What am I getting myself into?

You don’t need me to give you advice about marriage. I may have been wed for almost 25 years and prefer not to tempt fate by making a fuss of it.

For thousands of years, the wise and willing have been handing out their take on marriage which varies widely according to culture and religion and changes through time. There are many forms of marriage, some such as plural marriage is not legal in Australia, while in recent years there’s an almost global acceptance of same-sex unions.

The way we get married has also changed radically. More than three-quarters of all weddings are performed by civil celebrants who only came into existence in the 1970s. Before then there was only the option of the church or religious ceremony or a civil marriage via the state registry office. Even twenty years half of all marriages were carried out by a minister of religion. We got married in a country church complete with gargoyles, and a church wedding carries an impressive dignity and tradition if that’s what you want.

Using a celebrant comes with all the exciting options of where, how and when to hold the ceremony. Inside or outside. Garden or beach. Dawn, day or night. Formal or picnic. You name it. As stated in the previous blog, there are a few legal requirements around what is said and signed at the wedding ceremony, but they are hardly onerous.

Having your nuptials and wedding photos in a public space such as Bondi Beach or Centennial Park can come with costs and conditions attached and booking may be required. Your celebrant should be able to advise you around this area but you or your wedding planner, if you are so lucky, should make the arrangements.

Ultimately your wedding, like your future marriage, is mostly up to the both of you. Keep choosing wisely.