Paul Cochran Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

As your marriage celebrant, my promise to you is that from our first casual meeting, (over a coffee), until the conclusion of your wedding ceremony, I will confidently guide you both through the planning, preparation and presentation of a ceremony that is all about you.

Together we will create a ceremony that is relaxed, fun, & truly about the both of you but with just the right amount of formality to emphasise the significance of this moment in your lives. Couples love my relaxed, easy going style and my attention to detail, both as we plan your wedding and as I lead you and your guests through your personalised ceremony.

Your wedding ceremony is an iconic moment in your life when, before your family and friends, you declare your love for your soul mate and celebrate your commitment to this amazing lifelong partnership called marriage.

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A wedding ceremony can be either formal or relaxed, but its most important attribute is that it should reflect the personalities of the couple being married.

A well designed wedding ceremony has a clear structure. It flows smoothly, maintains everyone’s interest and remains very personal and intimate throughout. I have many ideas that I can outline to you as we plan the ceremony together.

The music and reading selections should complement the promises and the setting, The leadership provided by the celebrant must be warm and inclusive. Symbolic inclusions, perhaps reflecting the cultural heritage of the families, can enhance the ceremony.

Your wedding ceremony will set the mood for the entire day and should be approached with thoughtful care. That’s where I can help. I will supply you with everything you need, so that you can relax and enjoy this very important endeavour. Everyone present should feel part of a very unique and memorable event.

Why select me as your celebrant?

Your wedding is my only ceremony
Many celebrants multi-book two or more weddings on your day which is problematic as they may arrive late to your ceremony or have to rush off to their next wedding… it happens way too often! My guarantee to you is that yours is my only ceremony on that day. I will arrive early to set-up, greet guests and liaise with the venue coordinator and if you choose to be “fashionably late,” I won’t be checking my watch or having to rush the ceremony…I’m 100% your celebrant for the day!

I have a roadie
I bring an experienced roadie with me, (at no extra cost to you!). Deb, my awesome wife, runs the sound system during the ceremony as well as calming the groom’s nerves before we begin, wrangling the flower girls & page boys, coordinating with the venue staff, photographer & videographer. She makes me look and sound great…you’ll really appreciate her presence.

We do music too!
Unlike many celebrants I’m more than happy to compile and play your chosen playlist of music before, during and following the ceremony. I have an excellent sound system with wireless microphones to ensure that the voice and music of your ceremony is clearly audible to everyone, so important to ensure a relaxed & enjoyable experience for your guests.

View Ceremony Inclusions

What I Provide

My fee for my Personal Customized Melbourne Wedding Ceremony is all inclusive with no hidden extras and covers the following:

A selection of ceremonies, readings and rituals presented in a comprehensive Information Pack to make the planning or your ceremony easy and enjoyable

 An initial “getting to know you” meeting without any obligation to book me

Planning meetings at my home or yours, (as many as required)

 Powerful, portable cordless PA system with built USB port for music plus wireless handheld microphones

Beautifully covered signing table and chairs, (if required)

My guarantee to be at the ceremony venue around one hour before the agreed starting time of the ceremony

 Complimentary ceremonial Unity Candle

 Rehearsal, if required

 General information on other services, such as relationship counselling

 Unlimited phone, text, email & Skype/Facetime contact prior to the ceremony

 An awesome roadie to manage all the behind the scenes action & play your music

Some extra's I provide:

Information pack
At our first meeting I will take you through a comprehensive Information Pack that I have developed. It’s full of fantastic ideas including contemporary & traditional readings, ring exchange wording and music selection suggestions. I include some wonderful symbolic inclusions such as Hand Fasting, Rose Ceremonies, Sand Sifting, Ring Warming and Quaich Ceremonies that will make your wedding truly unique. For your actual vows, this pack guides you through the process of writing your own personal vows, which I enthusiastically encourage you to do.

A personal gift bag for you
After the ceremony I will present you both with a gift bag containing three lovely handcrafted copies of your wedding ceremony and a beautiful ‘Unity Candle’ with you names and the date of the ceremony. On your first wedding anniversary, light the candle and enjoy some pizza and wine as you reflect on your beautiful day.

View Packages Call: 0401 436 621

WEDDING CEREMONY

A wedding ceremony can be either formal or relaxed, but its most important attribute is that it should reflect the personalities of the couple being married.

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The marriage ceremony is the centre of your wedding and the most important part of your wedding day because:

It is when your promises are made

It is when the legal contract is completed

It is when you stand before your family and friends to declare your love and your commitment to each other

A wedding ceremony can be either formal or relaxed, but its most important attribute is that it should reflect the personalities of the couple being married.

A well designed wedding ceremony has a clear structure. It flows smoothly, maintains everyone’s interest and remains very personal and intimate throughout.
I have many ideas that I can outline to you as we plan the ceremony together. The music and reading selections should complement the promises and the setting, The leadership provided by the celebrant must be warm and inclusive. Symbolic inclusions, perhaps reflecting the cultural heritage of the families, can enhance the ceremony.

Your wedding ceremony will set the mood for the entire day and should be approached with thoughtful care. That’s where I can help. I will supply you with everything you need, so that you can relax and enjoy this very important endeavour. Everyone present should feel part of a very unique and memorable event.

RENEWAL OF VOWS

Vow Renewal allows the married couple to take a closer look at their marriage and the many things they have to be grateful for.

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Renewal of Wedding Vows is a celebration of a happy marriage. On the one hand, Vow Renewal allows the married couple to take a closer look at their marriage and the many things they have to be grateful for. On the other hand, a Renewal of Vows is an inspiration to all the relatives and friends who’ve watched the marriage flower and grow.

All the elements of the traditional marriage ceremony are suitable for a Renewal of Vows with the exception of the legal components. It must be made clear that this ceremony is a renewal, not a marriage. I have some lovely vows, ring ceremonies and symbolic rituals that can be incorporated into the ceremony, such as a Candle Ceremony, Rose Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Wine Ceremony, Ring Warming or a Butterfly Release. They are all spectacular and can include family and friends, making it even more meaningful.

Where you have children, the Renewal of Vows Ceremony allows them to show their appreciation and joy at being part of such a happy family, as such I encourage the participation of children in this ceremony.

To commemorate the event, I will provide the you with a personalised Vows Renewal certificate, a presentation copy of your ceremony and a complimentary Unity Candle to re-light each year on your anniversary.

COMMITMENT CEREMONIES

The Commitment Ceremony has no legal requirements or consequences. It is a ceremony in which partners express their feelings for each other

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I believe that a Commitment Ceremony is a wonderful alternative to a legal Wedding Ceremony. For those couples who do not want, or cannot have a legal ceremony, but would like to make an everlasting declaration of love for each other in the presence of family and friends, a Commitment Ceremony is perfect. Some couples, who have decided to get married overseas, like to celebrate their Commitment in front of all those people who were unable to join them for the wedding itself.

The Commitment Ceremony has no legal requirements or consequences. It is a ceremony in which partners express their feelings for each other, their hopes for the future, their gratitude for the past they may already have shared. They may also like to involve family and friends in the ceremony.

I can share ideas with you at a meeting or I can email them to you if that’s more convenient. At the conclusion of the ceremony, a lovely Certificate of Commitment is presented and I can provide Certificates of Appreciation for those involved in the ceremony. I will also provide a beautiful hand-made copy of your Commitment Ceremony as a memento of this important day.

Wedding Packages Available

Simple & Stylish Elopement Package
$480
You download and complete the NOIM and post to me.
Planning meeting undertaken by Facetime or Skype.
Government Information provided.
Performance of a modest ceremony with legal signing at a suitable location, i.e. your home.
Your Commemorative Commonwealth Wedding certificate.
Lodgement of legal paper work to the government by myself.
Additional extras can be added!
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Personal Customized Wedding Ceremony
$840
A personalised ceremony written just for you!
Meetings at a mutually agreed location.
Completion & supply of all Legal Documentation.
Government Information provided.
Large selection of vows, readings and fantastic ideas presented in a comprehensive Information Pack.
Drafts for your approval (I will make as many changes as you need until it’s just right).
Conduct your ceremony according to Australian Law whether you have 2 guests or 200.
Portable Professional quality PA System with music facility.
An experienced roadie, (my wife), to make me look & sound great!
Your Printed Commemorative marriage certificate, (the one you will sign on the day).
A gift pack containing your personalised Unity Candle and three hand-crafted copies of your wedding ceremony.
Let's Get Started

The Legals

Notice Of Intended Marriage Form
You are required by law to fill out a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (NOIM) form which must be received by your marriage celebrant no later than one calendar month prior to your marriage date.

You can download the NOIM from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, complete it exactly as instructed on the document and bring it with you to our meeting, together with the photo I.D.

Names must be exactly as documented on your Birth Certificates. If you would rather have me help you fill out the (NOIM) I can provide one for you at our meeting and we can fill it out together, you will need to bring the same documentation, (as above.)

Proof of Identity and Documentation
You are required by law to show your Celebrant proof of identity such as your original Birth Certificate OR passport. Two forms of photo I.D. are required so please bring along your driver’s licence also.

If either of you have been divorced or widowed you will need to show your celebrant the original Divorce/Death documentation.

Also provide your Deed Poll/Certificate of Name Change, if your name has been changed other than by previous marriage.

Photocopies are not acceptable and if any of your certificates are not available, you should contact the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages,in the relevant state, for advice.

Overseas Visitors
If you are coming from Overseas for your marriage, you will need all of the above, but you must have your Notice of Intended Marriage Form witnessed by ONLY an Australian Embassy/Consular Authorized Staff member or a Notary Public in your country of origin. See a Law Firm in your home town for lists of these. Any documents NOT in English need to be translated by an authorised official and originals of both to be brought with you. I will be able to help you with all of these details, just contact me for advice. I’m happy to “meet” with you via SKYPE or Facetime before you arrive in Australia to get the planning started.

What My Wonderful Couples Have Said

Frequently Asked Questions

What are our first steps?
  1. Most quality Celebrants are busy, so please book me as soon as you have decided on your date, time and venue.
  2. Organise an appointment with me to commence planning the ceremony.
  3. Your Notice of Intended Marriage’ (NOIM) needs to be completed no less than one calendar month prior to marriage but it is strongly advisable to complete this with me as soon as you have decided on the date and time for your ceremony. I will supply you with a copy to complete upon confirmation of your booking or you can go on-line to download a copy.
The Legals

NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE FORM
You are required by law to fill out a ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ (NOIM) form which must be received by your marriage celebrant no later than one calendar month prior to your marriage date.

You can download the NOIM from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages, complete it exactly as instructed on the document and bring it with you to our meeting, together with the photo I.D.

Names must be exactly as documented on your Birth Certificates. If you would rather have me help you fill out the (NOIM) I can provide one for you at our meeting and we can fill it out together, you will need to bring the same documentation, (as above.)

PROOF OF IDENTITY AND DOCUMENTATION
You are required by law to show your Celebrant proof of identity such as your original Birth Certificate OR passport. Two forms of photo I.D. are required so please bring along your driver’s licence also.

If either of you have been divorced or widowed you will need to show your celebrant the original Divorce/Death documentation.

Also provide your Deed Poll/Certificate of Name Change, if your name has been changed other than by previous marriage.

Photocopies are not acceptable and if any of your certificates are not available, you should contact the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages, in the relevant state, for advice.

OVERSEAS VISITORS
If you are coming from Overseas for your marriage, you will need all of the above, but you must have your Notice of Intended Marriage Form witnessed by ONLY an Australian Embassy/Consular Authorized Staff member or a Notary Public in your country of origin. See a Law Firm in your home town for lists of these. Any documents NOT in English need to be translated by an authorised official and originals of both to be brought with you. I will be able to help you with all of these details, just contact me for advice. I’m happy to “meet” with you via SKYPE or Facetime before you arrive in Australia to get the planning started.

Where can we get married?

There are many beautiful and romantic wedding locations you can get married in. Parks, Botanical Gardens, Historic Trust homes, bush settings, universities campuses, even your own backyard. Some public parks and gardens require a fee for usage but many are free, although a booking through the local council or Parks Victoria is often necessary. I can advise you and assist with your booking requirements for your ceremony location.

If you prefer an intimate marriage ceremony you may choose a hotel or restaurant venue, or perhaps on a beach for a sunset wedding.

Can we choose spiritual or religious wording and readings for our ceremony?

Certainly. You are welcome to include any wording you feel reflects your beliefs or way of life.

What does the Celebrant do?
  • Attends to all the legal paperwork.
  • Assists you to create a ceremony to suit your needs
  • Conducts a rehearsal if requested
  • Marries you in accordance with Australian law (called solemnizing a marriage)
  • Provides advice on other wedding arrangements and services as requested
  • Maintains professional standards through membership of a professional association and participation in mandatory training and professional development each year
Do I need a “Plan B” in case of inclement weather?

Yes, definitely. If you are having an outdoor wedding, it is advisable to have an alternative indoor venue in case of inclement weather i.e. wind, extreme heat, rain – all valid reasons to move inside. Planning in advance takes away the stress and confusion on the day should we need to move venues at the last minute.

Note: Should your wedding be late in the day, determine the sunset time to ensure sufficient light for document signing and photography.

Do we have to attend any pre-marital courses?

This is your choice. I do have all the information regarding this should you wish to attend. Most couples who have taken advantage of these courses have gained a lot of insight and confidence in their marriage. I have lots of information about services that can support you both before and after your marriage. I am a firm believer in the value of these courses.

What happens in the event that we have to postpone our wedding?

The Notice of Intended Marriage is valid for 18 months, I am only too happy to reschedule the wedding with you.

What happens after the Ceremony - do you stay for the reception?

No I will leave soon after the ceremony, quietly and discreetly, occasionally staying for a celebratory drink.

What would happen if you were to get sick?

Unless I am very ill, I will perform your ceremony. Otherwise, I will organise a suitable replacement celebrant after consulting with you.

Contact Paul

0401 436 621

 info@paulcochrancelebrant.com.au

 Melbourne, Victoria

Paul supports
marriage equality.