FAQs

Ah, the legals—probably not the most romantic part of wedding planning, but super important. To get married in Queensland (or anywhere in Australia), you’ll need to:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Not be married to anyone else (yep, one at a time!)

• Lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your big day

• Have two witnesses over 18 at the ceremony

• Include some legal words in your vows that your celebrant (that’s me!) will walk you through

I’ll take care of making sure your ceremony ticks all the legal boxes while still feeling true to you two.

NOIM stands for Notice of Intended Marriage—basically the official paperwork that lets the government know you’re planning to make things legal. You’ll need to sign it and have it witnessed at least one month before your ceremony, but it’s valid for 18 months, so we’ve got plenty of wiggle room.

We can do this over a margarita at The Fox Small Bar, your favourite local café, or wherever you like to grab a tipple or a tea. I’ll bring the form and good vibes—you just bring some ID and your wonderful selves.

In some rare cases, yes—but only if a “Prescribed Authority” (that’s a fancy term for certain legal types) approves a shortening of time. They don’t hand these out like confetti—you’ll need to show a legit reason like:

• Employment related or other travel commitments

• Serious health reasons

• A wedding that’s already booked and paid for

• Legal proceedings

• Mistakes in giving notice

But here’s the important bit: in all cases, you’ll also need to explain:

• Why you didn’t give notice sooner, and

• What hardship you’d face if the wedding couldn’t go ahead as planned

If you think you might qualify, let’s chat and I can help point you in the right direction.

Before we pop the bubbly, I’ll need to check a few things off the legal list:

• Your original birth certificates plus photo ID or passports

• Proof of divorce or death certificate (if you’ve been married before)

• The NOIM form

• A declaration saying there’s no legal reason you can’t get married

Don’t stress—I’ll guide you through every step so there are no surprises.

There are just a couple of “must-say” lines for both you and me, and then the rest is completely free to make your own. We’ll include:

• The Monitum – a short statement I’ll read about the legal nature of marriage in Australia

• A one-liner vow from each of you that covers the legal part (you can still add your own vows on top!)

After that, you’ll sign some paperwork with two lovely witnesses and bam—you’re married!

YES! Please! While we do have to include a couple of legal bits, the rest is all about you. Whether it’s a barefoot beach elopement, a backyard bash, or a rainforest love fest—I’ll help you shape a ceremony that feels relaxed, real, and very you.

I love working with couples who want something a little different, a little heartfelt, and 100% true to their story.

I'm lucky enough to live in Cairns, right in the heart of some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wedding spots in Australia—and yep, I travel far and wide to help couples say “I do” in paradise.

Here are just some of the dreamy places I service:

• Mission Beach – perfect for barefoot vows with salty air and coconut palms

• Port Douglas – luxury meets laid-back tropical charm

• Palm Cove – beachfront bliss with those iconic melaleuca trees

• Kuranda – rainforest canopy and quirky village vibes

• Atherton Tablelands – think rolling green hills, farm stays and the stunning Waterfall Circuit (hello, Elinjaa and Millaa Millaa Falls!)

• Yungaburra – heritage charm, country calm, and Lake Eacham magic

• The Daintree Rainforest – raw, ancient, and impossibly romantic (including ceremonies at luxe spots like Daintree Ecolodge)

• Fitzroy Island & Green Island – perfect if you want that island elopement feel with a short boat ride from Cairns

• Bedarra Island – private, exclusive, and completely swoon-worthy

• Helicopter elopements to sand cays like Vlasoff Cay – just you, me, the reef, and the sky... truly unforgettable

Whether you’re dreaming of a rainforest escape, an island elopement, a waterfall backdrop, or a chic backyard celebration, I’ll be there—big heart, legal paperwork, and ceremony script in hand.

Got somewhere else in mind? Just ask—I’ll follow the love wherever it takes us.

The sooner the better, especially if you’re getting married in peak season (think dry season months like May to October in Cairns). I only take on a limited number of weddings so I can give each couple my full energy and love—so if you’ve got a date in mind, pop me a message and let’s lock it in!

I sure do—and honestly, I love them. There’s something really special about an intimate ceremony, whether it’s just the two of you on a beach at sunset, or a handful of your favourite humans gathered in a rainforest, backyard, or tucked-away Airbnb.

Elopements and small weddings are all about heart, connection, and doing things your way—no stress, no big fuss, just all the love.

I can absolutely help you round up some of the best local vendors (think florals, photography, makeup, even a cheeky cake or grazing platter) to bring it all together beautifully. Whether we’re saying vows on a clifftop, a sand cay, or under the fig trees in your nan’s garden, I’ll make sure your ceremony feels real, personal and full of joy.

You pick the vibe—I’ll bring the words and the warmth.

Totally. Cairns is such a popular destination wedding spot, and I love helping couples from all over the world feel right at home here. I can help you with the legal side of things, suggest amazing local venues and vendors, and make sure your ceremony is personal, joyful, and stress-free. You just focus on soaking up the sunshine and the love!

Cairns is tropical, so we’ve got two main seasons: the dry season (May to October), which is sunny, warm and super popular for weddings, and the wet season (November to April), which brings lush greenery, balmy temps and the occasional downpour.

Both have their charm! If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, I always recommend a wet-weather back-up, just in case—Mother Nature keeps us on our toes up here.

For more tips on wet-weather wedding venues in Cairns, check out my blog post: Wet Weather Wedding Venues in Cairns.

You absolutely can—and I 100% encourage it! Personal vows are often the part that brings the biggest laughs (and the happiest tears). If you’re stuck, I can help with vow-writing tips, prompts, or even a gentle edit if you’re not sure your words are hitting the mark.

This is your love story—let’s tell it in your own voice.

Short answer: as long as it needs to! Most ceremonies I write run around 20–30 minutes—enough time for the legal bits, some beautiful storytelling, your vows, rings, and that all-important kiss, without dragging on.

That said, every ceremony is different. If you want it super short and sweet or a little more detailed and heartfelt, I’ll shape it to suit you.

Of course! I’ll send you a full draft of your ceremony so you can read it through, make any edits, and feel completely at ease before the big day. It’s your story—I just help you tell it beautifully.

Yes, if you'd like to include something meaningful—like an Acknowledgement of Country, a handfasting, blessing of the rings, or a family or cultural tradition—I'm more than happy to weave that in. Your ceremony should reflect you and what matters most.