Frequently Asked Questions

+ Who is Leah?

I’m a 30-something celebrant residing on Victoria’s beautiful Mornington Peninsula… Okay, I don’t actually live on the Mornington Peninsula, technically I live in the City of Frankston which I guess you could call the ‘Gateway to Morn Pen’ so close enough? ‘No’ I hear you saying, how about I claim Bayside? Still No? Okay okay – I live in Carrum Downs but I tell you what, she’s not a bad spot – close to both aforementioned destinations, not too far from the CBD, the Dandenong Rangers or the Yarra Valley and pretty much on the road into Phillip Island – win win!

I’m not going to lie to you, I’m a bit of a dork. I’m a little socially awkward (don’t worry, it’s only when I have to talk about myself – I can talk the limb off a tree when talking about my couples), I’m passionate, fiercely loyal, loud, occasionally inappropriate, fun, bubbly and impossible not to love (according to my folks anyway). I like to think of myself like Cameron Diaz’s character in There’s Something About Mary… maybe without the model-like appearance and legs up to my armpits. More than anything else I pride myself on being kind and supportive. I didn’t get into this game to churn through weddings like Australia churns through Prime Ministers – I do this because I love it – I’m invested in my couples and being able to share their day of days with them makes my heart just so darn full!

+ Do we need a Bridal Party? Do I need to walk down an aisle? Do I need to have an aisle? Does everything need to be white? Do we have to do all that death til us part mumbo jumbo? What MUST we do??

Nup, nup, nup, nup, NUP. It’s pretty damn simple, the only things that are legally required to get you guys hitched is completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage at least a month prior to your wedding date, we need you guys (obviously), two witnesses over the age of 18, and me. The formalities must consist of a grand total 128 specific words shared between you and me, and a couple of signatures. That’s it. Nothing more is needed.

+ What ID do we need for the paperwork??

You’ll need to get your hands on either your passport or birth certificate and a form of photo ID – generally drivers’ licence is the go-to. If you have been previously married I’ll also need to see your Divorce Order.

+ Do you always use the same ceremony???

NO, not even a little. I write all my ceremonies from scratch, every time. None of my couples are the same so their ceremony definitely needs to reflect them – not Bob and Sam from 3 years ago…

+ Can our wedding be a surprise?

For your guests? Absolutely, in fact these are so much fun to do. However unfortunately you can’t surprise your intended spouse with a wedding – both of you need to be fully aware and on-board with where and when you are getting married.

+ How long does the ceremony take?

The majority of ceremonies take between 15 and 25 minutes however this is not a set-in-stone rule, it can be whatever you want it to be. Anything longer than half an hour and the crowd tend to get a bit restless however it’s not about them so what you want goes!

+ Do I need to be an Australian to get married here?

Not at all – anyone can marry here!