Celebrants In Demand As Couples Go Natural
Sun Herald
Sunday May 9, 2004
SAYING ``I do" in front of an iconic landmark or in a stunning natural setting is one of the driving forces behind the increase in popularity of wedding ceremonies being performed by marriage celebrants.
More than 50 per cent of weddings are now civil ceremonies, rather than traditional church weddings, and most are performed by celebrants.
The most recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 55 per cent of wedding ceremonies in 2002 were civil ceremonies, a jump from 41.8 per cent in 1992.
One of the major reasons for the increase is that, when couples are married by a celebrant, they can choose where their nuptials will take place, said Elisabeth O'Brien , the director of celebrant training company Australian Celebrations Training.
``A lot of people want the Sydney Harbour Bridge in their photos," Ms O'Brien said.
People were also moving away from mainstream religion and those who were getting married for a second time might not be able to be remarried in a church, she said.
The president of the Civil Marriage Celebrants Association of NSW and the ACT, Robert Smith, said another reason was that couples could choose their own ceremonies.
Mr Smith said Sydney was full of beautiful locations for weddings, including harbourside spots, parks and beaches and on the harbour itself.
Mrs Macquaries Chair, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Chinese Gardens, the Camellia Gardens at Caringbah, Hickson Road Reserve, Taronga Zoo and Fort Denison are just some of the picturesque places couples choose for their big day, he said.
English couple John and Lorraine Hendley tied the knot with the help of a marriage celebrant in a small ceremony at Observatory Park on Friday.
``We couldn't think of anywhere better really to get married," Mrs Hendley said.
They celebrated their big day with two friends from England and they will have a celebration with family and friends when they go back home.
It is their first visit to Australia and they chose to exchange their vows in Sydney because of its beauty.
``We just do not get anything like that back home," Mrs Hendley said.
The couple, from Nottingham, decided to be married by a celebrant so they could have the ceremony in the location they wanted.
Mr Hendley also has no religious affiliation.
Celebrant Bob Miller, who married the couple, said the demand for his services is constantly increasing.
Mr Miller expects to perform about 100 wedding ceremonies this year, up from
85 last year and 50 in 2000.
AISLE DO IT MY WAY The percentage of civil 1992: 41.8% 1998: 49.5% ceremonies compared 1993: 42.1% 1999: 51.3% with religious ceremonies 1994: 43.1% 2000: 52.8% performed since 1992. 1995: 44.4% 2001: 53.1% Figures from Australian 1996: 46.7% 2002: 55% Bureau of Statistics. 1997: 47.7%
© 2004 Sun Herald