Do we have to say the ‘legal words’ exactly... or can we spice them up?"

If you're planning your wedding ceremony in Australia and want it to feel personal, heartfelt, and very you, you're not alone. Many couples ask, “Do we really have to say the legal words exactly, or can we make them our own?” The short answer is: yes, certain words must be said exactly as required by Australian law - but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of room to personalise the rest of your ceremony.

Under the Marriage Act 1961, two parts of your ceremony must be said word-for-word to make your marriage legally binding: the Monitum, which your celebrant reads, and a specific line in your vows that you and your partner must each say. That line goes:“I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [your full name], take you, [your partner’s full name], to be my lawful wedded [husband/wife/spouse or partner in marriage].” It might not be the most poetic sentence you’ll ever say, but it’s required. There are a few deviations to it but they are still quite formal.

The good news? Everything else in your marriage ceremony is fair game. You can still write your own personal vows, include meaningful rituals, inside jokes, song lyrics, cultural traditions - whatever makes the ceremony feel right for you as a couple. Think of the legal words as the foundation, and the rest of the ceremony as your creative canvas. So yes, say the required lines… then go ahead and spice things up as much as you like!

Wedding Venue: Millbrook Winery

Photographer: Paul Winzar Photography

Celebrant: Anne Miller Marriage Celebrant

So while there’s a small part of your ceremony that has to follow the legal script, that doesn’t mean your wedding can’t be deeply personal and completely unique. A great celebrant will help you weave those required words seamlessly into a ceremony that reflects your story, your values, and your vibe as a couple. With the formalities covered, you’re free to laugh, cry, and celebrate your love your way, because at the end of the day, it’s not just about getting legally married, it’s about making it meaningful.