Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions2020-02-26T16:20:39+11:00
Happily Ever… Before and After2016-04-10T13:13:44+10:00

The law requires marrying couples be provided with this brochure. It will be emailed to you when you make a booking but you may like to take a look beforehand.

Click here to view Happily Ever… Before and After.

Can we have input into the ceremony content?2020-02-11T10:44:44+11:00

You will be provided with a choice of ceremony options. The law requires that we do and say certain things… we do encourage you to include your own personal vows and ring vows to be said to each other if you wish, this really personalises your ceremony. We just require them to be emailed to us prior so we can include, these can be read from a card you have prepared, repeat after the celebrant or spoken directly from the heart.
I have included a sample ceremony here.

What if it is raining on the day?2017-09-19T20:31:29+10:00

In the event of inclement weather all venues have undercover options (except for the Village Green at Westbury).

What happens if I have paid and no longer want to get married?2016-04-05T21:39:18+10:00

Your fee is non-refundable if you change your mind but is transferable if you wish to make another booking within six months.

Will there be a rehearsal?2020-02-11T10:44:44+11:00

We can arrange a rehearsal at a time suitable to both parties, however it is not included in the fee.

What locations do you perform ceremonies in?2020-02-26T16:27:43+11:00

In our office or the gardens located at Colonial Launceston, 31 Elizabeth Street, Launceston.

We also offer ceremonies in Launceston City Park, the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine and the Westbury Village Green.

See the Venues page for more information on guest numbers.

When do you perform ceremonies?2020-02-26T16:29:10+11:00

The office is only open for ceremonies.

We only take bookings up to 6 months in advance, if you want to get married more than 6 months in advance you’ll need to wait to make your booking.

What about disabled access?2019-08-31T13:15:58+10:00

Please contact us by email to discuss your requirements, we can advise which venue would suit your needs best. The office at the Colonial Hotel has a steep flight of stairs.

Will you do the ceremony in the Colonial gardens?2014-10-21T16:13:03+11:00

Yes, there is a small garden in the front of the Colonial, and weather permitting we can conduct the ceremony outside.

What do I get after the ceremony?2018-04-15T16:12:00+10:00

You will receive a copy of the ceremony and the decorative marriage certificate. The decorative marriage certificate is a legal document and can not be replaced.

How do I change my name?2020-02-11T10:44:44+11:00

Changing your surname to your partner’s surname after marriage is a custom, not law in Australia. You may choose to leave your name the same, so I do not cover the cost of this in my fee. You can simply just start using your partner’s last name but you may come up against a few legal issues in the future. It is recognised that if a person has been using a name for an extended period of time that it will become what is called a “common usage name” and may be accepted by some authorities. Most people change their name legally to avoid any future problems and for the purpose of changing their name on their drivers licence, bank, medicare and passport.

You will be presented with a decorative marriage certificate, this is a legal document that cannot be replaced but it does not have enough information to legally change your name.

To change your name you will need an Official Marriage Certificate from the Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state you were married (Tasmania). You can do this online, you are applying for an “Application for Search Marriage-Tasmania”.

You will need appropriate identity documents listed on the application and pay the fee, once you have the official marriage certificate you can then take that and apply to have your name changed on drivers licence, banks etc.

See www.justice.tas.gov.au.

How many people can I have?2020-02-26T16:30:29+11:00

Simple Marriage Ceremonies Tasmania offers registry style ceremonies with strictly limited numbers, even in the parks and gardens the number of people is capped as a reflection of the service we offer for the fee paid.

The heritage listed Colonial Hotel, Launceston in our private office with a maximum of 12 people (includes celebrant, couple, two witnesses over 18, photographers and children).

Launceston City Park (maximum 12 people), the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine (maximum 12 people) or the Village Green in Westbury (maximum 12 people).

Note: These numbers must be strictly adhered to, if you have more people that you wish to invite to your ceremony then unfortunately our service is not for you. We can however suggest other celebrants that may be able to accommodate.

Do I need to bring witnesses?2018-04-15T16:33:17+10:00

Yes. You will need to bring two witnesses with you. They can be anyone as long as they are over 18 years old. Please contact us if you are coming on your own as we can provide witnesses. Couples usually just give them a bottle of Tasmanian wine each for their time as a thank you.

Does payment need to be made at time of booking?2014-10-29T13:30:55+11:00

Yes. Full payment needs to be made at time of booking and this payment is non-refundable. If you get the paperwork in late and miss the date you can reschedule for a later one at no extra cost.

Can I make a booking over the phone?2014-10-21T16:04:55+11:00

No, however you can contact me by email. To keep costs down Simple Marriage Ceremonies Tasmania has set up an online booking system and email contact, if you wish to give us your phone number we can call you.

What does your office look like? Is it sterile and unfriendly?2020-02-11T10:44:44+11:00

No, not at all. It is very warm and intimate, we have a beautiful white arch as a background, a lovely ornate signing table and seating for witnesses

Complaints2016-04-10T13:13:41+10:00

If you have not been happy with our service you may like to make a complaint in writing to the Attorney General’s Department.

Complaint against a Marriage Celebrant