Marriage Celebrants - Kay Cornett
- Business: Kay Cornett Celebrant
- Location: Wollongong, New South Wales
- Experience: November 2023
- Profile: Kay Cornett Celebrant
- Website: kaycornett.com.au
1. Introduction: What's your story?
My name is Kay Cornett, and I am always excited to meet couples who are seeking a celebrant that is a perfect fit for them on their special day.
After 32 years as a high school teacher, I sought a creative and fulfilling role where I could use my skills in new and meaningful ways beyond the classroom.
When I am not officiating weddings, you will find me exploring outside with my family + friends walking the dog, swimming, paddle boarding, bike riding or on my scooter heading to local cafes. These little joys fuel my love for connecting with new people and being part of their most significant milestones.
Being a celebrant gives me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and understand a couple’s love story, needs, and unique situation. I love crafting ceremonies that reflect a couple’s vision while celebrating their growth, commitment, and journey - from profound, meaningful moments to the unexpected, spontaneous ones. All while engaging family and friends in the celebration.
My role goes beyond the ceremony itself—I often provide guidance, reassurance, and encouragement during these significant moments in a couple’s life as they navigate their wedding plans.
As a celebrant, I feel absolute joy when couples express their gratitude, telling me they have ‘found’ their celebrant and how their ceremony script perfectly captures who they are as a couple. It is an absolute privilege to stand alongside them as they prepare their special day, and honouring the relationships that truly means the most to them during their wedding ceremony. These moments are priceless.
I am deeply thankful to the incredible couples who have entrusted me to bring their wedding ceremony visions to life. I am so incredibly excited to be part of so many more special occasions, and I am committed to continuing to deliver a personalised high quality service for every couple I work with.
Whether you are envisioning a heartfelt gathering, a fun and vibrant celebration, or an intimate exchange of vows, I will collaborate closely with you to bring your vision to life. Together, we will create a day that honours your love, celebrates your connection, and sets the perfect tone for the next chapter of your adventure.
I would love to get to know you and hear your unique story. Let’s connect and start planning the perfect ceremony to make your wedding day truly unforgettable—because your love deserves nothing less.
2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?
Although I am relatively new to the celebrant profession, I’ve been fortunate to have a wonderfully busy first year, officiating 26 ceremonies so far. My calendar is quickly filling up for 2025 and 2026, and I’m excited to continue creating meaningful ceremonies for couples. Each ceremony has been unique, and I have loved collaborating with couples to craft meaningful, personalised moments that truly reflect them.
My background as a high school teacher has honed my skills in public speaking, organisation, and connecting with people—all of which I bring to every wedding I officiate. I am deeply committed to ensuring that each couple I work with feels supported, confident, and excited about their ceremony, and the feedback I have received so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
Every love story is unique, and I consider it a privilege to help bring each couple’s vision to life in a way that leaves lasting memories for them and their family + friends.
3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?
I always recommend booking as early as possible to ensure I am available for your chosen date, especially during peak wedding seasons. Many couples find that securing their celebrant ahead of time helps take the stress out of planning and allows us plenty of time to create the perfect ceremony together.
That said, I understand that sometimes things can move quickly, and I am always happy to discuss last-minute bookings—just reach out, and we will make it work!
4. How would you describe your ceremony style?
My ceremony style is warm, personalised, and deeply authentic, designed to reflect the unique journey of each couple I work with. I take the time to truly understand your story, values, and vision for your day, ensuring your ceremony is not only meaningful but also a true reflection of who you are. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern ceremony, I am here to create something that feels uniquely yours—blending creativity, personal touches, and heartfelt moments.
I am passionate about making every ceremony inclusive and welcoming, crafting an experience where everyone, regardless of background, feels celebrated. From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I will work closely with you to ensure your ceremony reflects your individual personality, all while crafting a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Above all, I pride myself on offering a calm, professional, and organised approach to ensure everything flows smoothly, giving you peace of mind on your special day. Let’s create a ceremony that honours your love, celebrates your connection, and sets the perfect tone for the next chapter of your journey—because your love story deserves to be celebrated in the most meaningful way possible.
5. What are your fees for a wedding?
I offer two unique packages to suit different wedding styles: my Bespoke Custom Package for couples wanting a fully personalised ceremony, and my Just Us Package (Elopement) for more intimate celebrations.
You can find my current fees and detailed package information directly on my website at kaycornett.com.au.
I am dedicated to offering a service that combines exceptional quality with thoughtful, personalised care. My aim is to create a ceremony that is not only meaningful and unforgettable but also delivered with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail - ensuring you receive the highest level of service at an exceptional value.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific needs, feel free to get in touch!
The Bespoke Custom Package
The Couple are truly the centre of this wedding with a high quality ceremony that is tailored to them. It is a personalised ceremony with a crafted and highly engaging, unforgettable moment for the couple and their guest. A creative and expertise service to ensure that everything goes to plan.
• Obligation free meeting
• A unique and expertly crafted ceremony that is guided by the couple to meet their needs and values
• Guidance through the personal vows writing process
• Suggestions of cultural traditions, rituals, and readings that can be included in the ceremony
• A final ceremony script with as many adjustments as needed
• Inclusion of pets in the ceremony
• All necessary appointments before the ceremony
• Unlimited correspondence via email and phone
• Rehearsal either at the venue or similarly to ensure the smooth running of the ceremony
• Portable, high quality PA system with music facilities and microphone
• My presentation will match your ceremony’s aesthetic/theme
• Guidance to the bridal party, family and friends on the day
• Liaise with photographers/videographers/florist/other vendors
• Seamless and stress free ceremony with support, compassion and gentle direction
• Completion of legal necessities and official paperwork
• A commemorative wedding certificate on the day
• Lodgement of the legal paperwork to BDM for the marriage to be registered within 1-2 weeks of the ceremony date
• Application for and a copy of the official Marriage Certificate
• Travel fee if 30km outside the radius of the Wollongong Metropolitan area.
Just Us (Legals only)
A simple yet unique ceremony with little fuss and 2 witnesses. It includes all legal requirements in your ceremony script and all appointments and communication necessary prior to your marriage.
• A simple ceremony script with legal vow requirements
• All necessary appointments and communication before the ceremony
• Seamless and stress free ceremony with support, compassion and gentle direction
• Completion of legal necessities and official paperwork
• A commemorative wedding certificate on the day
• Lodgement of the legal paperwork to BDM for the marriage to be registered within 1-2 weeks of the ceremony date
• Application for and a copy of the official Marriage Certificate
• Supply of the 2 witnesses if needed
• Travel fee if 30km outside the radius of the Wollongong Metropolitan area
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Notice of Intent to Marry (NOIM) must be lodged with me no later than 30 days prior to your wedding day.
6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?
I always aim to complement the style and tone of your wedding day, and I am happy to coordinate with you on my attire. If you have specific preferences for what you would like me to wear, I am more than happy to accommodate them.
If no particular requests are made, I typically wear a classic black dress with simple hair and accessories, ensuring I maintain a refined and professional appearance while blending seamlessly with the overall style of your celebration.
Your day is about you, and I want to ensure my look enhances, not distracts from, the beautiful atmosphere you have created.
7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?
The number of sessions a couple needs with me is entirely up to their preferences and needs. I am here to offer as much or as little support as needed to ensure they feel completely at ease. Some couples prefer a single meeting, where we can complete all paperwork, finalise preparations, and sign everything—sometimes with a little follow-up communication via email or text. Other couples may prefer to meet more frequently, especially if they want to discuss changes, fine tune details, or simply feel more confident and relaxed about their ceremony.
The frequency of our meetings can also depend on factors like the time between our first meeting and the ceremony, as well as the location of the couple and the venue. I am highly flexible and happy to accommodate their schedule and location, making sure they feel fully supported every step of the way. Ultimately, my goal is to work together to create a ceremony that feels perfect for them, and I am here to help in whatever way works best!
8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?
Absolutely! Creating a personalised ceremony is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I work closely with each couple to understand their unique love story, values, and vision for their special day. Whether you are looking for something heartfelt, lighthearted, or entirely unique, I will craft a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple and celebrates your journey together. Every detail will be tailored to make your ceremony meaningful and memorable, ensuring it is a perfect fit for you both.
9. Are you available to travel if needed?
Yes, I am absolutely available to travel! Whether your wedding is just around the corner or at a beautiful destination, I am happy to officiate at your chosen location. I have had the pleasure of traveling to a wide range of venues, both indoor and outdoor—everything from rustic farms and scenic jetties to stunning hanging rocks, botanical gardens, art galleries, restaurants, and even intimate backyard ceremonies.
No matter where your ceremony is taking place, I will work closely with you to ensure everything runs smoothly and is exactly as you envision. I love embracing the uniqueness of each setting, and I am flexible with my schedule to accommodate your needs, whether it is a nearby venue or a more remote location. Just let me know your location and any specific travel requirements, and I will make it happen with ease. Your wedding day should feel as special as your love story, no matter where it takes place!
10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?
I understand that circumstances can change, and I strive to be as flexible and understanding as possible. I’m here to make the transition as seamless as possible.
If you need to cancel your ceremony, I kindly ask that you provide written notice. Please note that the booking fee is non-refundable, and I reserve the right to retain any other amounts paid up to the point of cancellation.
If your wedding plans change and you need to reschedule, I’m here to make the transition as seamless as possible. I’m happy to discuss alternatives with you and will do everything I can to accommodate your new date.
If I am available for your new date and it falls within the timeframe of your current Notice of Intended Marriage, no additional fees will apply for the date change. However, if the new date falls outside this timeframe, a change fee will be required to cover the preparation and lodging of a new Notice of Intended Marriage.
If I am not available for your new date, please note that the booking fee is non-refundable, and I reserve the right to retain any other amounts paid up to the point of cancellation, including fees for work already completed and any lodgment costs. I will ensure that all official paperwork completed on your behalf is promptly handed over to your new celebrant to help facilitate a smooth transition for your special day.
In the rare event that I am unable to fulfill my services due to illness or injury, I will arrange for an experienced alternative celebrant to step in and seamlessly perform your ceremony. I will provide them with all the necessary paperwork to ensure everything proceeds as planned.
If your full fee has already been paid, I will cover the cost of the alternative celebrant up to the amount received. If only the deposit has been paid, the remaining balance will need to be settled before finalising these arrangements.
Should you choose not to proceed with the alternative celebrant or if the full fee is not paid, I will refund any fees paid, minus the cost of work already completed. In this case, the cost of hiring a new celebrant will be your responsibility.
My priority is always to find the best solution to ensure your special day remains as stress-free and memorable as possible, even in unforeseen circumstances.
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