Marriage Celebrant Blue Mountains and Sydney

Marriage Celebrant Blue Mountains & Sydney
Welcome to a Ceremony by Design – the business I set up in 1995 when appointed an Authorised Marriage Celebrant. I applied for this position because I had the frocks, and loved (still do) to dress up; and I loved to read poetry (still do, but I’ll give you a go if you want to read at your wedding). Since then, I’ve become obsessed with the importance of ritual to celebrate all sorts of occasions – especially the life-long legal commitment of marriage.
As a Blue Mountains and Penrith celebrant, I am a preferred provider for The Fairmont MGallery Leura, Parklands Blackheath, The Hydro Majestic Medlow Bath, Lilianfels Katoomba and the newly opened Orchard on the Nepean River, Penrith.

From Blackheath to Bondi

That’s how far I’ll travel to conduct your wedding. As a resident of the Lower Mountains and Penrith, my business insists on including a Sydney-centric reach.
Rainbow Weddings
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Malynda Phillips
December 29th, 2021

Sue was a caring and professional and a lovely person to deal with. Both my husband and I are so glad that we chose her for our ceremony as we both felt it was just what we had hoped for. Many of our guests complimented on how lovely our ceremony was, how beautiful it flowed and how well Sue spoke, she has a lovely and professional manner which made the ceremony perfect. Sue gave us many fantastic ideas for our ceremony which really helped to bring it all together to make it the perfect ceremony for us. I would highly recommend her for anyone considering an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Malynda and Tony x

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Rachael Pilley
November 3rd, 2020

Thank you Sue for making our ceremony so special. You did such a beautiful job, no stress, seamless and you made it so easy for us. A beautifully bubbly personality (very stylish too) I will be recommending you!

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Leisa Watson
October 12th, 2020

We had such a beautiful wedding in September in the midst of a pandemic and it was wonderful. Susan was our wonderful celebrant. Susan is so professional, has lots of advice and experience and listened to what we wanted which resulted in a ceremony that was so perfect for us. Thanks Susan

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Narelle Sisa
September 17th, 2020

Sue ensured our wedding ceremony was personal and supplied some lovely ideas. Sue is very experienced and has a warm and vibrant personality. We felt very comfortable and supported when saying our vows. You can see that she enjoys what she does. Would recommend her to complete any style of wedding as she is very flexible. Narelle

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Michael Todd
August 10th, 2016

We are so thankful to have found you to perform our wedding ceremony. There could not have been a more perfect person for the job! Thank you for being so easy to deal with, understanding and helping us from beginning to end.

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Jessica Ariasubrata
May 25th, 2016

Our ceremony was exactly how we wanted it and Susan made the whole experience easy and meaningful, with her professionalism and warmth. She provided us with ceremonies and readings to choose from, and we added our own touches to customise it. She helped us tailor it to include my mother in the ceremony and also a handfasting, which was particularly meaningful for us. It was a truly special ceremony and we will remember it always. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a celebrant. She will help you make your special day everything you wish for.

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Marisa Zadro
May 21st, 2016

Sue created that personal touch for my sisters wedding. A day we still talk about! When I recommended Sue I knew that she would create a ceremony that my sister would remember. With this faith, I was excited to see my sisters day transpire to that romantic and intimate ceremony she dreamed of. Sue was attentive, aware and engaging. She listened to what was wanted and wove her magic. What more could a couple want!

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Aaron McLuckie
May 17th, 2016

From the moment that we contacted Sue, she was professional and helped us to create a perfect ceremony for our special day. To assist us, Sue provided us with great range of poems and verses. Sue's open and bubbly nature was perfect for our ceremony. Many of our guests commented on Sue's delivery, being clear and expressive. We would definitely recommend Sue to any couple who are looking for a friendly, professional and approachable celebrant.

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Graham Adra
May 17th, 2016

Sue is the most amazing celebrant. She made out Vow Renewal such a beautiful experience. A lot of thought and love was given to our special day. Sue provided me with a plethora of poems and ideas to ensure my wife had a smile from ear to ear, all day long. She's professionalism was outstanding. She thought through every aspect of the day and my wife and I talk about it all the time. The scene that Sue set was one of beauty, calmness and clarity. Every participant on the day raved about Sue's delivery of her sermon and beautiful words. I can not recommend Sue highly enough for her ability to ensure every aspect of our day as extra special.

Experienced & Dedicated Gay Friendly Celebrant

In my experienced years, I am directing my efforts and talents toward the LGBTQI+ community, interfaith ceremonies and multi-cultural society. I am loving how intersectional our lives are and I want to celebrate that with the clients who find me to conduct their wedding.

Queer Pride

I’ve been told I make the process of getting married, from the documents to standing at the “altar” stress-free. I promise I’ll keep you informed and supported.
Above all, when you stand up there to be married by me, I want you to feel PROUD.
Because I will!
susan artup celebrant
Presenting Bron and Linda

A Unique Ceremony

I can also put my vision to the side, so you can have ownership of your ceremony. I hope I’ll inspire you with just how personal and unique you can make your ceremony.

I can tell you about the many rainbow weddings I’ve conducted that are refreshingly different from the heteronormative ceremonies of the first twenty years of A Ceremony by Design. While marriage equality in law remains, not all weddings are equal in design – inclusiveness allows for a richer script, more creativity and choice, intimacy or fabulousness, subtlety or theatricality. I’ve conducted a transgender wedding as quiet and family-oriented as you can imagine, and gay weddings conducted by drag-queens who only let me push in for the legal parts.

Intimiate Weddings Blue Mountains

Ceremony Ideas - The Book

My commitment to you is to help you through all the planning stages in the creation of an authentic ceremony.
I have published a book, “Love is in the Air – 100 reflections for your personal wedding story”, which makes up part of the wedding package I’ll give you. 
However, it’s your reflections I want to hear and I’ll be sensitive to the tone and style you want on your wedding day.
from b to b

Say 'I Do' in the Beautiful Blue Mountains

Wherever you want to be married in the spectacular Blue Mountains, from Glenbrook to Wentworth Falls, to Blackheath, my aim as a celebrant is to deliver a beautiful ceremony to celebrate your life in marriage. As a local Blue Mountains celebrant, I hope your wedding will fulfil your idea of the perfect ceremony.

As an Authorised Marriage Celebrant, I am a foundation member of the Australian Marriage Celebrants Association (civil celebrants) which assures that the planning of your wedding ceremony and its celebration will be conducted in a professional manner.

The guests – both family and friends, have responded to my warm and personal style throughout which I maintain my professional edge – I can be both a “fun” celebrant on your big day, while ensuring that the correct words are used in a calm and reassuring manner so that you can savour the moment of marriage with joy and confidence.

Officiate Your Love with an Authorised Marriage Celebrant

On the day of the wedding, I can provide a small signing table for the signing of the marriage documents, including your Official Marriage Certificate. You will also sign my marriage register and your Commemorative marriage certificate, which I will hand to you in front of your guests once you are married.

After you have exchanged your vows and signed marriage certificates, you have fulfilled all the legal requirements of marriage in Australia. In all its capital cities, including my favourite, Sydney, its lands and territorial waters. And then I hand you over to your friends and family to enjoy your reception as a newly married couple!

from bondi to blackheath

Just Married!

Malynda Phillips
December 29th, 2021

Sue was a caring and professional and a lovely person to deal with. Both my husband and I are so glad that we chose her for our ceremony as we both felt it was just what we had hoped for. Many of our guests complimented on how lovely our ceremony was, how beautiful it flowed and how well Sue spoke, she has a lovely and professional manner which made the ceremony perfect. Sue gave us many fantastic ideas for our ceremony which really helped to bring it all together to make it the perfect ceremony for us. I would highly recommend her for anyone considering an indoor or outdoor ceremony. Malynda and Tony x

Rachael Pilley
November 3rd, 2020

Thank you Sue for making our ceremony so special. You did such a beautiful job, no stress, seamless and you made it so easy for us. A beautifully bubbly personality (very stylish too) I will be recommending you!

Leisa Watson
October 12th, 2020

We had such a beautiful wedding in September in the midst of a pandemic and it was wonderful. Susan was our wonderful celebrant. Susan is so professional, has lots of advice and experience and listened to what we wanted which resulted in a ceremony that was so perfect for us. Thanks Susan

Narelle Sisa
September 17th, 2020

Sue ensured our wedding ceremony was personal and supplied some lovely ideas. Sue is very experienced and has a warm and vibrant personality. We felt very comfortable and supported when saying our vows. You can see that she enjoys what she does. Would recommend her to complete any style of wedding as she is very flexible. Narelle

Book a Ceremony Planning Session

As a dedicated and experienced marriage celebrant I extend to you an invitation to a personal ceremony planning session.
Welcome to our Wedding Sign
Step 1
Get in touch with me
...after looking at my website for anything that stands out or you want to ask me about. If possible, know the date and location of your wedding.
Celebrant at Lilianfels Blue Mountains
Step 2
Complete your Notice of Intended Marriage
...at my office at least one month before your wedding. Show me your original birth certificate or passport, your photo ID and termination of previous marriage document.
Plan your Ceremony in the Blue Mountains
Step 3
Plan your ceremony
...with my book, Love is in the Air, and ideas from my booklet of ceremonies. Come back to see me to run through what you want in your ceremony.

Claim your Planning Session

We can spend 30 minutes where I can show you the way a typical ceremony is planned – words, readings, symbols and dedications.
Book a Planning Session
Servicing Blue Mountains & Sydney
Penrith
Nepean River
Windsor
Manly
Palm Beach
North Head
Mona Vale
Elizabeth Bay
Newtown
Woolwich
Parramatta
Camden
Leura
Blackheath
Mt Victoria
Mt Tomah

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we meet with you before committing to booking you for our wedding?

Absolutely – read about my Ceremony Planning Session.

Do you handle all the legal paperwork before and after the wedding?

Yes, we will have 2-3 meetings to discuss your ceremony and fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage, and after your wedding I send all your documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages and register your marriage online immediately.

Can you advise about immigration issues?

Not specifically, but I can write a letter for you to take to the Department of Immigration as evidence of your intention to marry in Australia.

Can our family and friends participate in the ceremony?

Yes – I have lots of suggestions on giving them a role to play.

Do we have to have counselling or marriage education before we get married?

Absolutely not.

Do you supply music?

No, but I can make suggestions.

Do you supply a microphone?

If you think you need one, I will hire one on your behalf and charge you $75.

Does the ceremony have to be in English?

No, but it must be understood by the bride, groom, two witnesses and me.
I can conduct ceremonies in French, German and Bahasa Indonesia/Melayu, but for other languages you will need a qualified interpreter.

What are the basic legal requirements of marriage?

You must be over the age of 18, not related to one another and not married to someone else.
You must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage (provided by me) and lodged (with me) one month before the wedding date and no more than 18 months before.
You must show me your passport or birth certificate and your photo ID.

What if one of us is under 18?

You must get the permission of a parent or guardian, as well as court approval (in some cases court approval is sufficient). Under no circumstances can both of you be under 18.

What if I have been married before?

I must see your final divorce order or a death certificate.

How long before the ceremony will you arrive?

At least half an hour before.

Do you hold a rehearsal?

Your second meeting in my office is our opportunity to go through your ceremony in as much detail as you need. If you need me to travel to your ceremony venue, there will be a charge for that and you must give me a month’s notice and the time must be negotiated.

What areas do you cover?

The Blue Mountains, Penrith and Western Sydney, Northern Beaches, Inner West and Sydney CBD.

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