Some couples prefer to have their marriage ceremony take place with only themselves, their witnesses, and a registered celebrant in attendance.

This can happen in several ways…you could go to a Registry Office, stand in a queue and then experience a ceremony that has:

• no personalisation (everyone gets the same minimal words)
• no opportunity to acknowledge and include witnesses and guests in the ceremony
• little warmth, friendliness, interest or support (as you’re unlikely to have met the celebrant beforehand)
• no rehearsal, which means you’re more likely to be nervous and unsure about what’s happening and when
• more expense and trouble (petrol costs to get there plus premium city parking costs – if you can actually find somewhere to park!)

No-Fuss Private Weddings and Elopements

• both reflects and respects the reasons you have chosen a small, private ceremony
• you’ll feel comfortable and confident about as we will have the opportunity to build a rapport and get to know each other a little
• can be conducted in your home, in a chosen venue or in my home/office
• you have had a choice of vows which is very important as the exchange of vows is when your marriage takes place!
• meets all legal requirements.

• the ceremony is not held at peak times such as Saturday afternoon
• the ceremony is in or very close to Ballarat
• the number of people present is limited to ten guests including the witnesses

• completion of the required Notice of Intended Marriage document which I supply.  (To complete this document, I am legally required to see the original copies of your Birth Certificates if you were born in Australia or a foreign passport if you were born overseas.  If you have been previously married, then I must also see an original Certificate of Divorce or Death.  I am required to see these documents before the ceremony takes place).
• making your choice of vows and the asking
• a run-through of the ceremony
• the payment of the total fee with a comprehensive invoice and receipt provided.

Chris and I wanted a small, casual, no fuss simple wedding. Julie was happy to do this for us.  We chose a Wednesday afternoon with the ceremony at Julie's home.  Julie even supplied the witnesses for us.  During our ceremony that took about 15 minutes, Julie put us at ease and afterwards, we had a few laughs and a chat with our witnesses who were a lovely couple.

Chris and I decided to get married this way because we have been together for so long and have two wonderful little boys.  We would both have felt out of place with our family and friends watching us. As Julie said "you are the ones getting m arried, you have to be the ones who are happy.

If we had done what others wanted, it would have been a big wedding with things we didn't want or like, and guests we haven't seen for years. Getting married the way we did was less stressful and more enjoyable for Chris and myself. I have had a few friends come up and tell me that they would like to get married this way too, so I always recommend Julie to them.

Chris and I would like to thank Julie again for making our day just that… "our day." - Chris and Jodie