Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
About weddings, marriages & elopement ceremonies
The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions relating to
getting married, weddings and eloping in Perth!
Elopement or Wedding? What's the difference?
An elopement used to be 'running away to get married'.
It can still mean that, but more and more couples are eloping in their hometown and are running away from tradition, and all the expectations and 'rules' that can surround a 'wedding'.
To elope is to really free yourself from doing anything for anyone else, and really focussing on the two of you and your relationship.
Most of the Perth elopements I've done have had only the couple, the two-legally required witnesses, me as the celebrant and perhaps a photographer (who can also be one of the witnesses). However, some couples have wanted a few of their very best people with them, which is why The Elopement Package includes up to 10 guests.
For more than 10 guests, we need a microphone and sound system to make sure everyone can hear!
We also have the option of an extra catch-up in the form of a rehearsal/walk and talk through before the day, where we talk through the ceremony so everyone knows where it's at.
A sound system and a rehearsal/final catch-up are both included in The Wedding Package, along with the opportunity to have a longer ceremony with a few extra bits - like me telling your love story - if you wish.
Tiny wedding / micro-wedding / elopement?
There has been a lot of discussion about trying to define words like this lately. I like to keep things simple and only offer two packages - The Elopement Package and The Wedding Package.
Blog post - Eloping at home - a Perth city urban elopement
Where should we elope?
In Perth, of course!
Seriously, whether you live in Perth or want to come here to elope, it's an awesome place for elopements. We're usually blessed with good weather, and there are loads of options whether you're thinking bush, beach or the city.
How long before the wedding should I book a celebrant?
As soon as you can! If you already have a date for your ceremony, it's good to have it locked in to my calendar so no one else books me for your date. If you don't have a date yet, we can still meet up and chat about your plans.
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) is a legal document that must be completed and lodged with your celebrant at least one month prior to the ceremony date.
There are some ID and information requirements for this document to be prepared, so to avoid the stress of time pressure, make sure you leave time for this by contacting me ASAP. Once lodged, it's valid for 18 months, so even if you're not sure of your exact date yet we can still get the legal side of things started!
Can we have dogs at weddings?
For me, the answer is always YES! Dogs are family and should be there if it's important to you. The only exception is if your pup would be stressed by the event, or you're marrying in a National Park or venue where dogs are prohibited.
If you have concerns about your pup's behaviour at the wedding, consider involving a dog trainer in the leadup to the event. And always make sure there is a person who the dog is comfortable with who will be the pup's caretaker, and that they have water for pup to drink - and poo bags!
If you're eloping, then it's not so much of an 'event' and doggo can just be around you as you say your vows, perhaps at the park or your backyard.
Of course, you know your dog best, and if being at the wedding would be stressful for them, you can always show them the photos later.
What's the deal with witnesses?
The minimum number of people who can be at any marriage is five - that is, the marrying couple, the celebrant, and two legally-required witnesses.
Blog post - Who can witness a wedding?
What is an Earth-friendly / conscious / eco - wedding?
A conscious, Earth-friendly eco-wedding is designed by making considered choices about every element of the event. It’s choosing the best option that serves both you and the planet.
As consumers, every time we spend money we are supporting something. Planning your wedding or elopement is an awesome opportunity to use your buying power to support businesses, companies, products and people who are helping, rather than hurting, our planet.
Blog post - Perth's best elopement and wedding vendors
How can I make my wedding more eco-friendly?
You can use this free resource by Mindfully Wed - Less Stuff, More Meaning to calculate your wedding's footprint and get ideas of how to reduce and offset any impact.
Some examples of eco-conscious, Earth friendly ceremony choices include:
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reducing waste by only including the people, elements and things that really matter to the two of you
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hiring your outfit, or buying one vintage or second-hand
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choosing not to have balloons (which may end up choking wildlife in our waterways)
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using locally-grown, spray-free flowers instead of flowers that have been grown on the other side of the world
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including a tree-planting ritual in your home ceremony
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choosing a caterer that uses local organic produce and composts food scraps
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consider a vegan or vegetarian menu or less meat in your catering
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decorating with reusable, non-harmful items such as local flowers and cotton bunting
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reminding guests to bring their own water bottle or hiring a reusable water dispenser and glasses, to avoid single-use plastic water bottles and cups
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repurposing items you already have instead of buying new, eg clean jam jars instead of vases
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giving your guests a packet of seeds, a plant or a charity donation as a gift
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offset your wedding by planting trees, eg through Greenfleet
Resource link - Wedding Footprint Calculator by Mindfully Wed
What are you & your business doing to help the planet, Sally?
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My home - and home office - use solar-power for most of our electricity.
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Any organic waste (fun fact: it takes a LOT of tea and snacks to write a good ceremony!) is fed to my chooks or composted.
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Paper use is kept to a minimum, with online digital documents preferred. My couples receive their information in ebook form.
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Any necessary printing and paperwork is done on 100% recycled paper.
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My meetings are held in local (East Victoria Park area) cafes that support sustainability and social responsibility.
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I have a major focus on local couples, families and venues, and support local businesses.
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I keep my travel to a minimum and try to walk, ride my bike or use public transport before starting my car.
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My car is a hybrid vehicle to minimise emissions, and these emissions are offset with Greenfleet
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If travelling out of Perth for a ceremony, I try and rideshare with another vendor (eg with photographer Kat Wray of Red Eclectic) or make it part of a longer getaway.
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I have been making regular donations to Greenpeace for over 20 years.
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I donate to Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Sanctuary
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Our home is low-waste and we aim to live single-use plastic-free
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I wear a sustainable wardrobe, only use cruelty-free makeup - and my watch is solar-powered!
