to—ask and answer questions, gauge connection.
Confirm all fees, legal paperwork, transport and what’s included.
Book early—celebrants who feel like “the one” get booked fast!

Question 38

Where to get wedding MC services in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

I offer a 'One Woman Show' package where I'm your Celebrant, MC, DJ and Coordinator all in one, for a fraction of the cost to book all 3 vendors! Check it out on my packages page!

Question 39

Best places to find inclusive wedding ceremonies in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

As a queer woman, I'm connected with all of Victoria's most inclusive vendors! Check some of them out on my 'Tips' page.

Question 40

Can I hire a DJ and MC for my wedding in Melbourne?

Accepted Answer

You can, even better than that, check out my 'One Woman Show' package where I can be your Celebrant, MC & DJ for a fraction of the cost to book all 3! I set the tone with your fun, warm and engaging ceremony. Then i'll bring all your people together for the key moments, finishing up with a heaving dance-floor and hugs at the end of the night <3

Question 41

Where to get personalised wedding ceremonies in Victoria?

Accepted Answer

You can get personalised wedding ceremonies right here! Have a look at my reviews page to see just how happy the couples are who have worked with me.

I will collaborate with you and your boo, to capture all of the silly, funny, awkward and heart-warming elements that have brought you together and to that big life moment!

Question 42

Where to find the best marriage celebrant services in Melbourne CBD

Accepted Answer

You've come to the right place. Take a look at my packages and reviews, then if you like what you see, let's catch up for a no obligations Zoom call, to see if we're the right fit for each other!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a Wedding Celebrant do?

Why are Celebrants so Expensive?

What is a NOIM?

How soon can we get married?

Is the registry office the only way to have a legals only wedding?

But where have you DJ'd Renee?

Can I have religious/cultural elements to my ceremony with a celebrant?

We’ve already booked at the registry office, can you be my celebrant?"

Can we change celebrants?

Can we change our wedding date or venue once we’ve completed the NOIM?

Will you travel for weddings?

Can you help us with event management and planning.

Can we Invite more than 20 guests to a 'legalise us' package wedding?

What is an elopement?

Can we get married anywhere we want?

Can we get married on a plane, boat or hot air balloon?

Can you dress in theme for our wedding?

Will you marry us dressed as Dolly Parton?

Do you only marry LGBTIQ+ people?

Are there other types of ceremonies you perform?

If we meet you, do we have to book you?

Is it ok to be fashionably late to our ceremony?

How much does a celebrant cost?

What is BDM?

What happens if we need to cancel our wedding?

Why do Celebrants cost different amounts?

What happens if you get sick on our wedding day?

Can we have a non-traditional wedding?

Where can I find a marriage Celebrant in Melbourne?

How to book a wedding celebrant in Victoria?

Who offers the best marriage celebrant services in Melbourne CBD

Can I hire a DJ and MC for my wedding in Melbourne?

Where to get personalised wedding ceremonies in Victoria?

What does a marriage celebrant do at a wedding?

Where can I find queer-friendly wedding services in Victoria?

Where to find affordable celebrants in Melbourne?

How to choose a marriage celebrant in Victoria

Where to get wedding MC services in Melbourne?

Best places to find inclusive wedding ceremonies in Melbourne?

Can I hire a DJ and MC for my wedding in Melbourne?

Where to get personalised wedding ceremonies in Victoria?

Where to find the best marriage celebrant services in Melbourne CBD