Hi, my name is Virginia. Most people call me Gin. Celebrant Gin
I live in Kallista, in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. I am close to the Yarra Valley, Melbourne, Eastern suburbs, Mornington Peninsula, and Gippsland.
I love weddings, and I love travel even more. I can marry you anywhere in Australia!
Weddings are my specialty. I’ll give you a lovely, heartfelt ceremony full of fun, happiness, joy, and love. I’ll make sure everything flows seamlessly, your friends and family love it, and everyone goes home with wonderful memories.
As well as weddings and funerals, I can help you with commitment ceremonies, vow renewals, baby namings, office blessings, house warmings, engagements, coming of age, anniversaries, dignified divorce ceremonies, and everything in between.
I value integrity, authenticity, and service. I’m easy-going and relaxed, warm and funny. At the same time, I pride myself on my professionalism. More than 25 years working in PR means I am super-organised, good at thinking on my feet, and keep calm under pressure. You can trust me to guide you through the legal aspects, get on with your venue staff and other suppliers, and go with the flow no matter what happens. Your job is to enjoy getting married and experience the moment to the full.
You choose
I love all weddings whatever the style, size, or location. Choose a simple elopement or have the full works. Traditional or offbeat, boho or vintage, sophisticated or rustic, casual or formal – we’ll do whatever you want. I relish the research for themed weddings, take delight in telling your story, rejoice in finding rituals to suit you, adore anything that makes your ceremony truly yours.
What really matters is what is in your hearts. Together we will create a ceremony where we all smile, laugh, shed a tear or two, fill up with happiness, and feel we’ve all witnessed something very special and significant. Together we will create a bubble where time stands still, everything else disappears, and the two of you find yourselves surrounded by love and good wishes, ready to start the next phase of your life together.
“Gin did an amazing job creating a personal ceremony for us, and was happy to dress for theme which added to the magic. She went above and beyond to make our day extra special which I will be forever grateful for.”
Love is Love
I believe in equality. I whole-heartedly support same-sex marriage. I am delighted with the revised legal definition of marriage: ‘Marriage, according to law in Australia is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’.
Whether Mr & Mr, Mrs & Mrs, or Mr & Mrs, I feel genuinely honoured and privileged to marry every couple who chooses me.
“Gin brought a humorous & engaging presence to our wedding beyond anything we had expected. She has a gift & a level of passion that makes everything wonderful and is incredibly suited to her job.”
About me
I moved to Australia from the UK 20 years ago. I still don’t understand footy. I’m mad about music, crazy about cryptic crosswords, fanatical about food. I have the most gorgeous husband who loves me so much that he comes to dance lessons with me. In return, I let him beat me at Scrabble.
According to my 6-year-old granddaughter, I marry people, have messy hair, and adore squirrels.
As well as being a celebrant, I keep out of mischief by working as a Triple Zero ambulance calltaker. I’m proud to have delivered 11 babies over the phone, but disappointed that none were named after me.
On a free day, if I’m not planning my next adventure overseas, you’ll find me getting muddy in my hillside garden, curled up with a book, or indulging my guilty pleasure binge-watching reality TV. My all-time favourite drink is a Negroni, and I’d pick cheese over chocolate any day of the week.
How much does a celebrant cost?
I charge roughly between $450 and $950, depending on whether you want a legals-only wedding for you and your witnesses in my beautiful garden or nearby cafe; an elopement or simple pre-written ceremony with personalised touches; or have a unique ceremony created especially for you. Mid-week weddings cost less than those at the weekend, Winter weddings less than the rest of the year, and sometimes I need to charge extra for travel.
“We thank you so much for all the hard work you put into our wedding. It was just a perfect day.”
Next steps
Now you know a bit more about me, we should meet for a chat. Let’s have a coffee or talk on the phone and see if we’re a good match. Obligation-free. We’re going to be working closely together to ensure a ceremony that really means something to you, so it’s important to get it right.
I will run through the legal requirements, get an idea of how you envision your ceremony, even if it’s just the vibe you want to create on the day, and answer any questions you have. If you decide to book me, we will then all sign a simple contract and I’ll require a $250 booking fee to hold the date. I will help you complete the first piece of legal paperwork which needs to be received by me at least a month before the wedding.
Over the next weeks/months we work together to develop your ceremony with you having as much or little input as you want. I’m always available to help you with ideas and suggestions for readings, music, rituals and involving guests in different ways. A week or two before the wedding day we will meet to have a rehearsal, sort out any concerns and sign some more paperwork. I’ll liaise with your other suppliers and venue staff where appropriate which means we’re all there as your personal trouble-shooting team to make sure you don’t have to worry about a thing on the day. During the wedding, we all sign the last 3 forms/certificates, and I then submit them to Births, Deaths & Marriages to register your marriage.
