Marriage Celebrants - Alison Pickel
- Business: Alison the Celebrant
- Location: Sydney, New South Wales
- Experience: 7 Years
- Profile: Alison the Celebrant
- Website: alisonthecelebrant.com.au
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, I'm Alison Pickel, aka Alison the Celebrant, and I used to be sceptical about marriage. Not something you might expect a marriage celebrant to admit but it's true. I didn't used to understand what the big fuss was all about.
But back in 2010, I began to march in the Sydney rallies for marriage equality, because I wanted to support my friends' rights. It was at these rallies that I began to hear all the varied reasons why marriage was so important, from people who – at that time – didn't have the option. It wasn't just about the legal protections that marriage affords, but its meaning within the community and how deeply personal it is. This little cynical heart melted and I finally *got* what marriage truly meant to people. How its meaning was unique to every couple, and how beautiful that expression of commitment could be.
So when my friends asked if I would be the 'celebrant' at their non-legal wedding in France (having already completed all the legals in Australia first), I jumped at the chance. I loved every part of creating a celebration that reflected them. And when I returned to Australia, I quit my job in media, started studying to become a celebrant and never looked back.
Helping couples celebrate one of the most important days of their lives in a way that feels right to them honestly makes this one of the BEST jobs in the world!
2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?
I've been a celebrant for more than six years, solemnised hundreds of weddings, become a celebrant trainer and am the NSW Leader for The Celebrant Society.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
I find most couples book me around 9-12 months in advance, but I have done much shorter turnarounds. Being a celebrant is my main gig, so I don't restrict myself to a certain number of weddings a month. If I have availability, let's make it happen.
With celebrants, you usually need at least one month's notice because of the paperwork required. However, there are some very limited circumstances where a shortening of time may be granted, and I've helped many couples marry with this. If you have a need to marry in less than a month, feel free to get in touch and I will be happy to discuss this with you.
4. How would you describe your ceremony style?
I always do my best to ensure the ceremony style matches the couple. However, my most common ceremony style could be described as relaxed, fun and engaging. It's very normal to be nervous on your wedding day, but I work hard to create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable and your guests have a great time, too. Weddings are not a spectator sport, they are a celebration of love and community, and I like to make sure everyone feels that vibe.
5. What are your fees for a wedding?
My pricing is available on my website and ranges from $400 for a legals-only wham-bam ceremony to $2200 for a fully bespoke ceremony + MC services. I also have some packages in between, so don't hesitate to reach out to discuss which option would best suit you.
6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?
People laugh when I tell them this, but I own one dress in eight different colours, and that is my "celebrant dress". (If you're interested, it's the Ever by X dress). I discuss the wedding colour theme with my couples and we pick what colour I'll wear so that I'm not too matchy-matchy, but that I complement the colour scheme rather than clash.
7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?
It depends on the package you book with me. For a legals-only, we'll have a quick initial chat - usually on the phone – then a NOIM-signing meeting. The next time I see you is the day of the ceremony.
For a bespoke wedding + MC, we'll usually have a 45 min meet-and-greet before you book me, then a 2-hour paperwork and planning meeting, a separate 1-hour reception planning meeting, then a final 45 min Zoom or in-person rehearsal the week of the wedding to go through all the final details.
If a couple feel like they need an extra session, I can usually make myself available.
8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?
Yeah, baby! Making a ceremony all about you is my specialty. However, I also have a package with pre-written scripts that you can customise, if you are a more private couple who would prefer a less personalised option.
9. Are you available to travel if needed?
Sure can. I generally travel within 2 hours of Marrickville, Sydney (or 1 hour if wanting me to MC). However, if you want to marry somewhere I've always wanted to go (Margaret River, anyone?), then let's chat.
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
My cancellation policy differs slightly from package-to-package, but is clearly outlined in the contract. I also have a postponement options as well. Please feel free to ask me about it in our meet-and-greet.
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