example order of ceremony

 

The structure of your civil ceremony is completely up to you—as long as the three legal elements are included: the monitum (a short legal statement your celebrant must say, explaining what marriage means under Australian law), both of your full names said at least once, and one legally required sentence in your vows. Beyond that, everything is flexible. A ceremony often begins with a welcome and a personal story about your relationship, followed by the legal parts, a moment to thank your guests, and the big announcement. This order creates a natural and meaningful build-up, but it’s all open to discussion and can be tailored to suit you.

 

Suggested Order of Ceremony

• Guest Arrival
  Guests gather in a way that allows a clear view of Party 1’s entrance.

• Preparing Guests for the Arrival of Party 1
  The celebrant briefly addresses the guests, inviting them to prepare for Party 1’s entrance. If requested by the couple, guests are kindly asked to put away phones and cameras to be fully present during the ceremony.

• Entrance of Party 2 and Wedding Party
  Party 2 and any attendants take their places.

• Entrance of Party 1 (to music of choice)
  Party 1 makes their entrance, with or without their bridal party. Guests are invited to stand as a sign of respect.

• Giving Away
  Optional and included only if it holds personal meaning for the couple.

• Welcome and Introduction
  The celebrant welcomes everyone, introduces themselves by full name, and confirms they are an authorised marriage celebrant under Australian law.

• Couple’s Story
  A short, meaningful reflection on Party 1 and Party 2’s journey and what brought them to this moment.

• Reading or Poem (for deep | warm | inclusive ceremonies only)
  A chosen reading or poem, delivered by a guest, family member, friend, or the celebrant.

• Declaration of Intent
  Party 1 and Party 2 formally state their intention to marry (see examples provided).

• The Monitum
  The celebrant delivers the legally required monitum, explaining the nature of marriage under Section 46 of the Marriage Act 1961.

• Exchange of Vows
  Party 1 and Party 2 share their vows, which may be personal or traditional, and must include one legally required sentence (see examples provided).

• Additional Ceremonial Elements (completely optional for deep | warm | inclusive ceremonies only)
  To further personalise the ceremony, the couple may include symbolic rituals such as ring warming—where guests bless or hold the rings before they are exchanged—or hand tying, symbolising unity and commitment. Other popular options include the unity candle, sand ceremony, or planting a tree together. These meaningful moments deepen connection and involve loved ones in the celebration.

• Ring Exchange
  The symbolic giving and receiving of wedding rings.

• Conclusion and Official Declaration
  The celebrant formally announces Party 1 and Party 2 as legally married.

• Signing of the Marriage Register (to music of choice)
  Legal documents are signed and witnessed.

• Final Congratulations and Presentation
  A warm thank-you to guests, followed by Party 1 and Party 2’s first presentation as a married couple.

• Recessional
  Party 1, Party 2, and the wedding party exit the ceremony space—walking or dancing down the aisle to an upbeat song. Guests are then invited to follow and warmly congratulate the happy couple.