Cassie Duncan
Photo by Damien Milan
Services.
weddings + naming ceremonies
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My speciality is weddings and naming ceremonies. I only take on a small number of bookings each year so that I can invest the time into each one they deserve.
If you've read the About Me section then you'll have a deeper insight into my approach, but the long-of-the-short-of-it is that I start every ceremony from scratch and base it on insights I glean via a set of questions I provide for you to answer in your own time. Upon approval, I also like to contact your bridal party for insights as a way of including them in a more meaningful way. A ceremony normally runs for 20-30 minutes, however it can be as long or short as you like. I provide you with a booklet of suggested readings, vows and a 'cheat sheet' on how to write your own vows, should you wish to do so. It you'd like to meet to suss me out first, then we'd normally do that over coffee or a glass of wine. If you already know you'd like to book me, then I use our first meeting to get all the legal paperwork sorted. You'll need your passport and ideally birth certificate (however this is no longer compulsory). If you do not have a passport then you will need a birth certificate and one form of photo identification. The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be completed at least one calendar month prior to the wedding, so it's important to consider this when arranging your first meeting with me. Having said that, most people like to book their celebrants in nice and early, so this is not usually a problem. I am based in Melbourne (hence the name) but I am happy to travel to your chosen venue, there may just be an additional price to cover time and petrol. Rehearsal My fee also includes the option of a rehearsal. |
Pricing.
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I hate talking about money so hesitated sharing my pricing, however, I decided I have nothing to hide. And besides, it always makes me nervous if something doesn't have a price tag, I just assume I can't afford it! |
weddings
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A ceremony with all the bells + whistles $1,300
This includes a bespoke ceremony designed especially to suit you, all meetings, legal paperwork, lodging paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages, a rehearsal, use of my Bose PA system, a personalised keepsake ceremony booklet and attendance on the day. These weddings are normally 20-30 minutes in length. It takes me 20 hours on average to meet with you, write and prepare a personalised ceremony, offer a rehearsal, do the legal paperwork, get dolled up on the day and make sure I am at the venue with all necessary paperwork and with plenty of time to spare. People sometimes assume you just turn up and earn a quick buck, but I assure you this is not the case. Although many weddings are geared towards the 'party' (and rightly so!), it is important to consider that it is the ceremony that sets the tone for how the rest of your day or night will pan out. A great ceremony is the ultimate lead-in to your dream day. Note: Extra fees for a destination wedding will be discussed prior to booking. |
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A basic 'registry style' wedding at a venue of choice $800 This ceremony includes the legal elements and a small introduction/personalised section and runs for around 10-15 minutes. It is simple, yet still enables you to host your wedding at a destination of your choice. This price does not include a rehearsal, however, does include all legal paperwork and use of my PA system. |
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Renewal of vows $800 If it's been too damn long since you took time out of your busy schedules to show your appreciation for one another, then a Renewal of Vows Ceremony may be just the thing for you. There is no legal framework to guide such a ceremony so you can be as creative as you'd like! |
naming ceremonies
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Naming ceremony $700 In essence, a naming ceremony is a non-religious christening. It is a celebration of life and a chance to bring your family and friends together in celebration of all that is good in the world (newborn snuggles for the win). I approach these ceremonies in a similar way to weddings. I receive insights from the parents, 'guardians' or significant others. I share details about the inspiration behind your child's name and why you have chosen the guardians you have (if any). It is also an important time to acknowledge the role of grandparents or people who have been significant in supporting and shaping your lives, as you embark on this roller-coaster that is parenthood. Many naming ceremonies do not include the formal allocation of guardians, but instead choose to celebrate the tribe of people who you will lean on whils raising your child. This may include grandparents, aunties, uncles and friends. There is no legal framework required to conduct a naming ceremony, so anything goes! |
