Puttin’ the Elle in Cellebrate!
My journey to becoming a celebrant
Me with legends Mahlie, Joni and Alex celebrating the fact that love always wins on 15 November 2017
I’d always loved the idea of being a celebrant, but I knew I would never be able to say the words that were legally required to be said in all marriage ceremonies up to 2017 - “Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life” (also known as The Monitum).
I could never speak those words in a ceremony because I did not believe them - they were the antithesis of my own views on relationships and marriage. I have always had the privilege of having a diverse network of people around me, and part of being an ally to the queer folx in my network was saying that I wouldn’t be part of the heteronormative nonsense that was an institution reserved exclusively for straight couples.
After a long-fought battle, Australia finally legalised same sex unions in Australia in November 2017. I signed up for my Cert IV in Celebrancy that night, champagne glass in hand and perhaps a little full of happy lovey dovey vibes (and the aforementioned champagne, which led me to pay the entire course fee upfront on my credit card #yolo).
After years of training and (of course) the very disruptive COVID-19 pandemic, I finally achieved my goal of becoming a registered civil celebrant in Australia in August 2022. With a few ceremonies under my belt and a goal of bringing my own unique style of inclusive celebratory fun to the Eora Nation and surrounds, I started Cellebrate.
I still feel so utterly stoked and privileged to get to say the current Monitum:
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
The union of two people. Any two people. From any walk of life, and any background, regardless of sexuality or gender. Love is love, and I am here to celebrate the shit out of it in all its glorious forms.
So, tell us more…
How do ya work, Elle?
My celebrancy practice is a modern one, which means it is:
Digital as heck - let’s save some trees and printer-related stress and do as much as we can online or on my iPad
Inclusive - everyone’s welcome, and I value diversity in my business. I myself have a disability and a neurospicy brain, so I’m very comfortable with accommodating whatever you need
Flexible AF - I love all things new and different, so bring on the non-traditional! Let’s get creative and do something that truly represents you and your love. Also, please bring your dogs. Or I can bring mine. Let’s just make sure there are dogs there. I’ll even hold the leash!
My values
You have every right to choose a celebrant that aligns with your values, so I’m spelling out my values here so you can see if we’ll be a good fit! It’s okay if we’re not the same, but you may wish to find a celebrant who is more closely aligned with your own beliefs.
Equality
I believe that:
all people are created equal
everyone is worthy and deserving
love is love in all its forms.
None of my ceremonies will include any language that does not align with the principles of equality.
Inclusivity
I will never discriminate against you on the basis of background, circumstance, gender, disability, neurodivergence or any minority status. I will make all reasonable accommodations in the way I deal with you to give you the best possible experience and ceremony. If you require any sort of accommodation, just let me know.
None of my ceremonies will include any language that ostracises any group or that puts anyone down.
Connection to Country
We are living on stolen Aboriginal lands, and sovereignty was never ceded. I recognise our connection to the Country we live on, and I reflect my acknowledgement of its Traditional Owners in every ceremony. This is not negotiable for me.
I make a commitment to care for and nurture Country out of respect for the deep and unwavering connection of Aboriginal peoples to these lands. Please think about your impact on Country if you are having your ceremony outside and choose environmentally friendly options wherever you can. I always promise to leave a ceremony site unaltered by my presence as part of this respect.
