Despite all the dos and don’ts on the previous pages, the Marriage Act and Regulations make it clear that your wedding day is all about YOU – the bride and groom.  Subject to the following requirements, by law a civil ceremony is to be written reflect to YOUR wishes.

The ‘Monitum’ - Section 46 (1) Marriage Act 1961

The Marriage Act requires the following statement, know as the “Monitum”, to be said prior to the marriage vows:

“I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriage according to law.

“Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

“Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”

Minor specified amendments may be made (eg “solemn” to “serious” or “formal”)

Upon receipt of the NOIM the celebrant is to give each couple a copy of a pamphlet entitled “Happily Ever ….. Before and After”, together with information on a range of family relationships available in the local community. This is for information only. There is no obligation for a couple to attended any courses. 

The celebrant is to display or give to the each couple a copy of the Civil Marriage Celebrant Code of Practice.

The celebrant is to provide information on what to do if you have any concerns about your marriage celebrant.

If one or more of the parties and/or witnesses cannot speak or understand English fluently, you will need to provide an accepted interpreter.    

(Refer: National Accreditation for Translators   Phone: 1300 557 470   www.naati.com.au)

NOTE: A marriage “is void where the consent of either of the parties was not real consent because … that party was mentally incapable of understanding the nature and effect of the marriage ceremony.”  (Refer S22 23 (1) of the Marriage Act 1961).

The main reasons are likely to be ill-health, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescription or recreational).  If in the opinion of the celebrant there is any doubt about a party’s ability to give real consent during the ceremony, the ceremony must stop immediately.

(Have your Buck’s / Hen’s night several days prior to the wedding day, and resist the offers of “just one drink” on the morning with Dad, then the bridegroom, followed by the groomsman, your neighbour etc etc. They all add up! Avoid disappointment, embarrassment and wrath. Wait until the reception, please!)

Ceremony Requirements  

To contact me:

 

 

 

Peter G P Hooper AMC CPC

Certified Practicing Celebrant

 

Phone:  03 9772 2326

Mobile:   0419 315 933

Email:  peterh@affordablecelebrant.com.au