Experienced, Registered Marriage Celebrant Cheryl Warry

Most couples book their marriage celebrant 12 to 18 months before their wedding, especially for popular spring and autumn dates. If you're planning a wedding in North East Victoria or at a popular winery venue, it's worth booking as soon as you've secured your venue to avoid disappointment.

The cost of a marriage celebrant in Australia varies depending on the type of ceremony you're planning, the celebrant's experience, what's included in their service, and where your wedding is taking place. While some simple legal ceremonies may cost a few hundred dollars, a fully personalised wedding ceremony with an experienced celebrant will generally cost more.

When comparing celebrants, it's worth looking beyond the price. Every celebrant offers something different. Some include unlimited meetings, ceremony planning, personalised scripts, rehearsal attendance, a professional PA system, travel and ongoing support, while others may offer a more basic service.

As a full-time Marriage Celebrant based in Wangaratta, I believe your ceremony is one of the most important parts of your wedding day. It's the moment you become married, and it should feel genuine, relaxed and completely personal to you.

With more than 10 years of experience officiating weddings across North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country, I guide couples through every step of the process, from completing the legal paperwork to creating a ceremony that reflects your personalities and keeps your guests engaged. I also perform only one wedding each day, so you'll never feel rushed if your timeline changes.

My advice: Choose the celebrant whose experience, style and approach feel right for you. Your celebrant sets the tone for your ceremony and creates the first memories of your wedding day. Finding someone you genuinely connect with is every bit as important as comparing prices.

Absolutely. I travel throughout North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country, officiating weddings at wineries, private properties, gardens, farms, mountain locations and intimate venues of every kind.

I'm based in Wangaratta and regularly conduct weddings across the King Valley, Milawa, Beechworth, Bright, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah, Mansfield, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Shepparton, Corowa and surrounding areas. I also travel further afield throughout Victoria by arrangement.

Over the years I've had the privilege of marrying couples at some of the region's most beautiful venues, including Brown Brothers, All Saints Estate, St Leonards Vineyard, De Bortoli Rutherglen, Mt Buffalo, Mt Hotham and many stunning private properties.

Whether you're planning a winery wedding, an elegant country celebration, a relaxed backyard ceremony or an intimate mountain wedding, I'll travel to wherever your story begins.

My advice: If you're unsure whether I travel to your venue, simply ask. Chances are I've either officiated there before or would be delighted to help you create a memorable ceremony there.

Absolutely. In fact, I encourage it.

Choosing your Marriage Celebrant is about much more than finding someone to complete the legal paperwork. Your celebrant will be standing beside you during one of the biggest moments of your life, so it's important you feel comfortable, relaxed and confident that you've found the right person.

Our first meeting is simply an opportunity to get to know each other. We'll chat about your wedding plans, your ceremony ideas, how I work and answer any questions you might have. It's also a chance for you to see if my style and personality are the right fit for you.

There's no pressure and no obligation to book after we meet. I want you to choose your celebrant because you genuinely feel we're the right match.

Meetings can be held in person if you're local to Wangaratta or online if you're planning your wedding from elsewhere in Victoria or interstate.

My advice: Don't choose a celebrant based on price alone. Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to, someone who listens, understands what's important to you, and can guide you confidently through the entire process. The connection you have with your celebrant makes all the difference on your wedding day.

Appointments, rehearsals, ceremony, legal paperwork: registration and certification of your ceremony with Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state/territory of marriage and tips on photography.

Travel (within Victoria), on-site rehearsal and site visit, stationery, use of a great PA system that doesn't require access to power and signing table with two chairs if required.

Upon a $250 booking fee, I will provide you with a ceremony guide. This includes the ceremony outline and examples of poems, readings, music and vows for you to consider. Of course your day and your ceremony is all up to you but with a wealth of experience behind me, I am here for you to bring your dream to life.

Most wedding ceremonies last between 20 and 30 minutes, although every ceremony is different. The length depends on the style of ceremony you choose and the personal touches you'd like to include.

A simple legal wedding may take as little as 10 to 15 minutes, while a fully personalised ceremony with your love story, personal vows, readings and special rituals will usually run for around 25 to 30 minutes.

In my experience, couples are often surprised at how quickly the ceremony passes. After months of planning, those moments standing together in front of your family and friends become some of the memories you'll treasure most. That's why I always encourage couples to slow down, take a breath, look around at the people who have gathered to celebrate with you, and truly enjoy every moment.

The goal isn't to make your ceremony longer. It's to make every minute meaningful, engaging and a genuine reflection of who you are as a couple. A well-planned ceremony should never feel rushed, but it should never feel like it's dragging on either.

My advice: Don't worry about the number of minutes. Focus on creating a ceremony that feels authentic, keeps your guests engaged and leaves everyone talking about how perfectly it reflected the two of you.

Absolutely. In fact, many couples choose to write their own vows because they're one of the most personal parts of the ceremony.

There's no right or wrong way to write wedding vows. Some couples write something heartfelt and romantic, others include humour, shared memories or promises for the future. The best vows sound like you, not something copied from the internet.

If writing isn't your thing, don't worry. You don't have to write your own vows to have a meaningful ceremony. I'm happy to provide ideas, prompts and examples to help you get started, or you can choose from a selection of beautifully written vows if you'd prefer.

One thing I've learned after officiating hundreds of weddings is that the vows people remember most aren't necessarily the longest or the most poetic. They're the ones that feel genuine and come from the heart. A few sincere words will always mean more than trying to write the "perfect" vow.

If you're worried about becoming emotional, that's completely normal. You can keep your vows short, carry a printed copy, or even share private vows together before or after the ceremony if that feels more comfortable.

My advice: Don't try to impress your guests. Speak to the person standing in front of you. Those simple, honest promises are often the most memorable part of the entire ceremony.

Absolutely. Some of the most memorable moments I've witnessed have involved children, dogs and even horses. Including the people and pets you love can make your ceremony feel even more personal and meaningful.

Including your children

Whether they're toddlers, teenagers or adult children, there are so many wonderful ways to include them in your ceremony. They might walk down the aisle with you, be flower girls or page boys, carry a sign, help with a unity ceremony, read a poem, or simply stand beside you as you exchange your vows.

For blended families, involving children can be a beautiful way of celebrating not only your marriage, but the coming together of two families.

Including your pets

If your dog is part of your family, why shouldn't they be part of your wedding too? I've had dogs walk down the aisle, greet guests, pose for photos and even act as honorary ring bearers. Just remember, I always recommend using replica rings if your pet is carrying them, while the legal rings stay safely with your witnesses or a member of your wedding party.

I've also had the privilege of officiating weddings where couples arrived on horseback, proving there are plenty of creative ways to make your ceremony uniquely yours.

My advice: Animals and young children don't always follow the plan, and that's perfectly okay. Some of the most genuine, joyful and unforgettable moments happen when they simply do what comes naturally. Those are often the moments your guests remember and photographers love to capture.

Absolutely. Inviting a family member or friend to do a reading is one of the simplest ways to make your wedding ceremony even more personal and meaningful.

A reading might be delivered by a parent, grandparent, sibling, child or close friend. It's a wonderful way to include the people who have supported your relationship and to give them a special role in your day.

The reading doesn't have to be traditional or religious unless that's important to you. Many couples choose a favourite poem, a passage from a book, meaningful song lyrics, a letter, or even a story that reflects their relationship and personalities. The most memorable readings are often the ones that genuinely mean something to you.

If you're not sure what to choose, I'm always happy to suggest readings that suit the style of your ceremony, whether you're planning a relaxed winery wedding, a simple legal ceremony or a heartfelt country wedding.

My advice: Choose a reading because it speaks to you, not because you think it's what you're "supposed" to have. A short reading with genuine meaning will always have a greater impact than a long reading that doesn't reflect who you are as a couple.

The weather is one of the few things we can't control, but it doesn't have to spoil your wedding.

Every outdoor wedding should have a wet weather plan, and I'll work with you and your venue to ensure you're prepared well before the day arrives. Whether that means moving under cover, relocating to an indoor space or making a few simple adjustments, we'll make sure your ceremony can still go ahead smoothly.

After officiating weddings across North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country, I've experienced just about every kind of weather imaginable. I've stood in summer heat, crisp winter mornings, mountain conditions, unexpected showers and everything in between. One thing I've learned is that the weather rarely determines how memorable your ceremony will be.

Some of the most beautiful weddings I've officiated haven't happened under perfect blue skies. They've happened with umbrellas, misty vineyards, dramatic clouds and even a few raindrops. Those unexpected moments often become the stories couples laugh about and treasure for years to come.

My advice: Have a backup plan, trust your wedding team and embrace whatever the day brings. At the end of it all, you'll still be married to the person you love, and that's what everyone will remember.

One of the biggest misconceptions about getting married is that there's a lot of paperwork. The good news is there isn't, and I'll guide you through every step.

The most important document is the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), which must be completed and lodged with your authorised Marriage Celebrant at least one month before your wedding date and no more than 18 months beforehand. I'll help you complete the form correctly and make sure everything is lodged within the required timeframe.

You'll also need to provide proof of your identity and date of birth, usually with a current passport or your birth certificate and photo identification. If either of you has been married before, you'll need to provide evidence that the previous marriage has legally ended, such as a divorce order or death certificate. Documents in another language must be accompanied by an approved English translation.

Before your wedding, you'll sign a Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage confirming you're legally free to marry. On your wedding day, you, your two witnesses and I will sign the official marriage documents, and after the ceremony I'll lodge them with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages so your marriage can be registered.

My advice: Don't stress about the paperwork. It's part of my role to make the legal side of getting married as simple and straightforward as possible, leaving you free to focus on planning the celebration.

Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with your authorised Marriage Celebrant at least one calendar month before your wedding day, and it can be lodged up to 18 months before your ceremony. For example, if you're getting married on 15 October, your celebrant must receive your completed NOIM no later than 15 September.

If your wedding is less than one month away, don't assume it's too late. In certain exceptional circumstances, the notice period can be shortened, but this requires approval from a prescribed authority and only applies in limited situations.

My advice: Don't leave your NOIM until the last minute. Once you've secured your venue and your wedding date, let's organise the paperwork early so everything is in place well before your wedding day. It's one less thing to think about as your celebration gets closer. You'll find a downloadable NOIM on the link below

In Australia, you legally need two witnesses to be present at your wedding ceremony. Both witnesses must be 18 years or older, able to understand what's happening during the ceremony, and be present to sign the official marriage documents with you and your celebrant.

Your witnesses don't have to be family members, Australian citizens or even people you've known for years. They can be friends, relatives or anyone else you've chosen to share your wedding day, provided they meet the legal requirements.

Many couples choose their parents, siblings or lifelong friends, while others ask grandparents, adult children or members of their wedding party. There's no right or wrong choice. The most important thing is that they're people you'd like standing beside you as you sign one of the most important documents of your lives.

If you're planning an intimate wedding or elopement and aren't sure who your witnesses will be, don't worry. This is something we can discuss during the planning process, and I'll help you work through the options.

My advice: Choose witnesses who will be genuinely present in the moment. Their signatures become part of your marriage forever, and they'll always have the special privilege of saying they witnessed the day you became married.

Yes, absolutely. In Australia, you can legally get married almost anywhere, provided your ceremony is conducted by an authorised Marriage Celebrant and the legal requirements are met.

Many couples choose to get married in the backyard of their family home, on a private property, in a garden, on a farm or at a place that holds special meaning to them. Your ceremony doesn't have to take place in a church, registry office or wedding venue to be legally recognised.

As your celebrant, I'll ensure all the legal requirements are taken care of, including the paperwork, legal wording and official documentation. From there, your ceremony can be as simple or as personalised as you choose.

Over the years, I've officiated weddings in backyards, paddocks, wineries, mountain locations and private properties across Wangaratta, North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country. One of the things I love most about being a celebrant is helping couples marry in a place that feels truly meaningful to them.

My advice: Don't choose a venue because you think it's expected. Choose a place that reflects your story, feels comfortable for you and creates the kind of memories you'll treasure for years to come.

Yes. One of the wonderful things about choosing a Marriage Celebrant is the freedom to get married almost anywhere that's safe, accessible and meaningful to you.

I've had the privilege of officiating weddings in vineyards, gardens, private properties, paddocks, mountain lookouts, riversides and family homes throughout Wangaratta, North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country. Whether you're dreaming of a winery wedding in the King Valley, an intimate ceremony overlooking the mountains or a relaxed backyard celebration, your ceremony can take place in a location that reflects your story.

The most important requirement is that your ceremony complies with Australian marriage law and can be conducted safely and respectfully. As your celebrant, I'll guide you through the legal requirements and help you consider practical things like guest comfort, weather, accessibility, sound and your backup plan.

My advice: Don't start by asking, "Where can we get married?" Instead ask, "Where means something to us?" Some of the most memorable ceremonies I've officiated have taken place in locations that were deeply personal rather than traditionally "wedding" venues.

Yes, you can absolutely involve a family member or friend in your wedding ceremony. In fact, many couples choose to have someone they know tell their story, introduce the ceremony or share a personal message.

However, under Australian law, only an authorised Marriage Celebrant can legally solemnise a marriage. This means your friend can't legally marry you unless they're a registered celebrant.

The good news is you don't have to choose one or the other. Many couples have the best of both worlds. Your friend can conduct most of the ceremony while I complete the legal components, including the required legal wording, the marriage paperwork and the official registration of your marriage. The celebrant becomes a co-pilot.

This allows you to have a deeply personal ceremony led by someone who knows you well, while giving you the confidence that everything is completed correctly and your marriage is legally recognised.

My advice: If having a friend involved is important to you, let's talk about how we can make it work. There are several ways to include the people you love while ensuring your ceremony is both meaningful and legally valid.

Before you may marry, the law requires that you lodge with your Celebrant the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM), click on the link below to download the form.

This form must be completed with your Celebrant and then submitted by your Celebrant via the BDM website (in the state of ceremony)—a minimum of one calendar month prior to the wedding. The form can be completed at your appointment to ensure accuracy. The form will remain active for 18 calendar months from the date of submission.

You must be over 18 years of age to marry 

If you are Australian born, you must show your original birth certificate in English together with photo ID or a passport. If you are born outside Australia, you are required to show your birth certificate or passport from your country of birth 

If either of you have previously been married, you will have to provide your Divorce Decree Absolute papers, and/or if either of your spouses are deceased, you must produce the Death Certificate

On the day of your marriage, you must have two witnesses over the age of 18.

Choosing a Marriage Celebrant is about much more than finding someone to conduct the legal paperwork. You're choosing the person who will guide you through one of the most important moments of your life, and experience makes a real difference.

As a full-time Marriage Celebrant, weddings aren't something I fit around another career. They're my profession. That means I'm available to support you throughout your planning journey, answer your questions, guide you through the legal requirements and help create a ceremony that truly reflects who you are and most importantly I'm available to marry you on any day of the week.

With more than 10 years of experience and hundreds of weddings across Wangaratta, North East Victoria and the Victorian High Country, I've learned that every wedding is different. Timelines change, the weather doesn't always cooperate, children and pets sometimes steal the show, and unexpected moments happen. Experience means knowing how to adapt while keeping everyone relaxed and ensuring your ceremony still feels effortless.

I also perform only one wedding each day, so you'll always have my full attention. If your ceremony starts a little later than planned or the schedule changes, I'm there for you, not watching the clock.

My advice: When choosing a celebrant, look beyond price. Choose someone whose experience, communication and personality give you confidence from your very first conversation. The right celebrant won't just marry you, they'll help make your entire wedding experience feel relaxed, enjoyable and unforgettable.

Because weddings don't always run exactly to schedule, and they shouldn't have to.

Hair and makeup can take a little longer than expected, family members get caught in traffic, photographers need a few extra minutes, the flower girl decides she'd rather throw petals somewhere else, or everyone simply wants to soak up the excitement before the ceremony begins. These are all part of a real wedding day.

By committing to just one wedding each day, I can give every couple my complete attention without the pressure of rushing off to another ceremony. If your timeline changes, I'm there to support you, not watch the clock.

Over the years I've learned that the best weddings aren't the ones that run perfectly to the minute. They're the ones where couples feel relaxed, present and able to enjoy every moment without unnecessary stress.

For me, this isn't just a scheduling decision. It's part of the service I offer. Every couple deserves to know that on their wedding day, they're my only priority.

My advice: Ask any celebrant how many weddings they perform in a day. It's a simple question, but the answer can tell you a lot about the level of flexibility and personal attention you'll receive.

Once you've exchanged your vows, signed the legal marriage documents and shared your first kiss as a married couple, it's time to celebrate!

While you're enjoying your wedding day with family and friends, I'll take care of the legal side of things. I'll lodge your completed marriage paperwork with the Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, ensuring your marriage is officially registered.

On your wedding day, you'll receive a commemorative Marriage Certificate, which is a beautiful keepsake but isn't the official legal certificate used for changing your name or updating government records.

If you need an official Marriage Certificate, I apply for this for you and is included in my fee. The official certificate will arive at our postal address within 4 to 6 weeks after your paperwork has been lodged by me.

 My role is to make sure everything is completed correctly so you can simply enjoy being newly married.

My advice: If you're planning to change your surname after your wedding, order your official Marriage Certificate as soon as your marriage has been registered. You'll need it when updating documents such as your driver's licence, passport and bank accounts.

Absolutely. Many couples choose me to be both their Marriage Celebrant and Wedding MC because it creates a seamless experience from the ceremony through to the reception.

By the time your reception begins, I'll already know your story, your family, your wedding party and the timeline for the day. That means I can confidently welcome your guests, introduce speeches, make announcements, liaise with your venue and other vendors, and keep everything running smoothly without making it feel overly formal or scripted.

Having the same person as both your celebrant and MC also means there's one less supplier to brief. I already understand what's important to you, the atmosphere you'd like to create and how you want your celebration to flow.

Whether your reception is at a winery, private property, country venue or local hall, my role is to keep things organised, relaxed and enjoyable so you, your family and your guests can simply celebrate.

My advice: Your Wedding MC sets the tone for the entire reception. Choose someone who is organised, confident, comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and able to adapt if the timeline changes. A great MC helps your reception feel effortless while keeping the focus exactly where it belong

Your personal information will not be used for any purpose other than to complete the necessary paperwork and certificates for the ceremony. 

I do not pass on or sell any information collected, or disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose or store or copy the information in any form.