Terms and Conditions
As an Authorised Australian Commonwealth Marriage Celebrant, I am committed to providing you with the best possible experience. The following Terms & Conditions outline my professional responsibilities, obligations under the law, and expectations of clients.
Terms & Conditions
1. Professional Standards & Legal Obligations
I will:
1.1 Comply with the Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants.
1.2 Meet the requirements of the Marriage Act 1961 and the Marriage Regulations 2017.
1.3 Observe the laws of the Commonwealth and of any State or Territory in which I solemnise marriages.
1.4 Guide and assist you in completing the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM).
1.5 Provide information and guidance to enable you to design a ceremony that meets your needs and expectations.
1.6 Ensure the validity of the marriage according to law.
1.7 Be punctual and appropriately presented for marriage ceremonies.
1.8 Provide you with information on how to notify the Attorney-General's Department regarding concerns or complaints.
1.9 Provide professional facilities to meet or interview clients.
1.10 Maintain knowledge of family relationship services in the community.
1.11 Not breach copyright laws unless permission is granted or I hold an appropriate licence.
1.12 Not discriminate and will adhere to the Australian Human Rights Commission standards.
1.13 Ensure all marriage documents are finalised within 14 days and submitted to Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM).
1.14 Maintain my annual Ongoing Professional Development.
1.15 Pay my annual Authorised Marriage Celebrant fee.
1.16 Maintain current Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
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2. Privacy & Confidentiality
I will:
2.1 Comply with the Privacy Act 1988.
2.2 Not share any client information with third parties without explicit consent.
2.3 Provide a private and confidential environment for discussions.
2.4 Use client information only for the purpose for which it was collected, unless permission is granted otherwise.
2.5 Provide clients with access to their personal information upon request.
2.6 Keep computer systems protected with anti-virus, anti-hacking, and password protections.
2.7 Store hard copy documents securely in a locked steel cabinet.
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3. Invoicing, Payments & Refunds
I will:
3.1 Request a non-refundable $100 deposit to confirm your booking.
3.2 Confirm a booking only upon receipt of the deposit.
3.3 Require full payment no later than 14 days prior to the ceremony. Failure to pay may result in cancellation.
3.4 Provide a transparent pricing structure with clear payment timelines and options.
3.5 Provide invoices promptly and discuss all associated costs openly.
3.6 Itemise any additional expenses (including GST) on invoices.
3.7 Apply the following refund policy:
Cancellation ≥ 60 days prior: refund (excluding $100 deposit).
Cancellation 59–30 days prior: 50% refund (excluding $100 deposit).
Cancellation < 30 days prior: all payments forfeited.
3.8 Retain discretion to provide refunds outside these terms in exceptional circumstances.
3.9 Provide a full refund of all monies paid if I must cancel your ceremony.
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4. Document Recording & Storage
I will:
4.1 Securely store contracts, agreements, and legal documents.
4.2 Use password protection and anti-virus measures on all devices.
4.3 Destroy documents securely after 6 years from the last wedding.
4.4 Not leave legal documents unattended at any time.
4.5 In the event of resignation, retirement, or death, ensure a nominated custodian manages the transfer of current weddings, notifies BDM, and destroys records as required.
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5. Equipment & Ceremony Materials
I will:
5.1 Regularly check my PA system, microphones, and backup system.
5.2 Maintain all stationery (pens, batteries, cables, ribbons, etc.).
5.3 Ensure electronic devices are fully charged.
5.4 Back up all digital devices and run virus checks regularly.
5.5 Maintain and service my vehicle for reliable travel.
5.6 Require clients to accept financial responsibility for any damage (repairs or replacement) caused to my equipment during the ceremony by clients, guests, or others.
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6. Stationery & Legal Forms
I will:
6.1 Ensure all marriage forms are up-to-date by downloading them directly from the Attorney-General's website.
6.2 Purchase official certificates, envelopes, and brochures from CanPrint.
6.3 Maintain regular stocktakes of stationery.
6.4 Action all updates from the Attorney-General's Department immediately.
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7. Ceremony Logistics
7.1 Clients are responsible for ensuring that the ceremony venue is safe, accessible, and legally permissible for marriage ceremonies.
7.2 Clients must inform me of any special requirements (e.g., cultural rituals, accessibility needs, interpreters) at least 14 days before the ceremony.
7.3 Travel within 50 km is included; additional travel may incur extra fees, agreed in advance.
7.4 Rehearsals may incur additional fees depending on location and time commitment.
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8. Client & Guest Conduct
8.1 I reserve the right to refuse to conduct a ceremony if clients or guests are abusive, discriminatory, threatening, intoxicated, or otherwise engage in unlawful or disruptive behaviour.
8.2 In such cases, all monies paid will be forfeited.
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9. Force Majeure & Substitute Celebrant
9.1 I am not liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond my control (e.g., illness, natural disaster, government restrictions, pandemics, or transport disruptions).
9.2 If I am unable to perform the ceremony, I will arrange for a substitute celebrant of similar standing. If no substitute is available, a full refund will be provided.
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10. Intellectual Property & Media
10.1 Ceremony scripts, vows, readings, and original content created by me remain my intellectual property. Clients are granted a personal licence for their wedding only.
10.2 Clients may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially use my materials without written consent.
10.3 I consent to being photographed or recorded during the ceremony for personal use. Commercial use of my image, voice, or work requires my prior written consent.