What Can I Have Included in My Wedding Ceremony?
A Complete Guide to Personalising Your Big Moment**
Your wedding ceremony is more than just the legal part of the day—it’s the heart of the celebration, the moment everyone gathers to witness your story, your promises, and your connection.
One of the questions couples ask me most often is:
“What can we include in our ceremony?”
The answer is simple: almost anything you want.
As long as we include the legally required words, the rest of your ceremony can be shaped to reflect your personalities, cultures, values, and sense of fun.
Here’s a complete guide to what you can include to create a truly meaningful and memorable ceremony.
1. Acknowledgement of Country
A beautiful way to begin your ceremony is with an Acknowledgement of Country, honouring the Traditional Custodians of the land and paying respect to Elders past and present.
Many couples choose to include this as a moment of gratitude and connection.
2. Your Love Story
This is one of the most loved parts of a ceremony.
Here, I share your journey—how you met, the moment things clicked, your favourite memories, the quirks you adore in each other, and what led you to this day.
It’s warm, heartfelt, and usually gets a few laughs (and sometimes a few happy tears!).
3. Readings, Poems or Quotes
These can be:
Romantic
Spiritual or religious
Light-hearted
From books, films, or songs
Written by a loved one
Readings add depth, personality, and meaning, and they’re a great way to involve special guests.
4. Rituals and Symbolic Moments
There are so many beautiful rituals you can include, such as:
Candle lighting
Sand ceremony
Handfasting
Ring warming
Wine ceremony
Tea ceremony
Breaking the glass
Unity painting or planting a tree
Cultural traditions from your heritage
These rituals bring symbolism and ceremony to the moment—and can be customised to suit you.
5. Personal Vows
This is your chance to speak from the heart.
You can write your own vows, choose from examples, or let me help you craft something truly personal.
Some couples even add surprise vows, fun promises, or private vow books.
6. Involving Family and Friends
You can choose to include:
Parents
Children
Grandparents
Your bridal party
Siblings
Friends
They can do readings, rituals, acknowledgements, or simply stand proudly by your side.
Some couples even include their pets in the ceremony!
7. Music
Music sets the tone and energy of your ceremony.
You can include songs for:
The processional
Signing the certificates
Recessional (your “we just got married!” moment)
Background or live acoustic music
Choose songs that reflect your story.
8. Cultural or Religious Elements
Australia’s marriage laws allow you to blend cultures beautifully.
This could include:
Prayers
Blessings
Traditional attire
Cultural dances
Symbolic offerings
Your ceremony can be as inclusive and diverse as you wish.
9. Humour and Light-Hearted Moments
Your ceremony doesn’t need to be stiff or overly formal.
If you’re fun and relaxed, your ceremony can be too!
I can include warm, genuine humour that reflects your personalities and makes your guests smile.
10. The Legals
Every ceremony must include two essential components:
The Monitum – the words your celebrant must say.
Your legal vows – one sentence each that confirms marriage in accordance with Australian law.
I weave these into the ceremony in a way that feels natural and smooth.
**The Best Part?
Your Ceremony Can Be Completely “You.”**
Outside the legal words, your ceremony is a blank canvas.
You can have:
Traditional
Modern
Romantic
Funny
Short and sweet
Elaborate and symbolic
Cultural and colourful
Whatever feels right for the two of you is exactly what we’ll create.
As your celebrant, I guide you through every option, help you choose what suits your style, and build a ceremony that feels effortless, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
