Contrary to popular belief, your witness isn’t there to witness your signature.  Their role is so much more than that!  Let me explain.  In Australia, you must have two witnesses, both over the age of 18 (and sober) to ensure your marriage is valid.  Their job is quite instrumental actually.

 

You see, every civil celebrant must say what is referred to as the ‘monitum’.  A monitum explains to you, your witnesses and guests that the celebrant is indeed authorised to do what they say they can do.  More importantly the monitum just gives you a gentle nudge in the ribs to remind you both what you are about to enter.  It is a legal requirement that must be read verbatim.  Your witnesses must hear the celebrant say the monitum.  And finally your witnesses must hear you say how you will take your loved one to be your lawfully wedded partner.  So if any of your witnesses perhaps yell, “What was that love? I was in the loo” That’s not a good thing.  In fact, their signatures on your certificates of marriage is acknowledging they heard you and me – and that’s a good thing!

 

Some couples ask me who is best placed to be a witness.  Well that can be absolutely anyone attending your ceremony.  I’ve seen couples choose Mum’s, Dad’s, their own adult children, siblings, venue staff, lucky door prizes and the mystery of putting two winning stickers under guest seats.

 

As one of Coffs Harbour’s leading marriage celebrants you can rest easy that you’re in great hands.  For more information how I can make your wedding ceremony one to remember for a lifetime contact me at MarriedBySimon.com.au, celebrating happiness since 2008.

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  • Brett and I would just like to thank you once again for being the celebrant for our wedding at Boat Harbour Beach. You were above and beyond all of our expectations. It was obvious that you made a real effort to get to know us individually and as a couple, but what really stood out to me is that you REALLY listened to what we wanted to portray about us and our love. You set the mood beautifully and everyone has commented on what a beautiful, fun and romantic ceremony it was. Thank you for giving us exactly what we wanted and we feel any other couple will be lucky to have you as their celebrant. We can’t recommend you anymore highly.

    Kara and Brett

  • Simon, we want to thank you for being part our celebrant, for marrying us and for being a huge part of our beautiful day.  Our ceremony was everything we wanted – relaxed, personal and special.  We appreciate your guidance throughout it all.  Thank you.  With love Karlee and Luke.

    Karlee and Luke

  • We just wanted to say a huge thank you for making our wedding day the most memorable and perfect day ever! You did such a fantastic job, everyone commented on how professional you were and how relaxed you made us and the kids feel. Thank you again for being part of our fairytale!

    Melinda and Luke

  • Thank you for officiating our wedding ceremony.  We had an amazing day and loved how relaxed and genuine the ceremony was – just perfect thank you!

    Danielle and Nick

  • We would like to thank you for the great job you did at our beach wedding. You were so professional and caring about everything and everyone. You had all the equipment set up on the beach and everyone was able to hear you clearly. You made our day so special and stress free. We have been to a lot of weddings and the celebrants don’t come anywhere near your presentation. At the end of the ceremony everyone was commenting on how personal the ceremony was and how modern you presented yourself at the ceremony. We highly recommend having Simon for your wedding. As a celebrant you would not find a more professional, caring, honest, young and touching one like him. Thanks Simon.

    Angela and Lucas

  • We would just like to THANK YOU for such a perfect and personal ceremony. Our guests thought you were a friend we had known for years (we didn’t tell them any different). There were so many positive comments about the work you did. We loved that you kept the ceremony about us, that you talked about our story and you were so professional. Great suggestion about the music playing throughout. We would highly recommend you to all of our friends and family (even strangers). I also believe that you made such an impact, our guests would be recommending you to their people.

    Your work was very much appreciated!! We can not thank you enough, Simon!!

    Pav & Jacob