Civil Celebrant:
Broke, Fordwich – Hunter Valley.

Weddings, Elopements, Naming Ceremonies,
End of Life Ceremonies

Antony Bennett
Celebrate, Commemorate

Whether it is a ceremony celebrating a life commitment to each other, or farewelling a much loved friend or relative, or welcoming a new human into this world with a naming, the common bond is simply one thing, connection!

Upon meeting, I would like to know your story, or the story of the loved one we are farewelling. Or, if it is welcoming a new member to the family, what are your aspirations and dreams for this young person? In doing so, I hope that I can connect and deliver to you, as my prospective client some very important core tenets of mine;

Trust. Confidence. Reliability. Likeability
I am located in the very popular and beautiful Hunter Valley wine region of Broke Fordwich and have excellent relationships with the main wedding venues in the region such as #adamspeak #starlinealpacas #marganwines #krinklewood #winmarkwines just to name a few.
Lets chat and see whether I am the right celebrant for your occasion.

Connection: a relationship in which a person or people
are linked or associated with someone else.

Celebrant Services

Traditional Wedding (up to 2 hours)

(25-85 Guests)

Its your wedding, so tell me what you would like to do and together, we will do everything to facilitate that. Sometimes though, it can become a little overwhelming so I can sit and work with you to structure something that you both, as a couple, are happy with.

What’s included

  • Unlimited contact either in person, via email, telephone, texts to ensure that all your questions are answered and addressed and that you feel in control of the process
  • Advice on personal vows and other rituals that you may want
  • PA system
  • The strongly advised (and often very funny) rehearsal
  • Guiding through and submission of all legal paperwork
  • Lodgement of all required paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Provision of a standard marriage certificate provided by Births, Deaths and Marriages
Package Cost $880.00*
*Traditional Wedding between 25-85 Guests. For weddings >85 guests $1,100

Small Wedding (up to 1 hour)

<25 Guests

Big is not always beautiful and smaller weddings can be more intimate, less formal and more relaxed.
The legal process is unchanged for any civil ceremony regardless of size.

What’s included

  • Completion of all legal paperwork
  • Working with you to complete a meaningful and personalised ceremony
  • PA System (although not always required for a smaller ceremony)
  • Rehearsal if required
  • Lodgement of all paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Provision of a standard marriage certificate provided by Births, Deaths and Marriages
Marriages Package Cost $770.00

The Elopement Package (up to 30 minutes)

Up to 10 guests including the witnesses

Elopement, right? Conjures up a lot of mixed images. They can however be a lot of fun and when it is all over, you are legally married.
For elopement, both partiers need be over 18 years of age, both consenting, two witnesses (also over the age of 18-years) and me, the Celebrant.

What’s included

  • Completion of all legal paperwork
  • Working with you to create a meaningful and personalised ceremony
  • Lodgement of all paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages
  • Provision of a standard marriage certificate provided by Births, Deaths and Marriages
Marriages Package Cost $650.00

Naming Ceremony

Up to 1 hour

A naming ceremony generally celebrates the birth and naming of a baby. It can also celebrate the time when a child, an adolescent or an adult has decided, for whatever reason, to change their name.

A naming ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for parents, relatives and friends to affirm their special relationship with the child and declare their intentions to help support and guide the child through its life. It can also be an opportunity to explain the meaning or relevance of the childs name, to acknowledge its relationship with their brothers, sisters and grandparents.

Naming ceremonies can be conducted wherever you choose and whenever you choose and your child will receive a commemorative naming certificate.

Package Cost $450

Vow Renewal

Up to 1 hour

What better way to reaffirm your love for each other and ongoing commitment to each other than a vow renewal. Vow renewals can be a great and therapeutic way for couples to reconnect after a period of instability, or challenge or loss.

You are never too old, or too young to take time out, and renew your love for one-another.

Ceremonies can be conducted anywhere and at anytime.

Package Cost $450

End-of-Life Ceremonies

Up to 2 hours

The inevitability of death faces us all yet very few of us would want our loved ones left behind to grieve for us for too long. Of course grief and sadness are inevitable but so should be gratitude, love, fondness and happy memories of times spent together.

An End-of-Life ceremony helps bring all these conflicting feelings together and allows you to say goodbye with grace, humour, tenderness and respect.

My approach to these ceremonies is to respect your choices and beliefs but also, more importantly, respect the deceased choices and beliefs if stated.

Funerals can be overwhelming so I hope that I can bring to you and your family some calmness, clarity and confidence during this challenging time.

Package Cost $880

FAQ’s

As the celebrant, my role is to work with you to help design and deliver a ceremony that meets your needs and values. Importantly though, we are legally qualified and appointed individuals that can perform marriage ceremonies according the Marriage Act 1961 as stipulated by the Federal Attorney Generals Department.

Not only can you, but I would encourage you to, after all, it is your day! As the celebrant, I have the monitum and the legal vows to complete but the remainder of the ceremony is yours to structure as you want.

Most ceremonies run for about 20-30 minutes, some longer and some shorter. It is all about what you want to be said and what you want to share with guests and other loved ones.

You do not have to worry about a thing. As the celebrant, I take care of all the legal paperwork from the Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM) to lodging with the Dept of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

The sooner you book the better, and the longer notice the better. Weddings can be seasonal so if you want a particular date, get in early. Remember though, legally you need to complete the Notice of Intention to Marry (NOIM) at least 1-month prior to the ceremony.

Not only do I, I almost insist on it. Not only are they incredibly important ion ironing out some last minute bumps, but they can also be a lot of fun and certainly help in alleviating any building anxieties.

To begin with, relax! The first meeting is really about making sure that there is a connection between us and that, most importantly, I am the right person to share this incredibly important day with you. If the meeting goes well, we will get a feel for what type of ceremony you are after, set out a timeframe for each stage and get the ball rolling.

Are you aware that you can (legally) have a funeral service (including a coffin present) in your home (reducing the cost)? There are independent funeral companies that offer many different venues to have the actual service (not restricted to a church or chapel). For example a winery, restaurant, yacht club, reception rooms, rotundas – and many more choices, subject to the management of the chosen venue. Most venues are very obliging, plus you can arrange refreshments without moving to another.

Any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email at any time.

Get In Touch

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re ready to start planning your ceremony or have a few questions, I’m here to help. Fill out the form or drop me a line using my details below.

Antony (Tony) Bennett

Ph. 0408 333 058

Email. antony@abcivilcelebrant.com.au

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