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Ceremony venues and celebrants |
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Most couples start to think about the sort of ceremony they want as soon as they announce their wedding. The choices are usually a church wedding or a civil ceremony in a registry, private chapel or an informal outdoor ceremony.
Many ceremony venues are popular especially during spring, so as soon as you break the happy news, book your venue and the person you want to officiate.
To decide on the type of ceremony that's right for you talk to your families and take into account any special wishes they might have. And think carefully about any religious or spiritual requirements there are in your families.
Also consider the size of your wedding as this will influence its atmosphere - smaller numbers allow for a more intimate feeling.
A civil ceremony
A civil ceremony offers a lot flexibility - it is not restricted to a certain venue but can take place at home, in a park or anywhere you choose. Many reception venues offer a garden area or gazebo for outdoor ceremonies. This give you and your guests more time to relax on your wedding day. Your photographs can be taken in the venue's special photographic locations while your guests are looked after with champagne and nibblies served by the venue's staff.
If you are looking for a civil ceremony venue with a church atmosphere consider Chapel Hill or The Old St Thomas Chapel. Both are beautiful venues for a non-denominational wedding. The chapel at Chapel Hill is a romantic replica of an early Australian church. St Thomas is quaint, old stone churches which have been deconsecrated.
If you choose a civil ceremony, it is important to decide who you want to perform your wedding because not all celebrants are the same. A civil celebrant needs to be licensed by the Attorney-General. A good one will take the time to discuss your special needs, help you choose the form of the service and advise you fully of all their costs.
A celebrant can help you write your own vows, incorporate special readings or even your own poetry if you choose. A good celebrant should be sympathetic to your needs and be able to accommodate all your wishes.
A church ceremony
If you decide on a church wedding, you may need to consider the religious backgrounds of you and your families before choosing your church.
Your priest or minister is ideally someone you have known for some time who you can have confidence in to perform the sort of ceremony you want.
If you are marrying someone of a different religion or nationality, you may need to attend pre-marriage counselling. Many couples do this anyway as the demands of a marriage and the changes it will force on your life are not to be taken lightly.
These days many couples choose to personalise their wedding by including their own vows and deciding the order of service. Many couples like to adjust the traditional marriage vows to reflect their own relationship and include literature which has a special meaning to them. Your marriage celebrant, priest or minister can guide you on this and give you an idea of what works.
The perfect wedding ceremony needs careful planning and you should discuss your plans with your celebrant, priest of minister as early as possible.
Use of confetti
Many churches and ceremony venues have now banned the throwing of confetti in their grounds. Dyed rice, dried rose petals or lavender may be thrown instead but check with your church or venue and advise your guests accordingly.
Did you know? Civil ceremonies are becoming more popular each year. In 2004, 59% of all marriages were performed by a celebrant, up from 38% in 1981.
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Featured Reception Venue
