The order of ceremony for weddings at Aurora House
Planning your dream Byron Bay hinterland wedding at Aurora House? First of all—congratulations! You’re about to experience an effortlessly elegant, boutique wedding in one of the most breathtaking locations in the Byron Bay Hinterland. A common question I get is ‘what is the order of ceremony for weddings?’ or put another way, what exactly happens within the ceremony?
As an experienced wedding celebrant and your on-the-day coordinator, I know that one of the biggest questions couples have is: “How will our ceremony actually unfold on the day?” So, let me walk you through exactly what to expect, step by step, if you are having me as your celebrant on the day—so you can breathe easy knowing everything is handled and simply enjoy the magic of your moment.
So read on for the steps involved in a typical order of ceremony for weddings!
Pre-Ceremony: Setting the Scene
I will arrive at Aurora House before your first vendors arrive to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In addition to liaising with the vendors, I will check in with both of you and see if there is anything else you need.
When it’s time to begin, I’ll:
- Gather your guests and invite them to take their seats or positions
- Make a quick housekeeping announcement (like switching phones to silent)
- Cue the live musician, DJ, or pre-selected song for your processional
From here, it’s time to begin the most unforgettable moment of your day.
Part One: The ‘Processional’ – Your Grand Entrance
This is the moment—your first steps toward forever.
Your wedding party will walk in first, leading the way for the big arrival of P1 (Partner 1) to join P2 (Partner 2) at the altar.
At Aurora House, there are multiple ways to design your entrance:
- 🎶 Live music or a special song playing through our high-quality speaker system
- 🌿 A romantic aisle under the ancient fig trees or an elegant poolside entrance
- ✨ A mix of bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower children, best friends, or family members—whoever means the most to you
The processional is completely your moment, and we’ll make sure it’s nothing short of magical.
Part Two: The Welcome & Introduction
Once you’re standing side by side, I’ll take a moment to:
- 💛 Welcome your guests and thank them for being part of this day
- 💛 Introduce myself as your celebrant and on-the-day coordinator (if I haven’t already met everyone)
- 💛 Deliver an Acknowledgment of Country (if requested)
This is where the ceremony begins to feel real—where everyone settles in, and the energy of love and excitement fills the air.
Part Three: Telling Your Love Story
This is the part that will have your guests laughing, crying, and feeling all the emotions.
I’ll share your unique love story—crafted from the memories, milestones, and inside jokes you’ve shared with me during our planning sessions. This is where your ceremony becomes truly yours—filled with moments that reflect your personalities, your journey, and everything that brought you here today.
Sometimes, I’ll also guide your guests in a group vow, where they pledge their love and support for your marriage.
Part Four: The Monitum (The Legal Bit)
As an Authorised Celebrant, there’s one official piece I must say to make your marriage legal in Australia. It’s called the Monitum, which translates to ‘Warning’ in Latin (though I promise it’s nothing scary!).
I’ll say:
“I, Heidi Robertson, am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.”
Short and sweet, and then we move on!
Part Five: The ‘I Do’ Moment
This part isn’t technically required, but let’s be real—most couples love the moment where they get to say, “I do.”
I’ll ask a meaningful question like:
“Do you, [P1], promise to love, support, and adventure through life with [P2], sharing in laughter, love, and the occasional midnight snack run, for as long as you both shall live?”
Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can write your own! Many couples like to add a funny surprise question here—like a cheeky promise to never steal the last slice of pizza or always pretend to love each other’s karaoke performances.
Part Six: The Legal Vows & Personal Vows
Now it’s time for the official vows—the one legal sentence that must be spoken:
“I call upon the people here present to witness that I, [Full Legal Name], take you, [Full Legal Name], to be my lawful wedded [husband/wife/spouse].”
💍 Ring Exchange (Optional!): Most couples choose to exchange rings at this point.
📜 Personal Vows (If You Choose!): As part of my celebrant service I can assist you with your vows if you like. I offer every couple a ‘Vow Writing Guide’ and will print them out for you on personalised cards.
Part Seven: The First Kiss!
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
I’ll announce you as husband & husband / wife & wife / partners for life / whatever title you love and say:
“You may now kiss!”
Cue the cheers, claps, confetti, and absolute joy!
Part Eight: The Signing of the Marriage Documents
While your guests stay in their seats, we’ll head to a beautifully styled signing table to make everything official.
- 📜 You and your two witnesses will sign the documents.
- 🎶 Music will play in the background to keep the mood romantic.
- 📸 Your photographer will capture the moment beautifully.
Part Nine: The Big Announcement & Recessional
Once we’re done signing, we return to the ceremony space. Then, I get to make the best announcement of the day:
“Family and friends, please join me in congratulating the brand-new [Mr & Mr / Mrs & Mrs / Married Couple Name Here]!”
🌿 Recessional: You’ll walk back down the aisle hand-in-hand, as newlyweds, to a high-energy, love-filled song while guests throw petals, cheer, or wave celebratory sparklers.
Part Ten: What Happens Next?
From here, the party truly begins!
- 🥂 A champagne toast under the fig trees
- 📸 Group photos and couple portraits around the stunning Aurora House grounds
- 🎶 Cocktail hour by the pool before the reception kicks off
Ready to Make This Your Wedding Day?
Your Aurora House ceremony will be beautiful, seamless, and full of heart—because that’s exactly how weddings should be. I hope this article on how a typical order of ceremony for weddings unfolds has been of help to you!
📅 Book a call today to secure your dream wedding date at Aurora House.