Full Circle Celebrations   

There are two essentials parts to any marriage ceremony. These are the celebrant authority (monitum) and the marriage vows.

 The celebrant authority – these are the words a celebrant is required, by law, to say:

“I, Antonia Horozides, am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

 The marriage vows – these are the minimum words the bride and groom are required, by law, to say:

“I, (bride or groom) call upon the witnesses here present to witness that I, (bride or groom) take thee, (bride or groom), to be my lawful wedded wife (or husband)”

 Many couples choose to add words of personal meaning to their vows.

 Outline of a Simple Marriage Ceremony

 A ceremony generally lasts for about 20 minutes with another 10 minutes or so for the signing of the documents. Other than the essential parts of a ceremony the rest is up to you. The format below is a suggested starting point for creating your own ceremony:

  Introduction

·         Reading

·         Celebrant authority

·         (Commitment to children)

·         The Asking

·         Vows

·         Ring ceremony

·         Reading

·         Blessing

·         Declaration of marriage

·         Kiss

·         Sign the register

·         Presentation of the bride and groom

Amanda Samson and Tania Horozides are Registered Civil Celebrants