Weddings
You said Yes!
Congratulations! Welcome to the beginning of your marriage story! I’m Karen Thompson, your Civil Marriage Celebrant based on the Gold Coast. I’m here to help you make tying the knot easy, fun and exactly how you dreamed it would be. I’m excited to get to know your unique love story and be a part your celebration to honour the connection that intertwines your Yesterday, Today, Forever.
My expertise is in creating authentic and tailored civil ceremonies, celebrating the special qualities of your relationship and everything that has lead you to this point in your lives, held around Queensland’s beautiful Gold Coast (and surrounding areas). Whether you want a simple ceremony or something truly unique and special, every ceremony I perform is both personal and original – for no two love stories are the same! I offer an obligation free face-to face or online meeting, because I’m sure you have a lot of questions, here is a good place to start:
You've set the date! What's next?
So, you’ve set the date – that’s so exciting, the hard part is out of the way!
Let’s connect and get to know each other so I can get a vision of your dream ceremony and you can get a feel for how I fit in with it. Once you confirm you’d like to book me, I’ll send you an invoice and a client service agreement (CSA), then you’ll need to pay a 50% booking fee and send me the signed CSA.
Please note that your booking date is not secured until I receive the booking fee and the signed agreement. Final payment is due 2 weeks before the wedding (or at the time of booking if the ceremony is less than 6 weeks away).
Gather Your Documents
It’s time to gather your documents which are required to get married in Australia.
The following documents must be produced before a marriage can take place. If needed, please allow adequate time to acquire them.
- Complete and lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage form (NOIM); I will email this to you. This can be lodged with me as early as 18 months, or a minimum of 1 month prior to the date of the wedding. This document will stay with me until after the ceremony.
- Proof of current address
- Proof of identification
- Birth certificate or extract that states the date and place of birth (must be the original, no photocopies).
- Photo ID – Drivers Licence, Australian or Overseas Passport.
- If you do not have these documents, don’t stress, there are other options I can talk you through.
- If either party has been previously married; an original Divorce Certificate or in the case of a deceased spouse, an original Death Certificate. Note: You cannot marry unless you have your final Divorce Certificate.
What if my identification documents are not in English?
If any of your documents are not in English, you would be required to have then translated by a NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) accredited translator.
I am visiting from overseas, what do I need to do to get married?
For the best advice, please click the link:
https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/marriage/get-married
Can I change my name after the wedding ceremony?
I will provide you a Marriage Certificate on your wedding day, that is a ceremonial certificate that confirms you are legally married but cannot be used to change your name.
To change your name, I can apply for this on your behalf whilst I am sending your documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) for registration, an invoice will be emailed to you for payment. Or, you can apply for a standard marriage certificate with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state you were married.
Note: In Australia, it is not a legal requirement for anybody to change their name after marriage.
What if I want to marry in a registry office?
The Gold Coast does not have a registry office but you can marry at the Brisbane Registry office.
I hope this has answered most of your questions regarding your special day. Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss anything further in detail.
Price Packages
Now you know the basics, here are some price options:
$395
- Bride and Groom, 2 witnesses and myself it’s that easy !
- You only need to say the legally required sentences, then sign paperwork in the presence of 2 witnesses which I can provide if needed.
- Keepsake Commemorative Marriage Certificate
- This package ensures that you are legally married in Australia before heading overseas for your destination wedding, or if you are just looking to keep it all about yourselves
- We can do this wherever you choose, your favourite park, beach or even at my home. Guest numbers restricted to the couple and 2 witnesses
- No charge within 50km of 4218 (my home!)
- Public Holiday prices vary
$695
- One pre Wedding meeting either in person or we can chat on Zoom, Skype or TeamViewer
- I will work with you both to understand what is important to you, so I can create your Ceremony that is truly heartfelt, personalised and meaningful.
- Keepsake Commemorative Marriage Certificate
- Maximum 25 people
- No charge within 50km of 4218 (my home!)
- Travel costs apply outside of 50km area, more than happy to discuss upon enquiry/booking
- Public Holiday prices vary
$895
- Private initial meet up and second one if required or we can have an online meeting
- I’ll ask you to answer “A little about you both” questionnaire which allows me to craft vows that are authentic, heartfelt and truly represent your love for one another
- A draft will be sent until you are perfectly happy with it, the end result is your unique personalised ceremony that truly celebrates your love story
- Unlimited phone and email support in the planning and lead up to your ceremony
- Access to my extensive portfolio of Vows, Readings and Poems
- Assistance, if needed, to write your own Vows and/or selecting poems or rituals
- A full rehearsal at a time and date suitable for all parties
- Travel costs apply outside of 50km area, more than happy to discuss upon enquiry/booking
- Public Holiday prices vary