Just Wed - Dubbo & Surrounds

23/08/2024

Victoria Park, Dubbo, is looking amazing. What a great place to Just Wed.

Reach out if you’d like more info on and inspo for a short and sweet wedding in Dubbo and surrounds.

Check out our website at www.justwednow.com.

18/08/2024

After a long, busy week, The Boss at Just Wed, Nara, is taking a well-earned break. She’ll be back on deck in a few days, raring to go with arrangements for our next weddings. Paw-fect!

14/08/2024

Thank You Thursday…

Feeling the love! Received these beautiful and very tasty cookies from Sabrina and Josh, who married back in April. Thank you so much!

25/07/2024

Every business has values and a philosophy that underpin it. These are mine at Just Wed.

Simplicity.
Experience.
Less is More.
For All.

These are outlined in detail on my website at www.justwednow.com.

I also operate in a no-froth zone. The only froth is in my coffee.

Let’s catch up and have a chat over a cuppa about marrying quickly, simply and without fuss in Dubbo and surrounds.

22/07/2024

Following the recent conviction of a Victorian man who ‘married’ several couples while not authorised by the Federal Government to do so, it’s highly important that couples check if their chosen celebrant is authorised to marry people.

The URL below takes you to the federal authorised celebrant register. You can type the person’s name in the search box which will bring up any authorised celebrant with the name you’re searching for. Note: It doesn’t record business names, just the celebrant’s name as the person is authorised, not the business.

To find me, Sharon Bonthuys, type my surname in the search box, which will take you to my record. I’m the only person with this surname so I’m pretty easy to find.

https://marriage.ag.gov.au/commonwealthcelebrants/all

Confirming your celebrant is authorised will give you peace of mind.

21/07/2024

Just Wed’s Quote of the Day comes from famed American author Mark Twain.

Twain is one of my go-to people when looking for something inspirational for ceremonies. Why? There’s so much common sense and beauty in his words, especially those about relationships. Yes, he lived long ago but his words live on and still mean as much now as they did during Twain’s life and career.

Want to talk more about marrying in Dubbo or surrounds quickly and without fuss, with beautiful words that make your ceremony something to remember? Check out my website at www.justwednow.com and get in touch.

Description: a scene of green parkland at Southlakes, Dubbo, with a quote inside a box reading: “To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” Mark Twain.

Want to know more? Check out our website at www.justwednow.com.

20/07/2024

Ceremony Tip… there are many different ways in which you can acknowledge loved ones who are no longer with us. Creating a space at ceremonies and receptions is a beautiful way to do this.

Want to know more? www.justwednow.com

18/07/2024

Flashback Friday… The heavens opened and unleashed an electrical storm on Jess and Branden’s wedding day last December in Dubbo.

About half an hour before the scheduled start time, the storm suddenly stopped, and we proceeded to have the ceremony outdoors at the chosen location at the set time.

I’m so glad because it was really important to the couple to be able to marry at this spot.

Just Wed: Just So Easy!

Want to know more? www.justwednow.com

29/06/2024

This recent case of the ‘fake wedding celebrant’ has highlighted the importance of ensuring your celebrant is authorised by the Federal Government before you engage them.

Only celebrants conducting marriages in Australia need to be authorised by the Federal Attorney-General’s Department. All authorised celebrants are listed on a federal register which can be accessed on the AG’s website. It includes civil celebrants, religious celebrants, ministers of religion representing denominations, and state and territory officers.

People do not need authorisation to do funerals, commitments, namings or other non-legal ceremonies.

It is possible for family, friends, and celebrants who have trained but are awaiting authorisation to assist an authorised celebrant to conduct a wedding. We call this a ‘tandem wedding’ or the new trendy term is ‘co-piloting’. But it involves an authorised celebrant ensuring the legal elements are carried out.

Sadly, there was no jail time for the offences committed in this article, which would serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider doing this. There was a conviction recorded, however.

If anyone is searching for me on the federal register, you’ll find me listed with civil celebrants under the state of NSW: Sharon Bonthuys. My 20th anniversary of authorisation pops up this September.

Man, 31, pleaded guilty after charging each couple between $700 and $1,000 for his services

18/06/2024

Late last week the news dropped that the federal government would allow celebrants to resume the remote witnessing of Notices of Intended Marriage.

During the pandemic, this was done a lot due to the social-contact restrictions in place at the time.

It means that you can be anywhere within Australia and its territories and lodge your NOIM remotely with your celebrant over Zoom, Google Meets or other online platform.

We’ve not been able to do this since late last year, which caused some issues for clients. Now we can again and this makes the process of lodging your NOiM Just So Easy!

Reach out if you’d like to know more.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

09/06/2024

Just Wed Trivia of the Week…

How many official Witnesses are needed at a wedding to make it legal?

Quick answer: 2 people aged over 18.

Expanded answer…

Things to know about Witnesses:

* Without two official Witnesses present, the marriage isn’t validly solemnised as required by Australian law.

* Witnesses need to be 18 or older, consenting, sober, and not under the influence at the time.

* Witnesses need to know what legal elements they are witnessing during the ceremony, so the Celebrant should have a chat with them before the wedding. It’s not just about fronting up at the end to sign papers, as Witnesses may be called into court in the future to confirm they were present and listening at the ceremony.

* Official Witnesses should be present for the whole ceremony - otherwise it may not be valid. Sneaking off for a ciggie or to the loo during the ceremony could take your ceremony into difficult territory.

* If choosing Witnesses at random or in a ‘raffle’ or a ‘lotto’, this needs to take place BEFORE the ceremony starts, because:

a) the Witnesses must agree to be Witnesses (you can’t force anyone to do this).

b) the Witnesses need to know they have a special role and what to do.

c) the Celebrant needs to check the selected people are old enough, consenting, sober, and not under the influence of anything that could impair decision making, and find replacements then and there if needed.

d) the selected people know to remain present for all the legal elements in the ceremony.

Selecting Witnesses AFTER the wedding has taken place - after it’s all over Red Rover - is a potential breach of marriage legislation. It also thumbs the nose at a very important obligation of the Celebrant to ensure they are conducting a valid marriage ceremony in the presence of two Witnesses.

Sure, some of the legal elements of getting married aren’t sexy and may not add to the ‘cool vibes’ and champagne-popping photos - but if you’re going to get married you should do it properly.

Want to know more? Reach out and let’s chat.

**General advice - not legal advice**

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

04/06/2024

Some people do elect to change names before they marry, did you know? This may take the form of changing a given name, a surname or their complete name.

The reasons for doing so are many and varied, and frankly, are nobody’s business.

If this is something you’ve contemplated, I can provide you with information to assist you to navigate this process. Reach out and let’s chat.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

04/06/2024

Our business is about developing and delivering short and sweet wedding ceremonies for clients who aren’t after long and complex events.

The shortest of them all is the Just Wed ‘n Go ceremony, which is a legals-only wedding. It might be short, containing all the legal elements, but this ceremony will also have other words that mean something to you.

Our current work-in-progress is one of these ceremonies for a couple marrying outdoors in August. Finding the right words to frame their ceremony is my priority this week.

If you’d like to know more, reach out and let’s chat.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

31/05/2024

It's and much love to this wonderful couple, Nick and Jasmin, who I married in September 2023 in Dubbo in a Just Wed 'n Go ceremony.

A year earlier, Nick and Jasmin had participated in a special ceremony in which they'd said all the important things they wanted to say to each other, and celebrated their spiritual beliefs in the presence of loved ones and friends. The Just Wed 'n Go ceremony on their anniversary added legal significance to their relationship, and paid tribute to their special ceremony.

The Just Wed 'n Go ceremony is perfect for couples like this who are looking for a legal ceremony that complements other arrangements.

If you'd like to know more about how Just Wed can help you marry quickly, simply and without fuss, and without breaking the bank, reach out today and let's chat.

🕸 www.justwednow.com

29/05/2024

There are some rules about how young you are when you marry, but not how old you are.

You can marry at age 16 provided your partner is 18 or older, AND you have the consent of your parents AND a magistrate. Obtaining those consents may not be a simple process.

People can marry well into their twilight years, as long as they freely consent to do so and are of sound mind.

Want to know more? Reach out and let’s chat.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

24/05/2024

Venue vibes… many couples like the idea of marrying outdoors. Luckily, there are many wonderful outdoor locations to choose from around the central west.

This photo is the signing set up for a wedding held on a property outside Narromine recently. The guests sat on hay bales and watched on as J & S Just Wed.

Just Wed: Just So Easy!

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

24/05/2024

Josh and Sabrina Just Wed on a glorious autumn day this year by the Macquarie River, just outside Narromine.

They’d chosen a perfect day that wasn’t too hot, missing the high temperatures of a few weeks earlier, and before the first bites of pre-winter chill.

A fun and fabulous day.

18/05/2024

Your ceremony should reflect your wants and needs, but what’s said should never be a ‘surprise’ to you. Surprises sometimes have a way of causing distress.

Just Wed works with you so you know what’s going to be said at the wedding. It’s a simple process that ensures everything is approved by the clients before their big day.

You’ll also receive a beautiful keepsake copy as a memento.

Want to know more? Check out our website at www.justwednow.com.

16/05/2024

It’s and I loved marrying Megan and Dave in Dubbo on a beautiful autumn day this year. They chose our elopement package and that meant I got to work with the wonderful Katie Havercroft Photography again.

Want to know more about our elopement packages or the other ways in which you can Just Wed? Check out our website at:
🕸️ www.justwednow.com

12/05/2024

At Just Wed, it’s really important to us to ensure the words in our ceremonies are right for each couple.

Our current work-in-progress is for a couple in their twilight years who want to make the most of every day together. They will be the oldest couple we have worked with in almost 20 years of professional practice - and their words will be Just Beautiful!

Just Wed: Just So Easy!
🕸️ www.justwednow.com

09/05/2024

VENUE VIBES…

In case you’d never really thought about it, backyards are just brilliant places to Just Wed. Best of all, they’re really comfortable spaces because you’re right at home in your own home.

If you’re looking to marry quickly and without fuss, and without breaking the bank in Dubbo and surrounds, talk to Just Wed.

Just Wed: Just So Easy.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

Want to know more? Check out our website at www.justwednow.com.

06/05/2024

You’ll often hear the question asked at weddings: ‘Do you take ### as your husband, wife [or other title]?’

It’s not a legal question and isn’t required to be asked in Australian weddings. It’s just an old tradition. However, it’s a consent question so how you answer it is very important.

If you joke about how you answer it - saying ‘no’ or implying you’re rethinking your decision to marry - it revokes the consent to marry. The wedding cannot continue.

So when Just Wed talks to you about your ceremony, we will tell you about this, so you’re aware of it.

**This is not legal advice, just general information.**

Want to know more? Let’s chat.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

03/05/2024

Just Wed’s Trivia of the Week question is:

Who was the first British Royal to marry in a civil wedding ceremony in England?

Short Answer: Charles III.

Long Answer: The then Prince of Wales married Camilla Parker-Bowles on 9 April 2005 in a civil ceremony at the Windsor Guildhall (equivalent of a registry office). It was followed by a religious service of Prayer and Dedication at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Eleven objections were received prior to the marriage, but these were dismissed by the Registrar-General and the marriage proceeded.

02/05/2024

It’s Flashback Friday and I’m revisiting the glorious day in November 2023 that Dylan and Olivia Just Wed in the most gorgeous sunken garden just outside Dubbo.

It was such an honour to help this couple marry quickly and without fuss, so they could go off to celebrate their marriage with family and friends.

Ceremony: Just Wed ‘n Go

www.justwednow.com

30/04/2024

The weather forecast isn’t looking great over parts of NSW, with heavy rain set to hit some areas.

If you’re getting married outdoors during this time, this could impact your plans.

If you haven’t already done so, talk to your celebrant about a plan B or ‘back up’ plan in case you need to change locations.

Wishing everyone well and hoping you stay safe.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

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28/04/2024

This week our work-in-progress is something super-creative! We’re developing a Dr Seuss-themed elopement ceremony and it’s proving to be loads of fun.

We’ll be teaming up again with for this ceremony, so the photos of this special event will be just fabulous.

Want to know more about how you, too, can have a great elopement in Dubbo and surrounds without breaking the bank? Reach out today and let’s chat.

🕸️ www.justwednow.com

26/04/2024

Waterside weddings in the central west NSW are just as beautiful as those over on the coast. Dont let anyone tell you differently!

If you’re looking to marry by the water in Dubbo or surrounds, in a ceremony that is short and sweet but says everything you want with beautiful words, reach out to Just Wed.

🕸️www.justwednow.com

24/04/2024

We all hate paperwork and red tape, and there’s a certain amount of this involved when you decide to get married.

There are legally-defined timeframes for marriage paperwork. The most important one relates to giving notice of your intention to marry (NOIM). It has to be lodged with an authorised marriage celebrant a full month before you marry, at the minimum. (Unless you need to marry quickly and then another legally-defined process comes into play.)

This means the completed, signed and witnessed NOIM form needs to be lodged with your authorised celebrant for that time.

You cannot lodge this document on your wedding day. The paperwork is also needed to generate the other papers you will sign just before and at the wedding.

If a celebrant says: ‘hey, you can sign that NOIM for me at the wedding’ - this is a breach of the marriage legislation. However, this is happening out there, believe it or not.

But not at Just Wed. Never at Just Wed. With almost 20 years’ experience, we do not cut corners and breach legislation in our practice.

Want to know more about marrying quickly, simply and without fuss, and certainly without breaking the law - reach out and let’s chat.

23/04/2024

All ready for our 24/4/24 wedding with S & J near Narromine. What a great day to Just Wed In Ten.

20/04/2024

A tip for a top ceremony… ask your celebrant about where they will stand while you say I Do.

At Just Wed we try to position ourselves so we’re not in your photos as much as possible. After all, it’s not about us. We’re just making it happen for you in a froth-free zone.

Want to know more? Reach out and let’s chat.

www.justwednow.com