Mr. Samuel James: 10 Questions with Sam

Marriage Celebrants - Sam

Business: Mr. Samuel James
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Experience: 5 Years
Profile: Mr. Samuel James
Website: mrsamueljames.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello and welcome!...is how I start all of my ceremonies, so why not start my story with this too!

I'm Sam, a young, modern marriage celebrant based in little ol' Adelaide. I was registered as a celebrant back in 2020 during the height of Covid. This allowed me time to really hone my craft and my skills. I took the plunge to become a celebrant after working in a variety of roles in the wedding industry for over ten years. I've been a venue manager, wedding planner, musician, DJ and MC! It's with thanks to this varied experience that helps me to provide exceptional value in the service I give my couples. I have also previously worked in marketing and communications, and have a little bit of acting experience up my sleeve! All of these things help me to deliver authentic and memorable ceremonies.

My ceremonies are a great balance between some light hearted and fun moments, but the sweet stuff too! I'm with you every step of the way, carefully curating a perfect ceremony, one that you and your guests will remember for years to come. I am extremely flexible and willing to work with you to create something truly amazing that is the perfect reflection of your relationship and personalities.

2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?

I have ticked over 250 weddings in the last four and half years. These have been big, 300+ person weddings, or as small as an intimate elopement with just the couple and their photographers as witnesses. Let's not forget everything in between too!

In addition to my work as a marriage celebrant, I have worked in the wedding industry for 10+ years. This unique experience means my couples can pick my brain about literally anything wedding related! Need to know how much time to allow for speeches? I can help. What about how many drinks you'll need for 120 people? I can help! Maybe you want to know how you can include your gorgeous grandmas in the special day? I've got an answer for that too.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

I recommend a minimum for 12 months for peak dates.

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

My ceremonies are very well balanced. Many couples that book me are seeking a ceremony that is fun and laidback with a little bit of humour. It's important to remember that the fun parts come from the couples' story, and not from me up there telling pre-rehearsed jokes! I am able to weave in this light hearted moments, with the sweet and romantic moments as well. It is a wedding after all!

My delivery on the day is very natural. It's with thanks to my acting experience that I am able to deliver a ceremony that feels like a casual conversation. While I may be reading from a script, I deliver the words in a genuine, conversational style, helping your guests feel like they're right there with you every step of the way.

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

I offer four packages which includes the following; Legals Only, Short & Sweet, Wingman and Memorable Moments.

The Memorable Moments package is priced from $1250 includes all the bells and whistles that you would be used to seeing in a marriage ceremony, as well as me sharing your story. It's my most popular option!

The Wingman option is growing in popularity, and it's great when you have a friend or family member who you would like to deliver the ceremony. I pretty much stand on the sidelines, as a true wingman, and just pop in to deliver the legal components of the ceremony. It's a lot of fun and is priced from $860.

The Short & Sweet ceremony is just as it sounds. It is great for elopements or more intimate ceremonies. If you don't like the limelight, or simply want to keep the ceremony under 15 minutes then this is the perfect option. It includes all of the bells and whistles like the Memorable Moments package, except me sharing your story. The price is from $760.

The Legals Only option is not a ceremony, and includes only the legal aspects of the marriage. We simply catch up at my office in Glenelg, spend 5 minutes signing the paperwork and then you're out the door! This will set you back from $399.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

It's completely up to you! I have a variety of options that you can select from, ensuring that I fit in with your dress code and colour theme.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

This too is completely up to you! Typically we catch up once to plan the entire ceremony and sign some legal paperwork. At this meeting we will cover everything in relation to the ceremony! There's often no need to catch up again, however I'm more than happy to meet again should you choose to do so.

8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?

Yes, absolutely! My Memorable Moments package is perfectly curated and tailored to suit your respective personalities and your love story.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

I am available to travel all across Australia! Most recently I performed a ceremony on Bedarra Island in the Great Barrier Reef! It was truly special.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

My cancellation and refund policy is covered in the Service Agreement you sign with me when booking. I am however very flexible and willing to work together to postpone or choose new dates.