IT'S IN THE FINE PRINT
The first and most important step after engaging your celebrant (me) is the completion of a Notice of Intent to Marry, or NOIM as we call it in the biz (sounds like gnome, or nom, or noym..moving on!).  
 
WHAT/ WHY / WHEN / WHERE AND HOW
 
What’s a NOIM? This document is issued by the Commonwealth of Australia and is part of the legal process in ensuring your marriage is legit! Its purpose is to capture all the information that a celebrant needs to complete your marriage certificate and is used by the Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages (BDM) to officially register your marriage.
 
The NOIM is valid for 18 months and be can be lodged with your celebrant as early as 18 months prior to the date or your ceremony and no less than one full month before.  I prefer to receive the original well in advance of the ceremony date.  It’s a legal and private document so I recommend sending by registered mail.  
 
The information required is fairly straight forward, but there are a few areas where people come unstuck.  Numbered 1-20, there is a list of instructions on the left side of the page, but having received hundreds of these, there are a few common errors that regularly occur.  Hopefully this will make it a bit clearer for you when it’s your turn!
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• CONJUGAL STATUS – that’s a weird way of asking whether you’re single, divorced or otherwise.  If you’ve never been married, the correct wording is NEVER VALIDLY MARRIED.  The Registry is pretty piccy about details, so be sure to use that phrase if this is your first time.

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• PLACE OF BIRTH – sometimes I get a whole list of information in response to this.  Keep it simple, whatever it says on your Passport for example, or Birth Certificate is all you need i.e. Subiaco, Western Australia.

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• TOTAL PERIOD OF RESIDENCE IN AUSTRALIA – only complete this section if you were born in another country.  Otherwise, leave it blank.

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• MOTHER’S MAIDEN NAME IN FULL – If you’re not sure what a maiden name is, it’s the surname you were born with, before marriage.  Please insert your mums full name, not just the surname i.e. Mary Elizabeth SMITH.

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• FATHER/MOTHER COUNTRY OF BIRTH – Only insert the country name i.e. Australia.  A note for international clients.  The registry no longer accepts the United Kingdom as place of birth.  You need to be specific i.e. England, Scotland, Wales etc. ITEMS 15-20 relate to previous marriages. Unless this applies to you, leave it blank.

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• SIGNATURES – don’t sign your NOIM until it’s been checked by your Celebrant (me again) and you’re sitting in front of an approved witness.  The list of eligible witnesses is on Page 4 of the NOIM.   

 
I hope you’ll find this information useful.  If you have ny questions, please feel welcome to contact me via my website.  I look forward to hearing from you.

With the development of new technology, the way in which we photograph and document our weddings is constantly changing.
 
The new kid on the block is the DRONE and while this can provide some stunning imagery, there are a lot of things to consider before asking your 12 year old nephew to fly your wedding!
 
There are a lot of laws governing the use of drones, particularly relevant to public open space, national parks, flying over beaches, crowds and populated areas.  I believe that it’s not only the responsibility of the pilot, but also the celebrant to know the rules governing their use.
 
CASA is the governing body for all things ‘aerial’ in Australia. Familiarise yourselves with the rules, know what licences and permits are required and know the flight restrictions in your area.  This link will take you to everything you need to know  https://www.casa.gov.au/aircraft/landing-page/flying-drones-australia
 

One of the loveliest things about living in a small community are the relationships that evolve from working closely together.  Friendships blossom and collaborations are born from planting a single seed.  Such is the case with the launch of Elope to Ningaloo.  

With the creative flair of Jess from Salt and Sand Event Hire and photographic expertise of Vee and Cat from Blue Media Weddings, I am teaming up with these wonderful women to offer a new Elopement Package for intimate weddings in Exmouth.

On the white sandy shores of Turquoise Bay, Elope to Ningaloo will create a stunning beachside theme, beautifully photographed and presented in a private online photo gallery.  I will work with you to craft a personalised ceremony and ensure that all the legalities are taken care of before and after your wedding.  

With a choice of bridal bouquets, an additional location for your photographs, a celebratory bottle of fine champagne and seasonal tasty treats..let the team from Elope to Ningaloo create the perfect intimate wedding celebration for you.

For details you can contact us at elopetoningaloo@gmail.com or contact me via the this website.