What Actually is a Legals ONLY MARRIAGE?
What they involve (and what they don’t) .
as well as a word on co-piloting ceremonies.
LEgals Only Marriages are a thing.
your option to be married anywhere by an authorised celebrant instead of going to the registry office.
For me, they’re usually done over a table at a cafe or bar. Occasionally at a table in a park local to me.
The reason for this is- a Legals Only is NOT a wedding.
At all.
“Co-piloting and Legals Only are two very different things”
It’s become a popular request as everyone tries to get the most bang for their buck, but be sure of what is included:
1. Approx. 128 legal words.
2. Signing of certificates.
3. Prep and lodgement of docs.
That’s it.
They take minutes, need two witnesses and involve absolutely no storytelling or personalisation.
You can add some vows you write but I do not offer assistance writing them.
Legals do not involve travel, me getting dressed up, use of my audio equipment, a bridal party, an aisle, guests etc.
They also do not take place on Friday or Saturday afternoons because we reserve those times to earn 3-4 times what a legals only is worth doing full weddings.
What about Co-Piloting? My friend will do the ceremony. Can you just do the legals?
An increasingly common request is Legals Only in a ‘co piloting’ capacity.
For this you will be quoted a full fee, at least - because tbh- it’s a lot more work guiding and supporting your friend than it is to just do it all myselt.
There’s the inevitable communication in the lead up, requesting me to look over what they’ve written and give feedback on the ceremony plan.
There’s managing the inevitable freak outs and things that go ‘wrong’ on the day.
There’s running the ceremony with all its moving parts - where to be when, and where not to be.
The things that are second nature for us because we’ve done of hundreds of weddings.
There’s using our PA and microphone.
Liaising with other vendors and giving cues.
Ensuring that it has a professional and organised structure.
As well as the legal stuff. Before the wedding, at the wedding and after it.
It’s NEVER ‘just legals’
HEY THERE LEGENDS! I’M NAT SPROAL, MELBOURNE WEDDING CELEBRANT, AND AFICIONADO OF ALL THINGS HITCHING-RELATED.
Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog! You’ll find loads of no-BS advice and tips on how to create the day of your dreams - without the wedstress and the drama.
I’m your wing woman and captain of your ship when it comes to having a cruisy, loved-up and utterly memorable and joyous day. Enjoy!
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What is a Legals Only marriage and what does it include?
Image: Hey Babe Photography.