Marriage & name change

If you are going to change your name on getting married, you may find it helpful to use a Change of Name kit.

Such kits usually include all the official forms you might need, and step by step instructions, for changing your drivers licence, registration, passport, bank accounts, electoral enrolment, Medicare, private health funds, superannuation, insurance policies, memberships, store accounts, and more!

I've just done a quick search on Google and come up with some sites that may be useful, (in no particular order):

• Name Change Kits from Newlywed

• Smart Bride Name Change Kit from The Smart Bride

• Marriage Name Change Kit from After the Wedding

There are other sites out there offering a similar service - just be mindful that you select a kit that applies to the country/state you live in.

The above is an update of an article originally published on 29-Sept-2007.

14-carat gold wedding rings by Jeff Belmonte from Cuiabá, Brazil

Marriage - What does it mean to you?

Do you have strong feelings or thoughts on the topic of Marriage and Weddings?  If so, Relationships Australia (SA) is inviting you to share them.

The South Australian branch of Relationships Australia wants to learn more about people's attitudes to weddings, marriage, and divorce ... and they're hoping you'll share your thoughts with them.

Survey results will inform the organisation's practice and assist with planning its education and counselling programmes.

If you're interested in participating in the 5 minute survey, click here. 

Wedding trends? Really?

I loved reading Pip Doyle's article on Daily Life commenting on six new wedding ideas or trends that may be big in 2014. The ideas were originally proposed by Simone Hill in her post on The Knot.

I read Simone's post first and my reactions were as follows:
1. What the? - Living table numbers
2. OMG, that doesn't look too safe! - Suspended wedding cakes
3. Mmm, nice. - Multiple engagement rings
4. Like that, the colours look beautiful! - Prickly centrepieces
5. Where are the chairs for the oldies? - Picnic-style receptions
6. You've got to be kidding! - Pretty phone charging stations

Then I read Pip's commentary and laughed out loud. Her very down-to-earth style and spot-on thoughts highlight the inanity of some of these potential 'trends'.

For the life of me, I can't see why any bride or groom who is dreaming of a unique, personal, individual ceremony and reception would blindly follow trends. Why follow the crowd? Is that original? Or unique? Does it really speak to the life and personality of the bridal couple? I don't think so.

Should we follow trends? by CALLit-ringo

Celebrants Online welcomes ...

Marriage Celebrants Leah Phillips, CMC and Alannah Sheridan, CMC.


Based on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, Leah is a Marriage Celebrant for areas including Colac, Geelong, Ballarat, Warrnambool and Melbourne's Western Suburbs.

On her website, Leah describes herself as 'a very friendly, easy going, caring and young professional celebrant'. She is totally committed to helping you with your celebration, be it a Wedding, Naming, Commitment or other ceremony.

For further information about Leah, visit her Celebrants Online profile.



Alannah Sheridan, CMC is a Melbourne Marriage Celebrant based in North Fitzroy. She travels across Melbourne celebrating Marriages and other ceremonies.

As your Celebrant, Alannah aims to inspire, guide and support you as you prepare and celebrate your special occasion.

To find out more about Alannah, visit her Celebrants Online profile today.

Your Marriage Certificate

You, your Marriage Celebrant and witnesses will all sign 3 Marriage certificates on your wedding day:

1. Form 16 - the official Certificate of Marriage that is sent to the relevant BDM
2. the Certificate of Marriage that is kept by the authorised Marriage Celebrant
3. Form 15 - the Certificate of Marriage that is given to the bride and groom

The Form 15 Marriage Certificate has a variety of in-built security features, including special inks and a unique number. Although not an official identity document it can be used as evidence that a couple is married. This certificate is NOT able to be replaced if lost, so keep it in a safe place.

You can see a sample copy of the certificate here.

Remember that the Certificate you receive is evidence of your change in marital status. it is not a proof of identity document and, in some cases, will not be accepted as such.

Further information about Certificates of Marriage can be found in Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants.

The above is a revision of an article originally posted on 20-Sep-2007.

Certificate of Marriage - Civil Ceremonies - Sample Copy

 

Notice of Intended Marriage - NOIM

Your Marriage Celebrant can assist you in filling out the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) form. Completing this form is part of the legal requirements of getting married in Australia.

You need to give this completed form to the Marriage Celebrant who will conduct your wedding. This can be done up to 18 months before your wedding and at least one month before the ceremony. The information included on the form is used by the Registrar of Marriages to register your marriage. Non-identifying information on the form is also used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics when it generates statistics on marriage and family life in Australia.

The Marriage Celebrant must sight official evidence of the date & place of birth of both the bride & groom. There is a section on the form where the Marriage Celebrant indicates they have sighted your official identification documentation or a statutory declaration.

The form has 4 pages and can be completed online and printed out to be witnessed and signed by the Marriage Celebrant or an authorised witness.

Your Marriage Celebrant will have a copy of this form to give you, but you can also follow the link above to download a pdf copy from the website of the Attorney-General.

The above is a revision of an article originally posted on 19-Sep-2007.

Front page of the Notice of Intended Marriage form

Marriage Celebrant Code of Practice

Did you know that Marriage Celebrants have a recognised Code of Practice under which they operate?

The Code is a 3-page document with 6 sections covering:

1. To whom the Code applies
2. High service standard expectations
3. Recognition of the significance of Marriage
4. Compliance with the Marriage Act and related laws
5. General requirements of Marriage Celebrants
6. Knowledge & understanding of Family Relationships Services

 This Code outlines the expected behaviour, community standing and appropriate practice of the Marriage Celebrant in relation to conducting your Marriage Ceremony.

Your Marriage Celebrant will give you a copy of the Code of Practice. This ensures that you are aware of the level of service you can expect from your Celebrant.

The above is a revision of an article originally posted on 18-Sep-2007.

Pg. 1 of the Marriage Celebrant Code of Practice