There are many things to consider to find the best marriage celebrant. Some people go on first impressions or “gut feelings”. Others choose on price – the least or most expensive.
You only want to get married once… ensure it’s what you want! Remember your celebration can’t be repeated! Apart from 5 sentences that must be stated to cover legal obligations, the rest is what you want. Remember it’s your ceremony not your celebrant’s.
Here are 10 tips to help you find the best marriage celebrant.
Talk to/meet the Celebrant before choosing
The best way to find the best marriage Celebrant is to meet them. Many celebrants will offer a no obligation first meeting. It’s important the celebrant understands your needs and asks you the right questions. Is the celebrant keen to ensure they understand what you expect from them? It’s also important to understand what is required of you when you find the best marriage celebrant. It shouldn’t take long when you meet them to determine that you have found best marriage celebrant for you.
Check the Celebrant’s availability
A couple of key questions to ask include … Is the celebrant available on the date and time you have in mind? Does the celebrant conduct multiple ceremony a day? Some celebrants conduct multiple weddings a day and it’s important understand any risks of your celebrant being delayed at their previous ceremony.
Choose the Celebrant with the right attitude
Does the celebrant show they’ll deliver a ceremony that meets you needs? It important to understand how they are going to help to determine what you needs. You are wise to consider when you chat, if the celebrant listens to your needs, ideas and concerns or tells you what they will do without a level of understanding.
Choose the Celebrant with a proven reputation
Does the celebrant have a proven reputation? Take the time to read their reviews/testimonials. To find the best marriage Celebrant heck their website and sites that you can be confident of the validity of the reviews. Sometimes social media may not be truly reflective of quality. See if you can observe them performing a ceremony in a video.
Choose the Celebrant with the right personality
Does the celebrant have a personality that you find attractive? Above all only you will know when you meet. Alternatively, a phone discussion is a pretty good start in helping to choose a Celebrant.
Choose the Celebrant who demonstrates professionalism
Choose a celebrant who is always developing themselves and interest in continuous improvement. Is the celebrant a member of celebrant associations/networks? Has the celebrant done recent training in celebrancy or workshops held by celebrant associations?
Choose a Celebrant with the right experience
Ask how much experience the celebrant has. Above all, try to gauge whether they have spent years using the same old formula. In contrast are they focused on continually learning through experience.
Check out the Celebrant’s location
Is the celebrant within reasonable travelling distance to the venue? Do they charge for travel? Choosing a Celebrant who lives around the corner isn’t the best indicator. Some celebrants will travel anywhere in Australia others operate in a small region.
Understand the Celebrant’s fees
Is the celebrant charging a commensurate fee? Choose a Celebrant where the fee matches the work/service they provide. Do they offer a flat fee or add on extras for travel and extra meetings? As with any wedding vendor there will be a wide range of fees on offer. The saying you get what you pay for is generally true in the wedding industry.
Once you find the Best Marriage Celebrant and have a venue and scheduled a wedding date, why not schedule a boudoir photography session with Woman by Pierre to set the mood for your wedding day? The session will ease the stress from wedding planning and make the journey towards your wedding an exciting one, and both you and your partner will definitely appreciate the images!
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-11-04 16:38:442024-09-19 09:38:34Tips to Find the Best Marriage Celebrant
Selecting the best location for your wedding is much easier said than done. The space needs to check so many boxes – accommodation and amenities for you and your guests, a good catering service for a variety of food and drink options, and a plan in case the weather starts acting up that day. It also has to be a place that represents you as a couple and is absolutely beautiful for those perfect wedding photos. So whether you’re after those country vibes or prefer a coastal getaway, you’ll definitely find the perfect setting that matches your wedding theme in this list we’ve devised some of the best wedding locations in Australia
While you are planning your location, now is also the perfect time to lock in your wedding celebrant. Getting to know couples in the early stages of their planning ensures that ceremonies can be catered to their liking and individual personalities.
Glenmore Country Estate
This is a private, country venue with five-star treatment for both you and your guests. Glenmore Country Estate is 3.5 hours north of Sydney, and gives you that luxurious country charm. It has accommodation that sleeps 8 and a country barn that can hold 100 guests, perfect if you want the simplicity of holding the ceremony and reception in one place.
St. Joseph’s Guest House
St Joseph’s Guest House is the creation of Steve Kavanagh, who saw the potential of the ruins of an 1800’s Catholic Church. Rich in history, this venue is the perfect place to have an intimate daytime wedding. They’re Guesthouse accommodates up to 10 people, and the venue itself can hold 60 guests.
The Brown Brothers Winery
More than just a vacation hotspot Brown Brothers Winery is the destination for those who want a simple and intimate outdoor wedding. The gorgeous vineyard location also has a beautiful view of Mt. Buffalo, which makes the perfect background for all those photos. Your ceremony can be held in their barnyard, and you can even include a wine tasting as part of the reception.
Projekt 3488
Designed for versatility, this venue has beautiful gardens for a cocktail reception and a cast iron fire pit for intimate connections. Projekt 3488 is an elegant, warm, inviting and inclusive space. It holds 150 guests for a cocktail style, or 110 guests if you want a seated dining experience. They will also help you along with your wedding plans as they offer dedicated event planning and styling services.
The Substation
One of Melbourne’s most exciting and exclusive events spaces, The Substation accommodates around 80 to a maximum of 200 guests. The venue lends itself to limitless creative opportunities as your wedding will be scheduled around their annual curated arts program.
Loyal Hope Of The Valley
For a classic, picturesque, and romantic wedding Loyal Hope of the Valley is your dream location. The hall features whitewashed walls, hardwood floors, and an art-deco styled bar. Not to mention the venue gets beautiful beams of natural light for all those stunning photo opportunities. Located in Brisbane’s fortitude valley, this is a blank canvas for you to decorate as much (or little) as you wish.
Fitzroy Island Resort
With 339 hectares of tranquil land, Fitzroy Island Resort is the perfect place to have a beach or resort wedding. You can have an intimate island wedding for just the two of you, or invite your friends and family to join you on one of their stunning ceremony areas. Choose from the Welcome Bay Beach, their lush tropical garden paradise, or even the Nudey Beach. Could this be one of the best wedding locations in Australia?
Museum Of Old And New Art (MONA)
For artsy couples whose love for the arts is outwon only by their love for each other, this is the wedding venue for you. The MONA has several function venues to choose from, all of which are guaranteed to impress your guests and make for stunning photos. Their luxury accommodations have a special rate just for the newlyweds. This feast for the eyes is just a short ferry ride away from Hobart.
Nedlands Yacht Club
If you want an idyllic summer wedding Nedlands Yacht Club is the perfect waterfront location for you. The venue can hold up to 500 people, and its spaces can be customized to however you want – their staff are flexible and can help you create a magical wedding day.
Kingsford Homestead
Just 45 minutes away from Adelaide is this exclusive venue. Located in the Barossa Valley, the scenery gives a sophisticated vibe that will show up on all your photos. However, Kingsford Homestead only caters a select number of weddings each year, so for a truly special ceremony you need to book this venue as soon as possible. Is this one of the best wedding locations in Australia?
Once you’ve found the perfect venue and have scheduled a date, why not schedule a boudoir photography session with Woman by Pierre to set the mood for your wedding day? The session will ease the stress from wedding planning and make the journey towards your wedding an exciting one, and both you and your partner will definitely appreciate the images!
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-11-03 08:24:332024-03-08 13:04:22Best Wedding Locations in Australia … here’s 10 of them
Do you want to fall in love again? Here are 6 simple yet romantic activities for couples to enjoy.
Movie nights, dinner dates, long walks on the beach – while these are the top romantic activities for couples, they get boring in the long run. You want something that helps you create wonderful memories with your partner, where the world becomes a blur and it’s only you and your partner that matter the most.
For that, you need out-of-the-box date ideas, those that are simple yet leave a good mark on your relationship. And you’re in luck! We’ve got six simple-yet-romantic activities for couples like you to keep the love burning.
The best part about these ideas is that you don’t need to spend plenty of bucks or get into a whirlwind of planning to do these. Just grab your partner and let your hearts, feet, and laughter let loose!
1. Fall in Love Again and take a bike ride
Rent a tandem bike and get both of your feet cycling through every street and corners of your area. Even if you’re not trained cyclists, getting on a bike ride together will make you appreciate the athletic activity. You get to tick off your fitness goals for the day, and you also work on your teamwork skills at the same time.
Plus, nothing inspires interesting conversations than a road trip close to nature or the outside world.
Don’t worry about the route – just let the wind take you wherever you feel like going. Who knows, you might discover new places in the community you never knew existed! However, if you’re not one for the carefree vagabond setup, you can search for organized bike tours in the area.
2. Go stargazing
If you’re out of simple date ideas, try bringing your partner under the night skies for a quiet time of admiring the twinkling stars above. Drive in a clear field or get into the rooftop and just lie down with your partner under the moonlight.
Bring your telescope or a pair of binoculars if you want to view the stars up close. Have a little game with your partner on who can point the most constellations in the sky. If you want to show off, brush up on your astronomy knowledge before heading out into the night.
To make things more romantic, grab some blankets and sleep under the stars. Nothing beats falling asleep to the lull of the wind at night and waking up to some warm sun rays!
3. Fall in love again and do a movie marathon date at home
Movie marathons may always be the top activity choice for couples that sometimes it already becomes boring. So to spice things up and continue your love for cinematic stories, spruce up your movie nights into something more personal and romantic.
Make your outdoor space a theater that doubles into the best cuddling spot! Rent out a projector and place it in the backyard. Then decorate the place with lights, build a pillow fort with snuggly blankets, and ready the popcorn and other snacks nearby.
Instead of watching something under your favorite genres, pick out something you’ve never dared to watch before. If you’re both into action or sci-fi films, why not go for thrillers or the good ole’ classics? Better yet, pick the most random movie! You might discover a new favorite by being a little adventurous with your cinematic choice.
4. Learn a new hobby together
What better way to learn more about each other and develop a stronger relationship than getting into a whole new activity together? Bring out the list of things you and your partner have always wanted to try and work on learning them together.
Always wanted to paint like Bob Ross but never found the time or motivation to grab the canvas and some paint? Then that’s what you’re doing on your next date with your special someone!
Or perhaps you both wanted to get into photography? In that case, bring out your DSLRs or your smartphone cameras and photograph everything around you. Collect every photo and create an online photo album so you’ll have the best memory keepsake and progress tracker in one!
You don’t need to be good at something for both of you to enjoy your new hobby. As long as you get good laughs and conversations out of it, don’t stop pushing through the hobby.
5. Fall in love again and indulge in some video games.
If you and your partner are suckers for good stories, an adrenaline-seeking activity, something that permits friendly competition, or all of the above, try video games. These are good alternatives if you’re already bored with Netflix.
And the best part? Whatever your preferred console is -Xbox, PS4, PC, or Nintendo Switch – there are literally thousands of game options at your fingertips.
Are you both fans of action movies? Try GTA V, PUBG, Injustice, or the classic Call of Duty.
Want to immerse yourself in a different universe? Go wild on Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Subnautica, or Animal Crossings: New Horizon (you can also go on virtual dates here).
Even if you’re new gamers, you’ll find something you’ll get hooked on!
6. Start gardening
Having a little relaxing hobby pays to keep your sanity and relationship balanced. So why not try gardening?
Sure, you’ll need to get your hands dirty, but the immersive experience with nature is the actual fun part here. Surrounding yourself with a greener environment also helps your cortisol levels to go down, making you and your partner experience tranquility while at home.
You can start your journey to a greener life with some succulent plants like such as cactus, snake plant, aloe vera, and Mexican snowball. They’re low maintenance, and they take up little space in your garden.
If you want to get into cooking, you can also start an herbs garden at home. There are plenty of seeds for common herbs available today, and they’re low maintenance like succulents too.
Spending time together doesn’t need to be grandiose all the time when you fall in love again
Sometimes, it’s the little gestures we do to the love of our lives that leaves the best memories in their hearts. So the next time you’re out of activity ideas with your special someone, why not keep it simple and meaningful? There are plenty of date night ideas you can try with your partner, but take the liberty of starting with those from this list!
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-10-26 14:00:292020-10-26 14:00:29Fall in Love Again: 6 Simple-Yet-Romantic Activities For Couples to Enjoy
Here are 4 tips For Celebrants when working with photographers. Whether it is a wedding, renewal of vows, naming ceremony, or funeral, a celebrant ensures each ceremony is unique, heartfelt and personal. They ensure all attendees are immersed in the event to share the joys of the occasion.
With a celebrant officiating, a civil wedding becomes free from the constraints of a conventional one. Couples pick their wedding venue, from a range of options, popular ones include hotels, beaches, or gardens. They can write their own vows, apart from the mandatory wording. Celebrants are gifted speakers, who give the ceremony more personality than other options. Furthermore, the pair can invite as many people as they want and incorporate activities they enjoy in the celebration.
For the happy couple, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Such an event does not only entail careful planning but proper documentation as well. That’s where a celebrant and a photographer can work together, to properly capture in detail and with heart the nuptials. From the faces of family, to the moment of union, with the right planning the celebrant can ensure every moment is documented.
Here are 4 tips For Celebrants when working with photographers:
1. Prepare for the Special Day
Ensure the photographer knows the schedule and flow for the day’s events. Ideally both the celebrant and the photographer will have met the couple prior to the celebration. This allows all parties to agree on expectations, so the photographer can capture picture-worthy moments.
Having the celebrant and wedding photographer work collaboratively will ensure that the ceremony runs as smoothly as possible. They can run through the details together, including where special moments will happen and where guests will be positioned in specific parts of the event. The celebrant can also help the photographer be in the right spot at the right time by prompting the audience about which direction to face and what to do at a particular moment.
2. Greet the Guests Warmly
It is a known fact that every successful wedding celebrant has an aura that makes everyone around them feel at ease. However, setting the mood can be a little challenging if they encounter drowsy guests in a morning ceremony. Also, some, who are part of the behind-the-scenes, may appear low-spirited. The celebrant who warmly welcomes the guests and creates a natural, relaxing, and comfortable atmosphere, which will be reflected in the photographs.
3. (Kindly) Stand Aside
The entire spectacle of a wedding can be enough to catch even the most experienced celebrant off-guard. This can unfortunately lead to a selection of photographs where guests and family members are obscured by the celebrant. This often happens at key moments, like the entrance or the ring exchange. It’s even more important for those split second moments that require intimacy: the couple’s vows and their first kiss as newlyweds.
Yes, a wedding is not possible without a celebrant uniting two people. However, couples would not appreciate a third party in the photograph on the wall, right? Hence why it is important to be in communication with the photographer to ensure that these special moments are captured correctly.
4. Engage, Engage, Engage
The ceremony should be as interactive as possible, and a celebrant can help make this happen. This allows for a deeper connection – which is what weddings are all about! If one or both of the couple are walked down the aisle by their family, a celebrant may encourage the latter to offer a hug or a kiss. During the main event, they heighten the synergy between the pair and the audience by encouraging to them laugh, smile, or glance at each other. Furthermore, after the first kiss, the celebrant will often invite the guests to join them in welcoming the newlyweds with a cheer and a big round of applause. Evoking natural and picture-perfect joy, evidenced by body language, is the key to a satisfied photographer.
Following these 4 tips For Celebrants when working with photographers will help ensure a very special celebration is remembered for the right reasons.
If you are planning a wedding in Sydney, hiring Michael Janz, one of the best celebrants from Sydney, is a great decision you can make for your nuptials. He’s an expert in everything mentioned above, with many successful and acclaimed ceremonies under his belt. Michael will passionately celebrate you and your fiancé’s journey.
If you plan to have a child in the future, you can also have him lead your future baby’s naming ceremony. To complement such an event and his services, consider having Chapter One Photography. One of Sydney’s most qualified and outstanding newborn, baby, and maternity photographers. Capturing memories to last you a lifetime.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-10-06 15:24:012022-03-10 10:11:524 Tips For Celebrants When Working with Photographers
Now is a great time to book your wedding for late 2023 and 2024. If you are thinking of getting married, don’t delay your wedding plans any longer. To have a choice with popular venues, photographers and Celebrants…now is the right time. As a result of Covid19, wedding vendors are rapidly filling for 2024 and 2025.
If it’s time to book your wedding for 2024 and 2025, what’s next?
You need a plan!
Getting married is an exciting, wonderful time! However, without effective planning and coordination, it can be a stressful, overwhelming exercise. Developing your own Wedding Planning Checklist will make the planning process smoother. Think of your wedding as an important project.
Your planning needs to:
Identify how you want your wedding to look and feel before you book.
What you must have at your wedding? What’s the most important aspect of your wedding day? What do you want to remember most about your wedding day? Is there a wedding theme you want to reflect? Is it a traditional/classic wedding or elegant/contemporary or vintage or a romantic vineyard or rustic or on the beach or bohemian or just simple with no frills?
Identify a realistic budget prior to booking.
When it’s time to book your wedding for 2024/25, make sure you know the answers to to these questions. Who is funding the wedding? Do you understand the realistic costs of all the elements of your dream wedding? Are you aware you can save funds by considering dates, times that aren’t the highly in demand?
Identify the vendors you need .
Nowadays, venues, photographers and celebrants can be booked out years in advance. Consequently, booking these suppliers early is extremely wise.
Develop a timeframe.
A timeframe outlines the key steps and likely timings to make sure you enjoy your special day and create a celebration that you look back on with a smile on your face. It’s time to book your wedding for 2024 and 2025!
When it’s time to book your wedding, don’t re-invent the wheel. There are lots of free checklists available. Find a comprehensive wedding planning checklist to get a feel for things you need to do and when you should do them. You can download one here.
Here a few more reasons why it’s time to book your wedding for 2024 and 2025…
You can secure your preferred date and venue before they get booked by other couples. This is especially important if you want to get married on a popular or auspicious date.
Deals from vendors and suppliers, such as photographers, caterers, florists, and DJs. You may also be able to lock in the current prices and avoid future inflation or surcharges.
You can have more time to plan and prepare for your big day, without feeling rushed or stressed. You can also enjoy the anticipation and excitement of counting down to your wedding date.
You can give your guests more notice and time to arrange their travel and accommodation, especially if you are having a destination wedding or inviting people from overseas. You can also send out your save-the-dates and invitations earlier and get more RSVPs.
You can avoid potential conflicts or complications with other events or holidays that may affect your wedding plans, such as religious and cultural holidays, days of remembrance, major sporting events, or unlucky dates.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-08-03 09:35:592024-02-09 08:24:09It’s time to book your wedding for 2024 and 2025
How to develop a wedding checklist is a key challenge when getting married. Getting married is an exciting, wonderful time! However, without effective planning and coordination, it can be a stressful, overwhelming exercise.
Developing your own Wedding Planning Checklist will make the planning process smoother. Think of your wedding as an important project.
Your planning needs to:
Identify how you want your wedding to look and feel.
What you must have at your wedding? What’s the most important aspect of your wedding day? What do you want to remember most about your wedding day? Is there a wedding theme you want reflect? Is it a traditional/classic wedding or elegant/contemporary or vintage or a romantic vineyard or rustic or on the beach or bohemian or just simple with no frills?
Identify a realistic budget.
Who is funding the wedding? Do you understand the realistic costs of all the elements of your dream wedding? Are you aware you can save funds by considering dates, times that aren’t the highly in demand? Once you know what’s involved and what you want and how to develop a wedding checklist you are less likely to get yourself into financial challenges.
Identify the vendors you need.
Nowadays, venues, photographers and celebrants can be booked out years in advance. Consequently, booking these suppliers early is extremely wise. Easy Weddings and ABIA are 2 websites where you are likely to find trustworthy, professional wedding vendors in Australia.
Develop a timeframe.
A timeframe outlines the key steps and likely timings to make sure you enjoy your special day and create a celebration that you look back on with a smile on your face.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-04-23 14:11:212024-09-29 11:47:21How to Develop a Wedding Checklist
Whether you are planning a large or a small wedding, there is almost surely going to be some children among the attendees. While in the past, children may have been relegated to staying with a babysitter or were entertained by one of the adults while the event took place, more and more couples are tailoring their weddings to be more inclusive and enjoyable for all ages.
Preparing a kid-friendly wedding does not have to be difficult but it does take a bit of extra planning to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Fortunately, since kid-friendly weddings are becoming more common, there is ample advice out there to help you with the preparations. Sydney Marriage Celebrant Michael Janz shares some strategies to help you create a wedding plan that is memorable both for you and attendees of all ages.
Let’s look at some of the essential things that need to be considered when planning a kid-friendly wedding.
Get The Details ASAP
To plan for a kid-friendly wedding, it is important to know exactly how many children will be coming, and how old these children are. This is instrumental in deciding how much your wedding plans will need to be tweaked to accommodate the younger people. If there are many children on the guest list, for example, you will need to devote more time and budget for planning kids meals and activities.
Consider The Location
With a group of kids in the audience, it is important to pick a location that has some separate space for them to play. Even the most well-behaved kids will have difficulty in sitting through a long ceremony or bloviated speeches, indeed, this may be difficult for most adults. Be sure to have a separate room or separate outdoor area where kids can run around for a bit when they start to get restless.
Food For All
While wedding budgets are usually spent on providing top-tier food options for guests, catering to younger palates simply takes a bit of forethought. Including some finger foods, juice boxes, and non-messy desserts in your menu will allow everyone to be satisfied with the fare.
Activities For All
If planned well, your wedding can incorporate activities that will be fun for people of all ages. Outdoor weddings are great for this, as you can plan physical games or activities, for example, including larger things like an inflatable bouncy castle, without worrying about space limitations.
For younger children, you can be sure to have some age-appropriate activities on hand as well. Providing them with an activity pack with colouring materials or even craft supplies can work well. Blowing bubbles and board games are also an affordable way to keep younger attendees occupied.
Hire Babysitters
If there are a lot of children on the guest list and you want all adults in attendance to be able to enjoy the ceremony and reception, then hire a few babysitters, either from your social network or from a professional service, to look after the kids. While this will take a chunk out of your wedding budget, it will provide you with peace of mind and allow you to focus on yourself on the big day.
Make It Fun For All Ages
If you want children to be at your wedding, make sure that the ceremony and reception are enjoyable for them. A group of bored or unsatisfied children is a ticking time bomb at your wedding, so be sure to use the tips outlined here to start crafting a plan to keep them happy. With a bit of effort and planning, you will be able to create a wedding plan that is enjoyable for all ages.
Crafting your wedding vows is a beautiful way to add a personal touch to your wedding ceremony. It’s an opportunity to express your love, commitment, and promises to your partner in your own unique way. Whether you’re a bride, groom or friend helping couples prepare for their big day, these tips will make the process smoother and more meaningful. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your Marriage Celebrant too.
Why Write Your Own Wedding Vows?
Your wedding vows are a reflection of your relationship and the future you envision together. Writing your own vows allows you to:
Personalize your ceremony
Share intimate and heartfelt promises
Create lasting memories for you and your guests
Legal Requirements in Australia
Before you get started, it’s essential to know the legal requirements for wedding vows in Australia. Each person must recite a mandatory vow:
“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [Full Name], take you, [Full Name], to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/spouse.”
Now, let’s add some personal flair to those vows.
Preparing to Write Your Vows
Discuss with your partner – it’s important to be on the same page about the style and tone of your vows.
Set aside time for writing – give yourself enough time to reflect and write from the heart.
Consider the length – aim for one to two minutes worth of reading.
Think about what you want to include – share your love story, express your promises, or include inside jokes.
Take inspiration from examples online but make sure they still sound like you.
Ideas for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows
1. Share the Same Wedding Vows
One option is to write your vows together and recite the same words to each other during the ceremony. This can symbolize unity and shared commitment.
2. Write Individual Vows Together
If you prefer to have different vows, work on them together. Write individual vows for each other but share them in advance. This ensures that your vows are similar in length and tone.
3. Surprise Each Other with Your Vows
For a more spontaneous approach, write your vows separately and keep them a secret until the ceremony. This adds an element of surprise and can make the moment even more special.
Tips for Writing Heartfelt Wedding Vows
Reflect on Your Relationship: Think about what makes your relationship unique. Recall special moments, shared experiences, and the qualities you love most about your partner.
Be Sincere: Speak from the heart. Authenticity resonates more than elaborate language.
Include Promises: Vows often include promises. Think about what you want to promise your partner—whether it’s to support them through thick and thin or to always make them laugh.
Keep It Simple and Concise: While it’s important to be heartfelt, try to keep your vows between one and two minutes long. This keeps the ceremony flowing and maintains the attention of your guests.
Practice: Once you’ve written your vows, practice reading them aloud. This helps you feel more comfortable and ensures that your words flow naturally.
Final Thoughts
Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to writing your wedding vows. The most important thing is that they come from the heart. Your vows are a testament to your love and commitment, and they should reflect your unique relationship.
Discuss your ideas with your Marriage Celebrant to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day. And most importantly, enjoy the process of writing your vows—it’s a beautiful way to celebrate your love.
The format Deciding how to structure your wedding vows will give you a good jumping-off point. You don’t have to both have to write your own wedding vows in the same format but it does tend to help keep them consistent so that one person isn’t reciting something pages long while the other is done and dusted in two sentences.
[Vow-starter] The first time I saw you, I…
[Promise] I promise to be…
[Promise] I promise we’ll…
[Promise] I promise to love you…
[Vow-starter] You give me…
[Vow-starter] Together, we’ll spend our lives… Consider giving yourself a word count, say 200 words max. That way, you know you’ll both have vows similar in length. Whatever the format, if you both do the same, then you’ll be fine.
How Long Should My Vows be?
There’s no right or wrong length to wedding vows. It is suggested through it may be wise to reach an agreed approximate length with your partner. Remember its not a competition, it’s expressing what’s important from your heart.
As a guide most vows take between 45 seconds and around 2 minutes. From a word count perspective 2-minute-long vows would be around 260 words. The 2 example vows below will give a feel for vows that would take just over 2 minutes and just under. Allen’s vows below are 331 words in length whereas Anna’s vows are 236 words in length.
What could Personal Wedding Vows Look Like Here is an example of an actual Couple’s Personal Vows that were built from a common agreement on format and number of words. You can see they evolved slightly differently. These like many were kept a secret from their partner. Allan… I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, Allan Jeremy Smith, take you, Anna Elizabeth Jones, to be my lawful wedded wife. Anna, your ten-year free trial period expires today! Ten years has flown by and I can’t imagine life without you. You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter and my favourite travel companion. You’ve stood by me during some of the most difficult times in my life and there is no one that I would rather have by my side to take on whatever the future may bring. Everything that we have is a result of your hard work, determination, resilience and positivity. Everything that I am is a result of your love, support and encouragement. It struck me when I was writing this that although I know these promises to be true in my heart, I’ve never made them to you in so many words. I want to rectify that now in front of the people we love. 1. I promise to love you. Plain and simple. More than that, I promise to tell you and show you that I love you so that whatever else happens in our lives, you can always be sure of that. 2. I promise to laugh with you and to cry with you. To celebrate the highs and battle through the lows. 3. I promise to support and encourage you. To smile and give you a thumbs up when you catch a good wave and to be the loudest voice in the crowd when you make a try saving tackle. 4. I promise to try not to be so annoying and to want to do what you want me to do without you having to ask! 5. I promise to work on myself so that I can be the best husband that I can be to you and, if we’re blessed with children, the best father to our kids. I love you, Annie. I always have and I always will.
Anna… I call upon the persons here present to witness that I Anna Elizabeth Jones take you Allan Jeremy Smith to be my lawful wedded husband. It was 10 years ago today since we first met and I already knew on that day I felt something special with you, even if I didn’t show it. You are clever and fun and although you have the ability to drive me mad you also give me comfort and care. You fit into my family and they love you as much as I do. This wasn’t the day we had initially planned but I love you for supporting me through the roller coaster it has been and even ‘volunteering’ to plan this one. No matter where we are in the world I’ll always be at home with you. The most important part of the day is remembering all the commitments we have already made together over the years and the commitment we are making here today. I have a few promises to start our married lives together. 1. I promise that one day we will travel again and see more new places. 2. I promise to be more patient with your ‘half a job’ behaviours. 3. I promise to support you in the difficult times, stand by your side and work towards our dreams. 4. I promise to be faithful to you. 5. And I promise to love you unconditionally.
Thought-starting questions When writing your wedding vows, these thought starters will help with filling the gaps. You’ll find yourself coming up with some pretty good stuff that you can include or reference in the vows. What did you think when you first saw them? Was it love at first sight? At what moment did you know this person was the one you wanted to marry? Why? When did you realise you were in love? What are the little things they do for you that you appreciate? What are the little things you do for them that they appreciate? What do you want to work on in your relationship to make it even stronger? Tip: this can be serious – or not. What do you have now that you didn’t before? Tip: think head and heart, not material things. For example, ‘an appreciation for homemade pasta’ or ‘a newfound open-mindedness and acceptance of people, thanks to our time exploring the world’. What have they taught you? Tip: be serious and lighthearted too. For example, ‘You’ve taught me to stand up for the things I believe in. And you’ve taught me the many virtues of watching cricket. Actually, no, we’re still working on that’. Have you gone through adversity together? What did it mean to you to have them by your side? What inspires you about them? What do you respect most about them? What does marriage mean to you? What are you most looking forward to for your shared future? What goals and values do you both share? Tip: again, feel free to get playful. For example, you might share a mutual appreciation for a crisp craft beer to kick off a Saturday, or a Wednesday night Netflix-and-chill – but with actual Netflix. What do you miss most about them when they’re away? What’s your favourite thing about them? What’s the most annoying thing that they do? Where was your first date? How did it go? What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve had together? How about the most romantic moment? What special quirk do you love about them that no one else would realise? Have you traveled together? What did that teach you about them? Did you guys have a rocky start? Why, and what made you guys overcome it? Do they have a sporting team, band, clothing item or event they’re obsessed with? What have you experienced together that you never would have on your own?
That’s seriously the hard part done. Now that you’ve fleshed out some of your relationship history, highlight the answers that stand out to you as the most poignant, insightful, heartfelt and fun. You don’t need to do this immediately – return to it in a few days’ time and then review. Your favourite answers will stand out. These are the answers you want to take elements from to weave into your vows. Next step: agree on a format. The earlier one is a great start. Then, pick some promise starters and vow starters from below, or make up your own and write your own wedding vows.
Promise starters: I promise to give you… I promise to treat you… I promise to tell you… I promise to love you… I promise to respect you… I promise to laugh at… I promise to be… I promise to always encourage… I promise that we’ll…
Vow starters: I vow to… I’ll always… Together, we’ll… When you’re up, I’ll… When you’re down, I’ll… Our future will bring us… I will never let… You make me… You give me… Because of you, I see the world… We share… Life is better infinitely better with you in it because… I’m proud of… Your smile makes me… I admire… You’ve taught me… I look forward to… I’m crazy about… I value your… I can’t believe that… The first time I saw you, I… I realised I loved you when…
The decision whether you write your own vows is entirely your choice. Your Marriage Celebrant can help with the range of choices you have.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2020-01-26 09:43:202024-08-13 10:32:09Writing your own wedding vows
One’s wedding is most preferably the most important day in one’s life. And why wouldn’t it be, it’s the day when you promise to be together with someone you love. The day is witnessed by friends and family and is followed by a lot of celebrations.
As soon as the couple is engaged, they start making a thousand plans for their big day. Be it in terms of the clothes, the flowers, the cake or the significant venue. It’s extremely important that each of these details is looked upon at with equal clarity. These combine to make or break the stance of the whole ceremony. You wouldn’t want your big day to be remembered as the day when all hell broke loose. It could be because of the bad food or because of the unplanned execution at the event. Every couple tries to put in all the efforts before their wedding and dreams to have a stress free wedding day.
This is where the wedding venue comes into the picture. Unlike what most couples do, one should prioritize the venue for their wedding. The reason, you ask? Well, because it takes up the most significant chunk up money and it covers a lot of small and big aspects of the wedding. Things like the atmosphere and the service you get are all indirectly related to the venue you have selected. No guest would be able to enjoy the lovely food and excellently planned playlist when mosquitoes and bugs bite them at your outdoor wedding.
Here are 4 reasons why couples should pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue:
1. A venue goes a long way in setting up the ambience you have in mind:
You probably have a particular ambience or atmosphere that you have in mind for your wedding. This could possibly also be related to the theme you have selected for your wedding. This tells a lot about the story you share with your partner and also about your preferences and personality. This complete built up would be dependent on the venue you select for yourself. Imagine you have a vintage theme in mind. You have planned your flowering, the cake and your dresses accordingly. Do you think it could go well if the only venue available to you is an uptown retro bar? It may not be the right place unless you are willing to spend a lot of time and money into redoing the whole setup.
Instead, you can decide on booking a location in advance or probably decide on a backyard wedding within an old museum or something. This certainly allows you flexibility and gives a lot of space for creativity.
2. The right venue will allow you to have better food and entertainment arrangements:
You need to understand that not all locations can inculcate all of your top ideas. However, when planned well in advance, a venue can make sure that it incorporates the best elements of your plan. Some venues will only allow you to have their own caterers while others are flexible. You wouldn’t want to know at the last moment that the caterer comes with a lot of restrictions. It’s wise to ask the venue what their policies regarding food and drinks are. Some couples have plans for fireworks or pets in their wedding day celebrations. Check in advance if your venue allows these requests.
3. Planning a venue well in advance allows you to stay within your budget:
There must be many other couples who would have planned their wedding on the same day as yours. This makes it just obvious that there will be a lot of demand for the most popular venues around your city. It could be that Church your parents got married at or that resort with tropical vibes. Venues can hold a lot of emotional value to some couples. And why wouldn’t they, after all, your wedding happens once and it deserves to be the best. You don’t want to wait till the last moment and pay more for the same venue. This might put you off track from your budget too. This is why it’s wise to book your venue as soon as you have decided on a date.
4. Having the right venue keeps you at peace amidst all that wedding planning chaos:
Weddings, though beautiful, come with their fair amount of stress. There’s a guest list, a wedding dress, catering arrangements, the meeting with an experienced celebrant and so much more. All these tasks need equal attention and all at the very same time. It’s wise to have a wedding checklist and schedule your tasks according to the number of months left for the wedding. This might seem like a small task but goes a long way in keeping things organized. The sooner you tick off things off your list, the sooner you will be able to relax. Booking a venue in advance will save you a lot of stress and will cover a lot of other tasks on the list. A good venue would ensure that the ambience is set and your guests get the service they deserve.
Author Bio
Bronte Price is Australia’s First Certified civil celebrant in Melbourne. He stands strongly for marriage equality and takes immense pleasure in marrying any couples in love. He has also co-founded The Equality Network to help wedding suppliers create a better wedding experience for LGBTI couples. He is a regular volunteer newsreader at Joy 94.9, and a member of GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business and Enterprise). Beyond this you will find him either in his organic backyard vegetable garden or taking walks with his fiancée Clint and their four legged fur baby – Bingo.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/tori-wesley-3.jpg375563Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2019-06-10 10:08:512019-06-10 10:08:53Why should couples pay more attention to a perfect wedding venue?
When to book wedding suppliers is an important question for engaged couples. As a Sydney based Marriage Celebrant, I speak to many couples who disappointed their preferred wedding venue is booked out years in advance. 63 percent of weddings are held on Saturdays. Consequently, Saturdays book out quickly.
My best advice is once you are engaged, book your key wedding suppliers. Decide your preferred date/s. Then book your wedding venue, Marriage Celebrant and wedding photographer.
When should the rest of your wedding suppliers be booked? To help, my Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist can be downloaded free. This Wedding Checklist gives you a great idea of what suppliers you may need so you can book them in a timely manner. I am a full-time Brisbane based Marriage Celebrant and have developed this checklist based on feedback from couples I have married.
If you are looking for an electronic To Do List or App Easy Weddings offers some great free tools. A broad range of wedding professionals’ profiles can be found on their site.
When looking for your wedding suppliers it is wise to seek suppliers who focus on weddings. Be aware that many wedding suppliers are casual or part-time. This is certainly the case with Marriage Celebrants. A small proportion of the thousands of Celebrants are full time. Here are so useful tip when choosing a Marriage Celebrant.
Looking for a wedding venue in Sydney, NSW? Sydney wedding venues offer an amazing selection of beautiful places for ceremonies and wedding receptions. From fine-dining restaurants to 5 star hotels, waterfront cafe’s, function centres & parks, Sydney takes the gong for best choice of urban wedding venues in New South Wales.
Most professional wedding photographers work can be readily viewed on their websites, Facebook and Instagram pages. Looking for a wedding photographer in Sydney? The diversity of wedding photography Sydney has to offer is exceptionally rich, ranging from award winning wedding photographers with coveted international accolades to artists who capture beautiful wedding images in budget friendly packages.
https://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.png00Michael Janzhttps://www.michaeljanzcelebrant.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/MichaelJanzCelebrantLogo.pngMichael Janz2019-01-24 12:07:362024-09-19 09:45:05Wedding Suppliers … when should I book them?
