Andrea Schumacher Celebrant
Planning and Information for Couples
Planning Your Ceremony
My role is to guide you calmly through every step so you never feel unsure or overwhelmed.
Once you enquire, I’ll send you my Planning Guide, Ideas Booklet and the Notice of Intended Marriage form. We meet in person or online to plan the structure, readings, music, symbols and any personal touches you would like to include.
We discuss:
- Your preferred tone (romantic, relaxed, simple, humorous)
- Vows (legal wording plus optional personal vows)
- Readings and involvement of family/friends
- Whether you’d like your love story included
- Ceremony timing and logistics
Typical Order of Service
A ceremony can be simple or detailed, and elements can be added or removed. A typical structure includes:
- Entrance
- Welcome and Introduction
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Your story or readings
- Legal wording
- Vows
- Exchange of rings
- Signing of register
- Declaration and presentation
- Music and photographs
Readings and Vows
If you’d like readings, I can suggest poems, passages or short pieces that suit your style. For vows, you may choose from traditional, modern or cultural variations, or write your own. I keep each partner’s personal vows private until the ceremony.
Examples include traditional, contemporary romantic, intercultural or faith-based vows. A full list is included in your planning guide.
Legal Requirements
To legally marry in Australia, you must:
- Lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the wedding
- Provide ID (passport or birth certificate + driver’s licence)
- Provide divorce or death certificates if applicable
- Be sober and give consent on the day
I handle all legal documentation and lodge everything after your ceremony.
Andrea’s Planning Guides
A Guide to Planning Your Wedding
By Andrea Schumacher
After you enquire about your wedding, I’ll send you my Guide to Planning Your Wedding, an Ideas booklet, and more helpful resources.
A Guide to Planning Your Commitment Ceremony
By Andrea Schumacher
A Guide to Planning Your Naming Day
By Andrea Schumacher
Wedding Planning Websites
The Knot
Say I Do
Easy Weddings
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a rehearsal?
A rehearsal is included with full ceremonies. It helps everyone feel confident and ensures a smooth, relaxed ceremony.
What if we don’t want to speak into a microphone?
Can we write our own vows?
How long is a typical ceremony?
Can we include cultural or personal rituals?
How far do you travel?
Ready to begin?
Contact Andrea to start planning your ceremony.
All couples, all families and all love stories are welcome!