FAQ’s

Congratulations on your Engagement and thank you for taking the time to view my Website. I hope that you will find this information helpful when planning your most special day ~ your Wedding Day ~ a day that reflects your individuality while celebrating one of the most memorable days of your life.

To tell you a bit about my ceremonies, they are very welcoming, friendly and professional which will be reflected in the type of service that we prepare together. I will attend to all the legal documentation both before and after your Wedding and make sure that all legal requirements during your ceremony are met. Most importantly, it is your Wedding Day and I will conduct the type of service that you want and am happy to help you in any way I can and offer advice when needed.

I have available to all my couples a Wedding Guide full of useful information to help you choose a style that suits you. It is important that on your Wedding Day your Ceremony is just perfect for you both and reflects your personalities, beliefs and wishes. You are very welcome to include your own vows, special poems/verses or you may simply like to choose these from my Wedding Guide. We can also add in anything else that may be important to you such as a special dedication or children’s gift ceremony, rose ceremony, tea ceremony or butterfly release.

Your special day can be formal, traditional, casual, or something in-between ~ the choice is yours. On a beach, by a lake, in your own home, on the Harbour or at a Function Centre, there are so many possibilities with a Civil Ceremony and my commitment to you is to provide a professional and friendly service. Quality and excellence are very important to me and I will endeavour to make your Ceremony one which you will always remember.

Choosing the right Celebrant is a very important decision, so please feel free to contact me either by email or phone if you would like to have a chat.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Before your Wedding you will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage Form (NOIM) at least one month prior to your Wedding (I would suggest earlier rather than later to secure your date and time). It can also be lodged with me up to 18 months in advance of the Wedding (a Booking Fee is required at this stage ~ the balance of your Fee is due approximately two weeks prior to your wedding date when you will also sign a declaration stating that there is no legal impediment to your marriage).

The documents you need to supply are:

• If born in Australia ~ your Original Birth Certificate (If you need a copy please contact Births Deaths and Marriages in the State that you were born).
• If born abroad ~ your Original Birth Certificate or Overseas Passport.
• If either of you have been previously married then your Original Divorce Decree papers or Death Certificate of a previous spouse. (If you need a copy of your Divorce Paper please contact the Family Law Court in the State you were Divorced).
• Any documents in a foreign language must be translated into English and a Translation Certificate supplied.

You are required to have two witnesses who are both over the age of 18 present to sign the Marriage Register and Certificates.

• Complete and lodge all the legal paperwork with Births Deaths and Marriages.
• Help and advise you with your Ceremony.
• Solemnize your marriage according to Australian Law.

A Civil Ceremony usually takes about 20 minutes depending on the type of ceremony you choose. It’s your special day and should be everything you want it to be.

If you are on a budget and looking to have the simplest of ceremonies, then is package is perfect for you.

If this idea sounds appealing, just yourselves and your two witnesses, please contact Joye for availability.

All legal aspects of the ceremony and legal documents are fulfilled as per The Marriage Act 1961. Bookings Essential.

Whether your ceremony is small and intimate or a grand affair, you can be assured of receiving a professional and friendly service.

Please contact me as soon as you have decided on your Ceremony date, time and location so I can confirm my availability and supply you with a quotation.

Click HERE to contat Joye

• We will arrange to meet up for a chat about your plans.
• On acceptance of my services – Complete the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.
• One month before the Wedding – Please provide me with your ceremony selections.
• Two weeks before the Wedding – Sign remaining legal documentation and rehearse your
• On the Wedding Day – I will conduct your Ceremony according to Australian Law.
• After you are married – I will register your marriage and forward all documentation to Births Deaths and Marriages.

It is possible to shorten this minimum time if special circumstances set out in the regulations are met.

Firstly, you need to meet with me to fill out the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.

Secondly you will need to approach a prescribed authority for approval (your Local Court or Registry Officials) They are the only ones that can shorten the required period if they are satisfied that the circumstances prescribed in the regulations are met: These circumstances are:

1. Employment related or other travel commitments.
   2. Wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations.
   3. Medical reasons
   4. Legal proceedings.
   5. Error in giving notice.

The reason for seeking a shortening of time must fall within one of these categories and it is up to the prescribed authority to approve the application ~ it is not an automatic process.

If you require a Fiancé (Spouse) Visa Letter for Immigration purposes, I can supply this to you with NO ADDITIONAL FEE. This letter is written at the same time as the completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage Form.

Your Wedding can be anywhere you choose ~ at home, by the beach, at a restaurant, on the harbour or in a National Park. The options are limitless. I do however recommend you have a “Plan B” for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather.

Please be advised to check with the relevant Council for outdoor weddings with regard to permits, booking dates and fees to ensure you obtain the location of your choice.

Capricorn Coast:

Livingstone Shire Council

Online Services – Bookings parks and beaches are listed click check date and time (note booking number) go back to HOME page –  Customer Service Enquiries – Bookings and Property Searches select Bookings and follow prompts

Rockhampton Parks and Gardens:

Rockhampton Regional Council

Facilities and Recreation – Wedding / Commitment Ceremonies – gardens and parklands

• Entrance (Music can be played as you make your entrance)
• Welcome (To family and friends)
• Introduction (Sharing how you met or your journey so far as a couple or family)
• Reading (1st) (For a good balance to the ceremony two readings are recommended)
• Monitum (The legal part of the Ceremony which must be said by the Celebrant)
• Giving the Bride Away (You don’t have to be given away if you don’t want to)
• Asking (I will ask if you are willing to take one another as husband and wife)
• Vows (The marriage commitment)
• Exchange of Rings (There is no legal requirement to exchange rings – it’s your choice)
• Other Symbol (optional) (Such as Candle Ceremony, Blending of Sands, Rose Ceremony)
• Reading (2nd)
• Declaration and Kiss (Declaration of marriage)
• Signing of the Marriage Register & Certificates (Some more music is best played here while you sign the legal paperwork)
• Presentation of Newlyweds (This can include a blessing, reading, words of congratulations, or even a Butterfly Release or Dove Release. You will be presented with your Marriage Certificate and announced as Husband and Wife for the very first time).

• A little Vaseline or soap inside the rings help them slide on easily.
• Take things slowly – don’t rush – you want to remember everything!
• Council approval may be required for some locations.
• Have a large umbrella in the Wedding car in case of rain.
• Always have a back-up location in case of bad weather.
• Consider having chairs for older guests.
• Remember to breathe…relax…and above all….have fun.

The Beaches of the Capricorn Coast are a popular choice for many couples planning a more relaxed and easy-going, yet meaningful wedding. There are so many wonderful, picturesque locations to choose from and it takes a local to know the best locations.

From beautiful Byfield, Five Rocks, Bangalee, Farnborough through to Yeppoon, Cooee Bay, Lammermoor, Statue Bay, Kemp Beach, Mullumbin, Causeway, Kinka, Tanby Point, Fishermans Beach, Emu Park, Zilzie, Coorooman Creek and Keppel Sands there are so many beautiful locations to choose from and as your Celebrant I am able to help and advise you on what beach may best suit your requirements.

I am fortunate enough to live very close to many of these popular beaches and I would be happy to help you celebrate your wedding with a magical beach ceremony whether it’s on a headland overlooking the ocean, barefoot on the sand, or by the shore with your toes in the water.

From sunrise to sunset, a beach wedding is the ideal relaxed way to say ‘I Do’…… Let the ocean be the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Local Councils/Parks & Reserves

Livingstone Shire Council

1300 790 919

Rockhampton Regional Council

(07) 4932 9000

What lovely way to say “I LOVE YOU” after years of marriage. Renewal of Vows or Reaffirmation of Vows has become popular in recent years ~ from a one-year anniversary to fifty years of marriage. It can be anytime, and a beautiful way to express your love and commitment to your lifelong partner. Some couples who have been married overseas choose to celebrate their marriage by renewing their vows with their family and friends here in Australia.

A Name giving Ceremony is a personalised ceremony to welcome a child into your family and wider community. This ceremony is used when parents do not feel the need for a religious ritual.

You may choose to have this ceremony at any age and guardians will need to be chosen for your child. The guardians will also need to be involved in the ceremony and will make a commitment to always look after the best interests of your child.

Your child will receive a beautiful certificate to commemorate this day and you will also receive a beautifully presented copy of the ceremony. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Funerals play a huge role in the grieving process and losing a loved one is never easy, even if it was expected. It’s a way of celebrating and honouring the Life of someone close to you – a final Good bye.

As an experienced Funeral Celebrant, Joye will help to incorporate all the personal touches with care and kindness and create a service that is personal and respectful, one which embodies the character of your loved one.

Just as important as a Funeral and incorporating all the elements of a Final Goodbye.

There may come a time when you wish to plan your own service.   Joye is happy to sit down and chat about your expectations and to help you, and your family, arrange a fitting service.  Everyone is different and Joye will help fulfil your wishes.

Decide on a date.
Set your budget.
Book ceremony and celebrant.
Start on your guest list.
Select a wedding theme or style.
Arrange for your parents to meet if they haven’t done so yet.

Choose your bridal party.
Shop for your gown, and if you are lucky enough to find the perfect one – order it.
Choose bridal party’s attire.
Book photographer and or videographer.
Hire a florist.
Book musicians/DJ.
Select a caterer.
Enrol in a gift registry (optional).

Order wedding stationery.
Order cake.
Arrange wedding cars/ transportation.
Book hairdresser.
Book make-up artist.
Finalise guest list.
Book honeymoon
Decide on your MC.

Purchase your wedding rings.
Discuss details of menu with your caterer/venue.
Choose your ceremony music.
Buy thank you gifts for bridal party.
Select bonbonniere and favours for guests.
Book wedding night accommodation.

Mail out your invitations.
Do a hair and make-up trial.
Finalise seating plan for reception.
Write any toasts and speeches to be made.
Organise to pay the balance of fees and payments.
Book a rehearsal time with your venue and celebrant.
Get last minute items.

Pack for honeymoon.
Enjoy your day and Don’t Stress!!!!

Now enjoy every minute of this most wonderful day!!!
Everything will fall into place.

Notice of Intended Marriage Form
Click here

Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages QLD

Location of Australian Embassies Worldwide

Family Court of Australia
P: 1300 352 000

Relationship help and marriage counselling

All relationships are unique, with their own complex challenges. As a relationship evolves it is not uncommon for couples to feel overwhelmed when trying to balance a healthy relationship with everyday life.

As priorities change, such as personal interests, work, children, family and friends, a relationship may suffer from breakdowns in:

• communication or understanding
• physical intimacy or affection
• attention or interest
• care or respect.

The sooner a couple address these challenges, the easier it can be to:

• improve communication and problem solving skills
• deal with the impact of conflict or separation on children
• develop positive parenting strategies.

Where there has been a relationship separation, couples may also need help to:

• develop workable parenting arrangements after family separation
• understand the family law system and family separation issues.

There are support services including relationship and marriage counselling available to help couples to work through their issues to achieve long, healthy and rewarding relationships.

Find services and support

Getting help and advice can be a great way to tackle relationship issues before they become overwhelming.

Anyone can access help like:

• relationship and parenting skills workshops
• sexual health and advice services
• individual or couple counselling
• phone or online counselling
• emergency support
• family mediation.

While most phone services are free, face-to-face service costs vary. You should talk to the service provider about the costs they charge and whether or not you may be covered by Medicare.

You can access immediate support and advice by phoning:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

For information and advice about services in your area, try:

• Relationships Australia on 1300 364 277
• Family Relationship Advice Line on 1800 050 321
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
• Australian Psychological Society.
• Interrelate  on 1300 473 528
• Anglicare on 1300 769 814

Young couples can access information and advice about family relationships and care.

If a service is not what you are looking for, they can usually refer you to:

• family relationship centres and dispute resolution services
• alternatives for people unable to attend a family dispute resolution service
• other services to help with family relationship and family separation issues.

Related information

• Domestic and family violence
• Child psychological services
• Support for a health or social issue