10 Questions with Mary Vevers

Wedding Diaries interviewed one of the most popular and a highly sought-after marriage celebrant from New South Wales, Mary Vevers of Marry Us Mary. Sydney based Mary is the founder and owner of Marry Us Mary.

Marriage Celebrants - Mary Vevers

Business: Marry Us Mary
Location: Sydney, NSW
Experience: 4 Years
Profile: Marry Us Mary
Website: www.marryusmary.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello! It's great that you are reading this, because this means you are planning to get married and looking for the Marriage celebrant that vibes with you and your partner.

I'm happy to admit that because I love what I do, I tend to vibe with most people.

Let me tell you a bit about myself, I was born in Ireland and had 8 siblings! No joke!

I originally started out in life as a Nurse, then decided to change my course to food! I owned a business in London, catering for Amnesty International and absolutely loved it. My course in life changed again when my family (hubby and 2 sons) and I decided to move to Australia.

What a whirlwind that was, and you know, I have never looked back.
I was steered into events and management, which was crazy busy but gave me a great buzz.

There is a pattern above, if you notice. I love dealing with people. I have a calming demeanor and love to share my life's experience through my work as a Marriage Celebrant. What's not to love about being a Marriage Celebrant? It's a happy day, with lots of happy peeps.

I would love to meet you and your partner.

So, lets chat and get to know each other on your journey to getting wed.

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

So, I have been a Marriage Celebrant for 3 years now.

I started out as an emergency celebrant during the pandemic. Remember that old chestnut!

i traveled where I could, met some gorgeous funny, passionate and nervous people.

My experience quickly grew because there was a back log of weddings. Talk about learning on the go, it was fabulous and I now have made 148 couples into 296 happily married people.

I am happy to meet and marry lots more too!

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

To be honest, it all depends on the type of ceremony you would like. Legally, a Marriage Celebrant must receive 1 months notice minimum, then not longe than 18 months notice.

i work on flexibility with my couples. Sometimes couples are in a rush, other times they are planning 1 year in advance.

But the best answer is, anytime is a good time.

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

Hmmm, my ceremony style would be a sprinkle of humour, a sprinkle of eloquence, and heaps of professionalism.

I believe a great ceremony should feel genuine, beautifully worded, and a little bit fun. It should sound like you, reflect your relationship, and leave your guests smiling (and maybe even tearing up a little!).

As a celebrant, I’m:

Eloquent – I love crafting ceremonies with care and creativity, so your story is told in a way that flows naturally and feels meaningful and definatly sounds like you as a couple,

Warm and engaging – I bring energy, clarity and calm to your day, and help you feel totally at ease.

A great listener – I take the time to really get to know you both, so every word I write and say feels truly personal.

A fan of laughter – well I am Irish! I love finding those little moments of humour that reflect your connection and keep the vibe happy and light.

Whether your wedding is big or small, traditional or quirky, barefoot or black-tie — I’ll work with you to create a ceremony that’s sincere, vibrant, and unapologetically you. Thats exactly how all weddings should be.

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

i like to keep my fees reasonable, I understand how the economy is suffering and how couples are finding it tough.

If you are after a 'legals' only ceremony, then the fee is $495. This includes all legal paperwork and commemorative marriage certificate. I am happy to meet on the Harbourside around North Sydney for those beautiful back drop shots. Monday to Thursday only.

The middle of the road ceremony, 'Short & Sweet' fee is $750, this includes an almost full ceremony without me telling your 'story' together. I will help with vows, choreography of the full wedding ceremony. All your legal paperwork, exchange of rings, commemorative marriage certificate and make sure everything runs smoothly. Travel within 20k round trip of North Sydney. Not limited to certain days.

So, for the full monty, all the bells and whistles "Your song", the fee is $995. This includes full guidance, 24 hr 'help line' ha ha!,
Complimentary ceremony information booklet,
Preparation of all legal documentation
Complimentary gold embossed vow cards
Use of my quality PA system
On the day, a very personal ceremony delivered
Travel 80k round trip of North Sydney

I can also apply for your legal marriage certificate, cost $89

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

I own a plethora of clothes, I finally have an excuse for dressing up nicely.

To be honest, I usually chat with my couple to find out their colour palate, then I try to coordinate with them, so that I dont stand out too much.

After all, its not my day!

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

Well this depends on they type of ceremony chosen.

i usually have a long chat at the begining when excitement levels are high. I pass on a few ideas that might help the couples vibe, thenI wait until about 3 months before the day. By then the couple will have a good idea of what they would like included in their ceremony.

After this my phone number is available for messaging and calls when ever needed.

I like to make regular contact at least 2 weeks leading up to the day, to make sure I'm up to date with any changes or to answer any questions. I always say, there is no such thing as a 'silly question' just a silly answer!

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

Absolutely!, As your celebrant, I take the time to truly get to know you both –, what makes you laugh, the little moments that matter most.

I like to send my couples a 'love questionnaire', and ask them to fill in separately with all their juicy details. This gives me a perfect understanding of how they met, proposal etc.

During our chats, I listen carefully, ask all the right questions, and use your stories to craft a ceremony that feels real, warm, and completely personal. Whether it’s light-hearted, romantic, or a perfect mix of both, your ceremony will be written just for you – no templates, no clichés – just a beautiful reflection of your unique love story.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

The joy of not having another job, or small children to care for, gives me the flexibility to travel anywhere at anytime.

I am a cyclist, a hiker and love a new destination.

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

When the date is booked, I ask for a 50% downpayment, that is non-refundable. This is when I start to work for my couples.

I also only take one wedding for this date so my true focus is on my couple.

The remaining payment is due 1 month before the wedding date.