Your Tamborine Mountain, Kooralbyn & Scenic Rim
Marriage Celebrant

If you are planning your wedding ......... congratulations!  My name is Karen Cook.  I am a Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant located in Kooralbyn, approximately 27 kilometres south-west of Beaudesert, in the heart of the Scenic Rim.   

My passion is to assist couples wishing to formalise their love and commitment to each other by entering into marriage.  Whoever you are, it is my pleasure and privilege to help you realise your marriage and plan a beautiful wedding ceremony.   I don't differentiate between same sex or opposite sex couples.  Love is love. 

The focus of your wedding day is the formal commitment you are making to each other.  Your marriage ceremony is a very significant part of your wedding day and I can guide you through the legal process while working with you to create a beautiful, individual ceremony that reflects your unique relationship.  I can provide you with sample readings, poems, vows and special rituals which symbolise your commitment to each to each other.   

Our first meeting is obligation free to ensure you feel comfortable and confident with me acting as your marriage celebrant.  I am always happy to answer any questions you may have.  I understand that your time is valuable and you will have a lot to organise for your wedding!  
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Elopements

If you prefer the the romance and intimacy of an elopement, I can help you!  My fee for performing an elopement ceremony is less than a standard ceremony as a microphone and PA system is generally not required, neither is a rehearsal. What is included is an initial meeting with you to submit the Notice of Intended Marriage and get to know you, a simple but lovely ceremony with the minimum legally required  wording, your ceremonial marriage certificate and and submission of all legal paperwork to register your marriage.   You will require two witnesses aged 18 years or over. If you don't have witnesses I can arrange them for you for a small fee.  
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Requirements for Marriage in Australia

You are legally required to lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) with your celebrant no later than one month and no earlier than eighteen months prior to your wedding day. The NOIM will usually be completed at our first meeting. At this time your deposit payment is due to confirm your booking with me. 

You will be required to bring the following documentation to our meeting for lodgement of the NOIM:
  • Valid, current passports or original birth certificates
  • Current driver’s licences or other current photo ID
  • If either parties have been married before, divorce papers and/or death certificates.  
The NOIM is available for you to view or download at www.ag.gov.au, or I am happy to provide the form for you.

Before the ceremony takes place, you will be required to sign declarations of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (on the back of the Official Marriage Certificate). 

On your wedding day you will be signing three documents – the Official Marriage Certificate, the Marriage Register and the Couple’s Certificate (this is the certificate which is presented to you after the ceremony). 

You will also require two witnesses aged 18 years or over who are able to understand the significance of the ceremony.

For further information regarding marriage in Australia...
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White Dove Releases

Doves mate for life, they share the responsibility of building a home and raising a family.  They are international symbols of peace, beauty, unity and love.  In this beautiful ceremony, the marrying couple release two white doves.  As the doves circle above to find their direction home, they represent the couple beginning their journey together, helping each other in finding their direction in life.  The doves may be released by hand or a cage release.  The two doves may be joined by others representing the support of family and friends.  The doves will circle above and come together as a magnificent white flock, adding an element of unique beauty to your ceremony and photographs.  

Dove releases can be incorporated into all occasions, their symbolism and beauty makes them a lovely inclusion for all significant life ceremonies from naming days through to funerals.  Together with our professional handler, I can create a beautiful and unique dove ceremony for all occasions.   Should you already have a celebrant but wish to use our doves, please contact me directly to arrange.  Prices start from a very reasonable $200.

Please note that these birds are homing pigeons which are our pets, they are not wild doves.  They are trained to fly home and strict limits are placed on distances, weather conditions and time of release to ensure their safety.  We also have beautiful lacewing doves (white with brown lacing on wings) should you like something different!  
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Testimonials & Recommendations
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