Christian Weddings Melbourne
Craig Anderson was without a doubt the most caring, involved, respectful, professional celebrant we could have asked for. His kindness and warmth resonated throughout our ceremony. We had phone chats, emails, support and guidance from the moment we committed to Craig right through to our wedding day. We recommend Craig and his professionalism the most.
Amanda and Lance.
My now husband (Steve) reached out to Pastor Craig after seeing his ministry on Google as he wanted a Christian Service. We contacted Craig, and from the first meet he was very respectful and supportive. Working with Craig to make our wedding service loving, memorable and respectful was easy and Craig conducted it to a very high standard. We would encourage any couples to make contact with Craig and meet him.
Tanyia & Steve
We were so lucky to have Craig as our celebrant for our wedding! From the very first meeting, he made us feel comfortable and confident that our ceremony was in good hands. Craig took the time to really get to know us as a couple, listened to our story, and created a ceremony that felt perfectly “us.”
On the day, he brought the right mix of warmth, humour, and professionalism — keeping everyone relaxed while still making the moment incredibly meaningful. So many of our guests commented on how personal and heartfelt the ceremony was.
Thank you, Craig, for making our day so special. We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant — you truly went above and beyond!
Maribeth and Margielo
We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant for our wedding! Craig has a deep understanding of Christian traditions but was able to incorporate our Christian beliefs perfectly without being too much for any non Christian guests.
Craig took the time to meet us twice before the wedding, ensuring that every detail was perfect. His communication was excellent, always prompt and clear, which made the planning process so much easier. On the day of the wedding, he was so professional yet warm, and his words truly touched our guests, most of them complimenting what an amazing yet heartfelt ceremony it was.
We are so grateful to have met Craig and have him at our wedding.
Thank you Craig!
Dhesan and Olivia.
The minimum number of people that can attend a legal wedding ceremony (Civil or Religious) is 5 people. The Celebrant, The couple and two witnesses. A witness can be anyone who is over 18 years of age and is mentally competant.
Most weddings are a glorious celebration of one of the most meaningful days in the life of the two getting married. So, inviting your close family and friends is very special. As a couple you want to share your promises of marriage before Almighty God and also before witnesses who are family and friends. The reason is, that you want your word to be your bond. What you promise before many witnesses means that you want the world to know, “I want this person to be my partner for the rest of my life”
The people at the ceremony who are your closest loved ones will witness the truth about your intention and promises, but also, they will be there to help you maintain that bond if the going gets tough. The number of people invited will depend on costs and how much you want to spend, but apart from that, its about inviting those who love you and believe in you. What a day you’re going to have!
In Australia most Church denominations register their clergy members as officially recognised wedding celebrants. Being a celebrant or officiant (same thing) means the clergy person has a complete understanding of the Marriage Law in Australia and is recognised by the Federal Government and registered with the state Births Deaths and Marriages department as someone who is legally allowed to conduct a marriage ceremony and register it with the state department. (https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ma196185/)
There are many forms that must be filled out to complete the marriage process. The first one called Notice of Intended Marriage which must be completed, signed and witnessed a month and a day or more before the marriage ceremony can take place. (https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/notice-intended-marriage)
A Christian Celebrant is a person who has the legal right and authority to perform and register a marriage in Australia and also is a person who has a genuine Christian Faith and can offer couples a very meaningful Christian Ceremony that truly reflects their values.
The things that the Christian Celebrant can offer (that I offer anyway) are:
Learn more about our pre-marriage counselling & education services
Dear engaged couple,
Congratulations on finding true love and embarking on this beautiful journey of togetherness! As you approach your wedding day, we can only imagine the excitement and joy that fills your hearts. While love is the foundation of any successful marriage, we believe that the magic of a lifelong commitment lies in fostering a strong and resilient partnership.
Today, we invite you to explore the transformative power of Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education. The decision to tie the knot is an incredible milestone, and investing in your relationship through counselling and education can enrich your bond and set the stage for a lifetime of happiness.
Why Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education?
As you may know, planning a wedding is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure. As you take those steps down the aisle, Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education can provide invaluable insights and tools to navigate the inevitable ups and downs that life presents.
Strengthen Communication: Effective communication is crucial for a successful relationship. Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education equip you with practical communication skills to express your feelings, needs, and desires openly and empathetically. Mastering these skills will empower you both to resolve conflicts constructively, fostering a deeper connection.
Build Trust and Intimacy: Trust is the foundation of a strong relationship, and intimacy is the essence of emotional closeness. Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education can help you address any underlying trust issues and create an environment of vulnerability, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
Navigate Finances Together: Money matters can be a significant source of stress in a marriage. Through counselling and education, you’ll gain practical strategies for managing finances, setting joint goals, and planning for the future as a team.
Explore Shared Values and Goals: Understanding each other’s values and aspirations is crucial for aligning your life’s journey. Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education will guide you in exploring your shared values, setting mutual goals, and creating a vision for your life together.
Resolve Potential Conflicts: Every relationship faces challenges, but Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education can help you identify and address potential conflicts before they become serious issues. This proactive approach will fortify your bond and create a sense of security within your relationship.
What to Expect from Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education?
Now, you might be wondering what happens during Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education sessions. The process is designed to be supportive, non-judgmental, and entirely tailored to your unique relationship. Typically, sessions are led by licensed counsellors or therapists who specialise in working with couples. Confidentiality is always respected, allowing you both to express yourselves freely.
During your counselling and education journey, you will:
Assess Your Relationship: Your counsellor will help you explore your individual personalities, communication styles, and expectations for marriage. Understanding each other on a deeper level is the first step towards a harmonious and joyful life together.
Identify Strengths and Areas of Growth: Celebrate your strengths as a couple and discover the areas where growth is possible. Emphasising your strengths will build confidence, while addressing potential challenges will foster resilience.
Learn Effective Communication: Communication lies at the core of successful relationships. Your counsellor will guide you in expressing yourselves authentically, actively listening, and understanding each other’s emotional needs.
Resolve Conflict Constructively: Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but it’s how we handle it that matters. Your counsellor will teach you conflict resolution skills that emphasise empathy, compromise, and finding win-win solutions.
Establish a Solid Foundation: As you approach your wedding day, Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education will lay the groundwork for a solid foundation upon which your marriage can thrive.
A Lasting Investment in Your Love
You might wonder why Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education are a worthwhile investment. In truth, they are a testament to your love and commitment. Just as we invest time, effort, and resources into planning a wedding celebration, investing in counselling and education ensures that your marriage is built on a strong, healthy, and loving partnership.
Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education are not only for couples facing difficulties but are a proactive step towards creating a blissful marriage. The insights and tools you gain will continue to serve you throughout your lives together.
Our Professional and Caring Counsellors
We understand that finding the right counsellor is crucial for a positive counselling experience. Rest assured, we work with a team of experienced and caring professionals who have helped countless couples embark on their marital journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Our counsellors are passionate about guiding couples through this transformative process, and their expertise covers a wide range of topics, including communication, emotional intimacy, family dynamics, and much more.
Start Your Journey Today
The path to a joyous and fulfilling marriage begins with Pre-Marriage Counselling and Education. Embrace the opportunity to strengthen your love, understanding, and emotional connection as you prepare to say, “I do.”
To take this significant step towards a lifetime of wedded bliss, simply reach out to us to schedule a consultation. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you get started on this exciting journey.
With warm regards and heartfelt wishes,
Craig Anderson
Qualified Facilitator with Prepare Enrich – 30 years experience helping over 100 couples
This is Michael and Ninwa, a gorgeous couple who tied the knot on January 13th 2023 at Manor on High.
Review by Nina G on 28/03/2023
Highly recommend!! We were very blessed to have Craig as our pastor/celebrant and also guide us through pre-marriage counselling (Enrich). Craig explained and guided us throughout the whole process. Craig shared with us his resources, which helped us out a lot! We had such an amazing ceremony and we couldn’t have done it without you Craig! Thank you so much and God bless.
Meet Sarah and Jeremy, who were married on the 27th November 2022 at Trawool Estate.
Review by Sarah E on 6/04/2023
Craig was fantastic! We did premarital counselling with him as well as him being our celebrant. Craig was wonderful throughout, super helpful and performed our ceremony so beautifully. Would highly recommend!
Christian Weddings Melbourne