Top Questions We’re Asked As Marriage Celebrants
As marriage celebrants, we get to meet couples at one of the most exciting times in their lives - and naturally, there are lots of questions! Planning a wedding comes with a lot of excitement and we’re often one of the first people couples speak to about shaping their dream wedding ceremony,
Whether it’s about legal paperwork, personal vows, what marriage celebrants do, or what actually happens on the day, here are the top 10 questions we’re asked (and love answering)
How long does a wedding ceremony usually go for?
Most wedding ceremonies typically go for 20–30 minutes, however, it truly depends on what you include. Some couples want something short and sweet, while others want a longer, more detailed ceremony with all the inclusions. Personal vows, readings, rituals and guest involvement can add time.
But it’s not always about the clock - It’s about crafting your dream wedding ceremony. This is why it’s so important to choose the right celebrant for you. Your celebrant will make sure your ceremony suits your style and story, and that your guests are engaged, relaxed and full of energy. And if you choose a We Do celebrant, either Marissa or Gabrielle, we’ll make sure your entire ceremony flows beautifully and feels perfect for you.
What does a marriage celebrant do?
Many couples are surprised to learn just how involved and supportive we are throughout the entire wedding journey. Because this deserves its own blog post, check out our post on ‘What Does A Marriage Celebrant Do?”. But to keep it very simple, here’s a snapshot of what we do.
Legal guidance, including the completion and submission of all legal documents - ceremony creation - support and resources - coordination and execution of your weddning ceremony - post wedding support for your official marriage certificate and change of name.
What signature do I use to sign my Marriage Certificate?
You actually use your current signature - the same one you’ve been using on all legal documents (e.g. driver’s licence, passport, bank cards, ID). It’s important that the signature on your Marriage Certificate matches your all other documentation, as your Marriage Certificate is a legal document. If you’re planning to change your name, that comes after the ceremony but we’ll guide you through that. You just sign as your current name, and we’ll help with what comes next and the process of updating your name on official documents.
How do I change my name after the wedding?
We’ve got you covered! After your ceremony, we’ll send you our Name Change Guide with step-by-step instructions, as well as all the information you need to change your name. If you’re changing to your partner’s surname, this isn’t considered a legal name change - you’re simply assuming a new surname after marriage. It’s a matter of receiving your Official Marriage Certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM), and contacting all relevant organisations to update your name. We also have a list on relevant organisations to contact - you’re welcome!
Do we get a Marriage Certificate on the day?
On your wedding day you’ll actually sign 3 certificates. One is lodged to BDM, one is kept by the celebrant (legally required) and one is yours to keep. The one you keep is a Form 15 Certificate of Marriage, which is a beautiful Ceremonial Certificate that proves you’re married. It’s perfect for personal records and keepsakes, but not valid for official or legal purposes.
To get your Official Marriage Certificate, you need to apply through BDM after your ceremony who will then issue you with an official document. This is the official certificate you’ll need if you’re planning to change your name and update legal documents. Again, we have a guide just for this - our ‘Applying For Your Official Marriage Certificate’ Guide.
Can we have a rehearsal before the wedding?
Absolutely. We offer all our couples a meeting (usually 4 weeks before their wedding) to run through the ceremony. This is a really important step to confirm final details, run through the ceremony structure, and make sure everyone feels prepared and confident for the day.
More and more couples are choosing to have their rehearsal via video call, as it’s often the easiest and most effective option. Coordinating venue availability, vendors, and guests can be tricky, so a virtual rehearsal allows us to connect, walk through the ceremony, and answer any last-minute questions in such a simple and accessible way.
Whether in person or online, we’ll always recommend a rehearsal.
Still have a burning question?
We know that planning a wedding can come with a lot of questions - but we’d love to answer them for you.
Whether you're curious about the legal side of things, wondering how to write your vows, or just want to chat about how to make your ceremony feel completely you, we're here to help. No question is too small, and no idea is too big.
Feel free to reach out for a relaxed, no-pressure chat with us (Gabrielle or Marissa). We’re here to guide you, support you, and help bring your dream wedding ceremony to life. 🤍