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Working out the logistics and creating a wedding ceremony can be quite daunting and complex.
My aim is to make the legal and ceremonial part a pleasurable experience and to remove as many of the stressful elements as possible.
I see weddings as very significant occasions on lots of different levels.
They provide an opportunity for two people to stand in front of the important people in their lives and declare their love and commitment to each other.
How they do this will be unique; this is why I see part of my role as helping a couple to find the tone and emotion that fits who they are, what their relationship means and how they want to convey this to each other and in the presence of their family and friends.

Weddings

Library and forrest wedding photos

As your celebrant I will:

  • arrange a meeting to talk about the type of ceremony you both want
  • listen to you and provide you with some ideas and resources to help you create your ceremony
  • explain the essential legal components of the ceremony and its usual format
  • provide you with information about Relationship Education Services
  • be available for consultation throughout the lead up to your wedding day
  • discuss my fee structure
  • lodge all of the official paperwork

I am happy to provide as little or as much input into the creation of your service as you require.

Lets get together — obligation free — and have a chat about the sort of ceremony you want, as well as the legalities, and other relevant things that will make your ceremony memorable and run smoothly.

A few words about me

Ring-a-ding-rings

I was born in the UK but have lived in Australia for over 30 years.
I am a family therapist and have also worked as a registered nurse for over 40 years.
I have been married for many years and know that deciding to get married is the easy bit.

I support same sex marriage.

What others have said

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“We felt very calm and well prepared with Judith as our celebrant, she has the perfect mix of flexibility and attention to detail. The ceremony was relaxed but at the same time very moving, it’s something we will always remember with great joy.” 
Ruth and Nuno

"I was introduced to Judith by my partner and felt immediately that she was the right person to be our celebrant.  Judith exudes a sense of calm and is genuinely interested in the person you are.  Judith was then fantastic to work with on the lead up to the big day and of course was brilliant on our special day.  I would strongly recommend Judith for anyone wanting a warm and sincere celebrant who is professional and genuinely cares." 
Jason and Paul

“We really valued your involvement in our day and what you brought to the experience in the planning and on the day. We hope we bump into you somewhere in our future. "
Peter and Peter

Ian & Dale
Paul & Jason
Peter & Peter

Fee structure

https://www.deviantart.com/2kaikai2

My fees are built around your individual situation and what you want for your big day. Prices start from $550.

Basic – $550

(Essentially this is a registry office ceremony but held at a venue of your choice)
I will provide:
One meeting to complete the legally required paperwork at least 28 days before the ceremony
I will conduct a short ceremony that includes the necessary wording for a legally binding marriage
I will complete and lodge the official paperwork
Fees will apply for travel over 10 kms

Standard – $750

I will provide:
One meeting to complete the legally required paperwork at least 28 days before the ceremony
Unlimited phone and email contact
Some advice & examples of ceremonies
I will conduct a personalised wedding ceremony
I will complete and lodge the official paperwork
Travel within 20km of Caulfield (additional fees may apply for greater distances)

Personalised – From $900

I will conduct a personalised wedding ceremony
and I will provide:
All of the above as well as
A rehearsal in the days before the wedding ceremony
Travel within 80km of Melbourne (additional fees may apply for greater distances)

Send me a message

I am happy to meet with you for an obligation free consultation to discuss your ideas around the ceremony you want.

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Ian   Dale

We met during an unlikely encounter in April 1994 whilst living in different states. Our relationship has developed and matured to a level whereby we can now say “I do”. Jokingly, friends have said it’s best to wait 26 years just to make sure.

While having known Judith Gorst for ten years, in 2019 we were made aware that she was a celebrant. Judith’s sincerity, integrity and capacity are characteristics we were looking for, and given this, we didn’t need to pursue other celebrants.

We were never really absorbed about the idea of a ceremony or marriage in any form let alone being ‘Husbands’, but the change of mind happened concurrently with the Marriage Equality laws. We did not need to propose to each other, just a discussion of the prospect.

Interestingly in December 2019, our London ex-pat friends were visiting us. With no time for a legal wedding we decided to surprise them with a commitment ceremony. This emotional trial run for the future wedding comprised six people and was conducted perfectly by Judith.
Her calm, concentrated and engaging manner fitted well with our sensibilities.
It is a cherished day to reflect on, filled with pure joy.

We then set a date for our legal marriage on April 18, 2020 but Covid-19 restrictions forced us to make other plans and decided on April 4, 2020. We asked Judith to conduct our wedding ceremony at our home in our garden. Two friends acted as witnesses so that made for the allowed five people to gather. The sun was shining and it was also a perfect day.
Once again a sincere thank you to Judith for being involved in our once in a lifetime marriage.

We are now planning a third ceremony and once again wish Judith to conduct this event. This will involve our family and friends, a fun gathering to hopefully farewell Covid-19.

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Paul   Jason

Having Judith as our celebrant was one of life's wise choices.

Her personal interest in our story, the time spent in preparation, and her genuine care meant that our wedding was all we hoped it would be.
Her references to our personal story, combined with the joy and humour she brought into ceremony, facilitated everyone there getting caught up in the significance of the day. Apart from flowing seamlessly, Judith's style of facilitation meant that an underpinning authenticity shone through.

We could not be more grateful that someone with such sincerity and commitment to to our well-being was able to officiate the most important decision of our lives.
We could not have had a more appropriate celebrant. So much so that we will forever consider Judith to have a special part in our journey.

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Peter   Peter

Firstly, thank you. It was great to have you as our celebrant and to feel “held” through that process. It meant a lot to us both that you made the process so smooth, and that you gave us advice and guidance along the way in confirming our relationship and our feelings on the day. It was valued by us to have someone who respected us and grounded us throughout the process.

We had numerous comments on the day, and following about how you gave it such grace and carried us through that experience. My 94 year old mum commented that she’d been to a lot of weddings but she noticed how well you said what needed to be said, but with great words and wisdoms in between.