A Marriage Ceremony is.............

Every wedding ceremony has some basic structure – those in bold text are the legal requirements – everything else is how you want it!
• chosen music or song
• a welcome to those attending.
• An introduction that explains the views of the couple, their values, their ideals, their hopes for the relationship. It may express the hope that their marriage has good effects for their own family, their friends and the wider community of the world (with quotations, where and if applicable).
• a reading, or readings
• Celebrant Authority from the Marriage Act*

• the giving away or presentation of the bride (optional).
• the asking or consent to the marriage

• the vows*

Ring ceremony

• another reading or readings
• declaration of the marriage - a statement that a marriage sealed by a wedding has taken place
• the kiss
• the signing of the Register, during which special music may be played or the guests given a glass of champagne etc.
• “Please congratulate” the presentation of the certificate by the celebrant to the couple