About
MEET CAROL-elizabeth
“I'm an authorised marriage celebrant who loves LOVE, and how diverse it is.”
We all have our own story about how it began and the journey towards 'I do'. My ceremonies capture those moments and celebrate who you are as individuals and as a couple in a sincere, fun and memorable retelling of your story.
I am a good listener, organised, professional, and accommodating to your unique needs and preferences; I will be on hand to guide you through every step of the way. Being invited into your lives and entrusted with such an important and very rewarding responsibility is not something I take for granted. Your wedding day is such a special day, it should be full of joy, laughter and lots of love.
Services
My Offer To You
I'm an authorised celebrant based in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. I'm friendly, down-to-earth and all-in for whatever you want your day to be. I like to stand out from the crowd, so with me as your celebrant you will receive:
A personalised ceremony that you and your guests will enjoy.
Stress-free guidance through the whole process - especially all the legal paperwork.
Flexibility to work around your busy schedule with evening and weekend appointments.
Obligation-free meeting to discuss your dream ceremony.
I'm an experienced public speaker, so you can be assured your ceremony will be conducted professionally.
Ceremonies
Weddings, Elopements, Vow Renewals
“First of all, congratulations - I am so glad that you and your partner have found each other.”
A wedding, elopement or vow renewal is an opportunity to share your own beautiful version of love with each other and those who mean the very most to you. Whether your words are heard by hundreds of guests, a close few or just you, me and two witnesses, your ceremony shouldn't be the overlooked or rushed part of the day - it should be the celebration of all that you are together. I like to work with all sexual orientations and gender identities - this is a safe space for you.
Together we can create something wonderful - for a wedding and elopement, there are only a few legal words that must be said, so the rest is up to you. You are welcome to include songs, readings, poetry, ritual and blessings. I listen to your ideas about what YOU want and how you want it to feel, then craft something that tells your story, your way. There will be moments that might bring tears (of joy and happiness!) and light-hearted moments of fun and laughter.
For a vow renewal, there are no legal rules so 'anything goes'! You can reconfirm your commitment to one another and celebrate your marriage in any way you choose.
I like to create weddings, elopements and vow renewals that are heartfelt, meaningful, fun and tailor-made so you can be yourselves and enjoy your ceremony... it's where the celebrations begin.
“"LOVE IS THE BRIDGE BETWEEN YOU AND EVERYTHING"
- Rumi
Naming Ceremony
Baby Naming
“As a mother and grandmother, I particularly enjoy these happy occasions.”
How incredible is it to bring new life into this world - hearts expand and families are transformed. These are very exciting times when you might want to bring your closest friends and family together to welcome a new addition.
A naming ceremony is a joyful occasion that can take any format that you choose - a simple welcome to the world, setting intentions for the future, a formal naming of your child, or a blessing for your baby and family.
Any ceremony we create together will be given all the personal attention it deserves and will be written especially for you.
"FOR ALL THE THINGS MY HANDS HAVE HELD, THE BEST SO FAR IS YOU"
From 'Cecilia and the Satellite' by Andrew McMahon
Celebrate with Carol-Elizabeth
Life's most precious moments should be celebrated and made even more special with a bespoke ceremony written especially for you.
Let’s meet for a coffee, wine or cocktail! Click the button below and let's get started - I'd love to hear from you.
My Process
CONNECTING
We'll start with a no-obligation meeting, which is a chance for us to get to know each other and see if we're a good fit. This can take place anywhere (eg. a local cafe, bar or online), and is a chance for you to let me know your rough plans for the ceremony, and I can walk you through my process. I will also give you a quote for my services (if this hasn't already been discussed). The quote is valid for 12 months from that date. Ceremonies conducted outside a 50km radius of my home base will incur an additional fee for travelling.
Why not book online for a chat, shoot me a quick email or call.
BOOKING IN & MEETING UP
If you decide to book in, you'll pay a 50% deposit on the Booking Fee to secure your date and fill in a short Booking Form. We will also complete the Notice of Intention to Marry form so that I can lodge it with the relevant authority on your behalf. Depending on when your ceremony is, things might go a little quiet for a while, but it'll start to heat up in the 6 months leading up to your ceremony date.
I'll send you some questionnaires to go through and we'll book a longer meeting to really get to know each other and make sure we're clear on the details of your ceremony.
FEES
For all ceremonies, a 50% deposit (booking fee) is payable in order to secure your date. The balance payable 30 days before the ceremony.
Once the deposit has been paid, I get to work on the official paperwork and start gathering ideas based on our first-meeting conversations. The overall cost includes all meetings, revisions to the script, use of my resources, the cost of lodging official documents after the ceremony, and of course conducting the ceremony.
CREATING
I'll start writing your ceremony script and go through as many edits as you like before it's signed off and ready for the day. I am available for as many phone calls or emails as you may need to discuss the content and share ideas. Your final invoice is due 30 days before your ceremony date.
REHEARSAL
A rehearsal is a great way to work out what you and your bridal crew will do during the ceremony, including where to stand and what everyone's role is on the day. I also find it a good way to relieve some of the pre-wedding nerves that most couples experience. I recommend a rehearsal in the days leading up to the ceremony, preferably at the wedding venue but if it's not available, I can offer another option.
CANCELLATION
In the event that you have to cancel my services, please be aware that none of the deposit is refundable. All cancellations must be made in writing.
Should you need to postpone your ceremony, due to COVID-19 restrictions, I will endeavour to reschedule your ceremony to a date of your choice at no extra cost to you.
If we have to cancel due to exceptional circumstances outside of my control (eg. extreme ill health, car accident etc), I will attempt to secure another authorised celebrant to conduct the ceremony as we have written it, without any additional costs being incurred by you.
FAQs
- book me as your celebrant!
- gather some ID documents eg. birth certificate, driver's license or passport
- complete a Notice of Intended Marriage form (I will guide you through this - don't panic)
- this form must be signed and witnessed at least one month (but not more than 18 months) before your wedding
Testimonials
Contact
Let's Chat
I'd love to meet you for an informal chat - this doesn't lock you in to anything, it's just a step towards finding the right celebrant for you. I'm always happy to answer any questions you might have before booking a meeting.
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