Question 1

What's legally required to get married in Queensland?

Accepted Answer

Ah, the legals, probably not the most romantic part of wedding planning, but super important. To get married in Queensland (or anywhere in Australia), you’ll need to:
Be at least 18 years old
Not be married to anyone else 
Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your big day
Have two witnesses over 18 at the ceremony
Include some legal words in your vows that your celebrant (that’s me!) will walk you through
I’ll take care of making sure your ceremony ticks all the legal boxes while still feeling true to the both of you.

Question 2

What’s a NOIM and when do we have to do it?

Accepted Answer

NOIM stands for Notice of Intended Marriage. Basically the official paperwork that lets the government know you’re planning to make things legal. You’ll need to sign it and have it witnessed at least one month before your ceremony, but it’s valid for 18 months, so we’ve got plenty of wiggle room.
We can do this over a margarita at The Fox Small Bar, your favourite local café, or wherever you like to grab a tipple or a tea. I’ll bring the form and good vibes, you just bring some ID and your wonderful selves.

Question 3

Can we get married sooner than one month?

Accepted Answer

In some rare cases, yes, but only if a “Prescribed Authority” (that’s a fancy term for certain legal types) approves a shortening of time. They don’t hand these out like confetti. You’ll need to show a legit reason like:
Employment related or other travel commitments
Serious health reasons
A wedding that’s already booked and paid for
Legal proceedings
Mistakes in giving notice

But here’s the important bit: in all cases, you’ll also need to explain:
Why you didn’t give notice sooner, and
What hardship you’d face if the wedding couldn’t go ahead as planned

If you think you might qualify, let’s chat and I can help point you in the right direction.

Question 4

What do we need arrange before the wedding?

Accepted Answer

Before we pop the bubbly, I’ll need to check a few things off the legal list:
Your original birth certificates plus photo ID or passports
Proof of divorce or death certificate (if you’ve been married before)
The NOIM form
A declaration saying there’s no legal reason you can’t get married
Don’t stress—I’ll guide you through every step so there are no surprises.

Question 5

What do you actually have to say during the ceremony for it to be legal?

Accepted Answer

There are just a couple of “must-say” lines for both you and I, and then the rest is completely free to make your own. We’ll include:
The Monitum – a short statement I’ll read about the legal nature of marriage in Australia
A one-liner vow from each of you that covers the legal part (you can still add your own vows on top!)
After that, you’ll sign some paperwork with two lovely witnesses and bam, you’re married!

Question 6

Can we make our ceremony personal?

Accepted Answer

YES! Please! While we do have to include a couple of legal bits, the rest is all about you. 
Whether it’s a barefoot beach elopement, a backyard bash, or a rainforest love fest, I’ll help you shape a ceremony that feels relaxed, real, and very you.
I love working with couples who want something a little different, a little heartfelt, and 100% true to their story.

Question 7

Where do you travel for weddings?

Accepted Answer

I'm lucky enough to live in Cairns, right in the heart of some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding spots in Australia, and yep, I travel far and wide to help couples say “I do” in paradise.
Here are just some of the dreamy places I service:
Mission Beach – perfect for barefoot vows with salty air and coconut palms
Port Douglas – luxury meets laid-back tropical charm
Palm Cove – beachfront bliss with those iconic melaleuca trees
Kuranda – rainforest canopy and quirky village vibes
Atherton Tablelands – think rolling green hills, farm stays and the stunning Waterfall Circuit (hello, Elinjaa and Millaa Millaa Falls!)
Yungaburra – heritage charm, country calm, and Lake Eacham magic
The Daintree Rainforest – raw, ancient, and impossibly romantic (including ceremonies at luxe spots like Daintree Ecolodge)
Fitzroy Island & Green Island – perfect if you want that island elopement feel with a short boat ride from Cairns
Bedarra Island – private, exclusive, and completely swoon-worthy
Helicopter elopements to sand cays like Vlasoff Cay – just you, me, the reef, and the sky... truly unforgettable
Whether you’re dreaming of a rainforest escape, an island elopement, a waterfall backdrop, or a chic backyard celebration, I’ll be there, big heart, legal paperwork, and ceremony script in hand.
Got somewhere else in mind? Just ask, I’ll follow the love wherever it takes us.

Question 8

How far in advance should we book our celebrant?

Accepted Answer

The sooner the better, especially if you’re getting married in peak season (think dry season months like May to October in Cairns). I only take on a limited number of weddings so I can give each couple my full energy and love, so if you’ve got a date in mind, pop me a message and let’s lock it in!

Question 9

Do you do elopements or small weddings?

Accepted Answer

I sure do, and honestly, I love them. There’s something really special about an intimate ceremony, whether it’s just the two of you on a beach at sunset, or a handful of your favourite humans gathered in a rainforest, backyard, or tucked-away Airbnb.
Elopements and small weddings are all about heart, connection, and doing things your way. No stress, no big fuss, just all the love.
I can absolutely help you round up some of the best local vendors (think florals, photography, makeup, even a cheeky cake or grazing platter) to bring it all together beautifully. Whether we’re saying vows on a clifftop, a sand cay, or under the fig trees in your nan’s garden, I’ll make sure your ceremony feels real, personal and full of joy.
You pick the vibe, I’ll bring the words and the warmth.

Question 10

We’re planning a destination wedding in Cairns—can you help?

Accepted Answer

Totally. Cairns is such a popular destination wedding spot, and I love helping couples from all over the world feel right at home here. I can help you with the legal side of things, suggest amazing local venues and vendors, and make sure your ceremony is personal, joyful, and stress-free. You just focus on soaking up the sunshine and the love!

Question 11

What’s the best time of year to get married in Cairns?

Accepted Answer

Cairns is tropical, so we’ve got two main seasons: the dry season (May to October), which is sunny, warm and super popular for weddings, and the wet season (November to April), which brings lush greenery, balmy temps and the occasional downpour.
Both have their charm! If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, I always recommend a wet-weather back-up, just in case. Mother Nature keeps us on our toes up here.
For more tips on wet-weather wedding venues in Cairns, check out my blog post: Wet Weather Wedding Venues in Cairns.

Question 12

Can we write our own vows?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely can, and I 100% encourage it! Personal vows are often the part that brings the biggest laughs (and the happiest tears). If you’re stuck, I can help with vow-writing tips, prompts, or even a gentle edit if you’re not sure your words are hitting the mark.
This is your love story, tell it in your own voice.

Question 13

How long does a wedding ceremony take?

Accepted Answer

Short answer: as long as it needs to! Most ceremonies I write run around 20–30 minutes—enough time for the legal bits, some beautiful storytelling, your vows, rings, and that all-important kiss, without dragging on.
That said, every ceremony is different. If you want it super short and sweet or a little more detailed and heartfelt, I’ll shape it to suit you.

Question 14

Can we see a draft of the ceremony before the day?

Accepted Answer

Of course! I’ll send you a full draft of your ceremony so you can read it through, make any edits, and feel completely at ease before the big day. It’s your story, I just help you tell it beautifully.

Question 15

Do you include any cultural or symbolic traditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you'd like to include something meaningful, like an Acknowledgement of Country, a handfasting, blessing of the rings, or a family or cultural tradition, I'm more than happy to weave that in. Your ceremony should reflect you and what matters most.

Question 16

Do you provide a registry‑style or courthouse legal‑only wedding ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely, and I honestly love doing them. Legal‑only ceremonies are simple, relaxed and full of heart, and they’re perfect for couples who just want to be married without all the fuss. We keep the legal bits quick and easy, and you can still add your own vows or a tiny moment that feels like “you.” Whether we’re at your kitchen table, a quiet corner of the beach or your favourite local bar, these little ceremonies are always so special.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions