To get an idea as to the structure of the marriage ceremony, the following is a basic ceremony script which will provide some guidance of what steps are involved in a wedding.

Processional
The Bridesmaids enter, followed by the Bride with the person who is giving her away. Music of your choice or one provided by the Celebrant is played.

The Welcoming
Celebrant introduces himself and explains the value of marriage and the couple's commitment to each other.

Giving Away
Celebrant will ask who declares to give away the Bride to the Groom. Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, other family or friend can declare to give away the Bride.

Introduction
An option for the Celebrant to speak about the couple's commitments or how they met, their reasons for being married, etc.

Monitum / Legal
An extract of the Marriage Act 1961 to legally bind the marriage as official in accordance with Australian law. This must be quoted by the Celebrant as part of the ceremony.

The Asking
The Celebrant will ask the Bride and Groom if they are willing to commit to each other as a lawfully wedded couple.

Vows
The Bride and Groom will state their promises to each other as per their own words or one created by the Celebrant.

Ring Ceremony
The rings are exchanged by the Bride and Groom and the Celebrant declares the rings as a symbol of their lives as a united couple.

The Declaration
The Celebrant confirms the couple's commitments and declares them as husband and wife.

Signing of Register
The couple and two witnesses sign the Marriage Register and the Certificate of Marriage. Music is played during the signing.

Congratulation and Presentation to Family and Friends
The Celebrant presents the couple to their family and friends as legally married.

Recessional
The couple leave the ceremony area, followed by the bridal party, generally to some music.
The Order of Ceremony can be arranged to your liking or add a poem or ritual in between. It's your wedding and should be conducted according to your plans. Ceremonies would usually take 20 to 30 minutes.

YOUR VOWS

I encourage couples to write their own vows to show their views on marriage and their commitment to each other. Being lost for words is regular, so I can assist you by asking some questions to get to know you as a couple and then provide some samples based on your answers for your consideration to create your personal vows.