What do you need to do to get married abroad?

There is a growing demand for overseas weddings! Exquisite, hot, exotic locations. Somewhere cooler, perhaps? Or places on the map that cry beauty and wild adventure! If you intend to marry overseas, I highly recommend performing the legal marriage within Australia first to ensure the marriage is legal and recognised. I can assist you to legally marry in Australia (the paperwork is completed with two witnesses over the age of 18 in what is a very simple ceremony, followed by the ceremony you actually...

Joanne explores the sensitive topic of gay marriage...

I shake my head when friends who are same sex and transgender tell me stories of (prejudicial) experiences they have encountered. Sometimes you just have to laugh (I ask 'really?!') but other times, discussions leave me in deep thought for a long time afterwards. A recent challenge described to me irked me. So much so, that I will persist in writing such blogs to raise public awareness and encourage greater acceptance of diversity. The couple explained that they had pretty much given up on...

Don't let bad weather rain on your parade!

One big fear for many a bride; a welcome surprise to be ‘made the most of’ by another! Run for cover: some things I can control as a civil celebrant, however weather is not one of them! I’ve come up with five tips to ensure your wedding is as right as rain, whatever the weather. - To ensure your wedding day is not going to be spoilt by inclement weather, do not take chances and make sure you have a “Plan B”. - Gazebos or pop up tents are superb if you have the capacity...

Civil Celebrant Joanne shares her views on marriage...

Occasionally there are times in our lives where our boundaries are pushed, both within society and within us personally. We may not always be comfortable with the changes however I believe that, despite the discomfort of change as we adapt, change is most often positive because we grow. Hello! My name is Joanne Armstrong and I am an authorised marriage (civil) celebrant. It is in my nature to help others. I love to help people “keep the big picture”. I thrive in making special moments...