The Most Common Wedding Questions I Get From My Couples

So many couples start by telling me:

“We’ve never done this before, so we don’t really
know what we want in a ceremony…..”

And my reply…..

“That’s okay, it’s so normal”.

Most people don’t have a ready-made ceremony template tucked in their back pocket. That’s what I’m here for….. to help you figure it all out and design a ceremony that feels like you. (I love that I’m your starting point!).

Some couples know exactly what they want. Others just know what they don’t want.

I’m fully aware that you’re not sure if you want readings, personal vows, or what “fun but meaningful and relaxed” actually looks like in a ceremony.

All you need is a starting point….. I feel like that’s me, right?

There’s no rulebook here (except the legal ones….. and even those allow for some creativity).

Make It Yours (With a Little Help)  

These days, most couples are creating their own blend of tradition, meaning, and modern vibes — doing away with things that don’t fit and embracing the bits that feel true to them.

The phrase I hear all the time is:

“We just want it to be relaxed, meaningful, and….. us.”

That’s what I do best. I take all your “we’re not sure but maybe…” ideas and turn them into a ceremony that feels like you wrote it yourselves. I have a very good strike rate on the first draft too — the most common reaction I get is:

“Oh wow, you’ve really nailed us.”

Below are some of the most common questions couples ask me…..

What Actually Happens in a Wedding Ceremony?

Your wedding ceremony has one legal job: to get you married. That’s it. Everything else is the icing on the cake. There are only a few legal requirements, which I’ll guide you through.

But the rest? That’s built from everything we’ve talked about along the way.

Do I have to make a big entrance? Do I have to enter the traditional way?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: Your wedding can look however you want.

You can walk in together, greet your guests first and then begin. You can skip the aisle entirely and just start the ceremony in the space with your people already gathered. You can dance in, stroll in, hi-five your way in, have your bestie walk with you, or even start your ceremony mid-crowd.

Let’s talk about what makes you feel comfortable, special, and most like yourselves.

Can we write our own vows?

Yes, absolutely! (but no pressure here, you don’t have to)

I love when couples write their own vows. I give you a handy “Hitch Guide” with prompts, vow starters and promise ideas. I’m even happy to run my eye over them for you.

If your package includes my assistance in writing your vows and you still have no idea – just drop me a brain dump and we’ll go from there.

And if you’re worried about your words sounding stiff and unnatural, remember – It’s not about being poetic. It’s all about sounding like you. If the words don’t sound like you’d say them aloud, I’ll help you tweak them.

Again, I’ve got your back here.

We’re nervous about public speaking and saying our vows….. how do we manage that?

Not everyone loves the spotlight, and that’s totally okay. Whether it’s writing vows, reading something out loud, or just standing up there while everyone watches….. I’ve got you.

I’ll be beside you all the way, keeping things relaxed and letting you be yourselves. Some couples choose to write personal vows but say them quietly to each other (before or after the ceremony). Some keep it simple and short.

I’ll always tell you the first thing that pops into your head is usually exactly what needs to be said.

Remember – less is more. Don’t over think things.

How early should we book our wedding celebrant?

Honestly….. as early as you can.

Popular dates (especially Spring and Summer days in Tasmania) book out fast. Legally you need to lock me in at least one month in advance but with those key dates booking out so far in advance some couples are contacting me up to 24 months in advance.

If you’re eyeing a certain date, reach out. And if I’m not available, I’ll always try to recommend someone equally fabulous who fits your style.

What if it rains?

It’s Tasmania. We always need a plan B.

Whether you’re under a marquee, in a forest clearing, or shifting to an indoor spot – I’ll work with whatever space we’re in. I’ve done ceremonies on really hot beaches (the tides coming in!), sunny wineries, under umbrellas, in tiny lounges and in some of Hobart’s back alleys.

We make it work.

What legal paperwork do we need?

That’s my job to handle.

I’ll walk you through everything from the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) through to the official signing. You don’t need to chase forms or research documents – I’ve got it sorted for you.

We’ll tick all the legal boxes without making it feel like a robotic government appointment.

What’s included in your wedding ceremony services?

I get asked this a lot and you will receive a detailed quote. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. A legal marriage ceremony that still feels relaxed and meaningful

2. A supportive, easy, low-fuss process from start to finish

3. Preparation, assistance, and lodgement of all your legal paperwork

4. A friendly “can read” the room Hobart Celebrant

5. Tailored inclusive ceremony writing based on you two

6. Access to my exclusive Hitch Guide

7. A catchup to get to know each other

8. Travel to and from your chosen ceremony space

9. With maybe a side of roadie Deft thrown in….. (check out my socials below)

Quickfire Frequently Asked Wedding Ceremony Questions

• Are you available on our date?

  This is one of the first questions couples ask me. My calendar fills up quickly, so reach out as soon as you can.

• Can we skip parts of a traditional ceremony?

  Absolutely! Want to ditch the aisle walk? No problem. Prefer not to have readings? That’s fine too. And if you do want to keep a few meaningful traditions – we can blend them in. It’s totally your choice.

• How long does a ceremony usually go for?

  On my watch – around 15-20 minutes. Maybe add on another 10 minutes if you're doing an aisle entry and exit and if we have children involved….. they never do what we think they’re going to do.

  Make your ceremony long enough to be meaningful, but short enough to keep guests smiling and nearer to party time.

• So, what next?

  If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Tasmania, and you want a ceremony that’s relaxed, thoughtful and a little bit different – I’d love to hear from you.

  You can reach out via my website or send me a DM on Instagram (@suelushsaunders_celebrant) if you’re more of a scroll and chat person.

  Text works as does email – again it’s your choice to make – I’ll work with whatever you need.

  And if you’ve just stumbled across this blog while googling “what goes in a wedding ceremony”………..well….. hello there….. you’re welcome. You’re in the right place.