Fees
My fees are based upon the International College of Celebrancy recommended charges of between $660 and $1000 for a wedding. This fee will oft times be more than another celebrant’s quoted fee but the difference is quality- with me you will be getting the professional services of a fully trained Celebrant, and Graduate of the above College, whose background is rich in literature, award-winning theatre and ceremonial productions. Your ceremony has the chance to be as unique as special as you are. In order for this to happen a celebrant needs time and commitment, to have as many meetings with you as you desire, to bring forth your story, to include all your wishes, to be clever and attentive, to pick up the unspoken elements that she can then give back to you inside your ceremony.
A ceremony can be simple and rich without too much fuss but, with clever wording and research can be deeply moving, genuinely funny and full of joy. Memories of this day will be cherished not only by you buy also by your guests who will carry away in their hearts real moments of connection and emotional fulfilment.
All options and choices are open to you and explained by me. You have complete access to my folder of wonderful examples of other celebrations and ceremonies. Music too. One thing that you need to know is that, in creating your ceremony, – plagiarism is alright!
I am always open to negotiation regarding fees when I know my clients have budget limitations but also, if there are really extraordinary requirements from you, such as Dawn ceremonies in faraway places! I will also have the right to negotiate costs for extra time and distances. Excellent and professional celebrants are rare. They do not cost much more than a second rate celebrant, but their quality of service far surpasses any other.
We are all familiar with the “insert name here” approach of Registry Office weddings, where there is no attempt to personalise the ceremony. Some civil celebrants use the same approach, hence their prices reflect the reduced time needed to construct such a ceremony. Asking a celebrant how much they charge, and making your decision based on the answer, assumes there is no difference in the quality of the ceremonies they will provide for you. Choose the cheaper option and you could be very disappointed. As Dally Messenger, Principal of the International College of Celebrancy, says “Sometimes saving a few dollars just costs too much.”
Here is what you will get with me.
- An obligation free first meeting, at no charge
- A full range of options
- A celebrant who puts your needs first
- A unique and personalised ceremony celebrating your special story
- Unlimited meetings, emails and phone calls with your celebrant
- A celebrant who is a member of a professional celebrant association
- A full rehearsal on site with the option of the Ring Blessing Ceremony
- A fully trained, experienced and rehearsed celebrant who arrives really early in order to:
- liaise with venue staff, ushers, musicians and photographer
- check the placement of microphones, chairs, tables and flowers
- test the PA system
- practise the words of the ceremony
- diplomatically organise the guests for the greatest harmony
- make sure she and the readers will be heard clearly
- provide any other assistance necessary
Wedding Confirmation of Booking and Payment Details
My all inclusive fee for Weddings is $800.00*, with the exception of unusual travel costs, and payment is preferred in cash, however cheques and internet bank transfers are also accepted.
The ceremony date and time will be confirmed and secured by the return of the booking confirmation fee of $200.00 at the second meeting. Please note that I will try to hold your time and date, but cannot guarantee the booking until the booking confirmation fee has been received.
No drafts of the ceremony will be released until the booking confirmation fee is received. As celebrant I retain all intellectual property rights over the ceremony created.
The outstanding balance of $600.00 is payable two weeks prior to the ceremony date or at the Rehearsal. I will not attend the ceremony unless all fees have been paid by the rehearsal. In the event that the ceremony is cancelled by you, the deposit is non-refundable. Should either of you cancel the ceremony within 30 days of the scheduled ceremony date, having paid the balance, no refunds will be paid.
*A surcharge applies to all ceremonies conducted on New Years Eve, New Years Day, Australia Day, Anzac Day, Easter, Labour Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, from 4pm on the previous day until 11am on the following day.