By Tanya Faulkner
Weddings are a beautiful occasion, celebrating love and commitment between a couple, friends and family.
For 50 years, there are several members across the Yarra Ranges, and across the country, who have had the privilege of bringing couples and families together in holy matrimony.
2023 marks 50 years of celebrations by civil marriage celebrants in Victoria, and according to ABS statistics, have helped to solemnise over 80 percent of marriages in Australia.
Local civil marriage celebrant Karen Cottrell shared her story with Star Mail reporter Tanya Faulkner, which tells a story of some beautiful ceremonies that have taken place in the Upwey and surrounding communities.
Ms Cottrell was appointed in September of 2007, and has been a civil marriage celebrant in Upwey for 16 years, along with being a longterm Upwey resident of 51 years.
Her induction saw the introduction of an annual registration charge and compulsory professional development activities, as stipulated by the Attorney General’s Department in Australia.
As part of her 16 years as a celebrant, she has travelled to ceremonies at various local and regional locations from private homes, reception centres, wineries and stunning gardens.
Ms Cottrell said her inspiration comes from recognising the significance of a marriage ceremony and being entrusted to deliver the same, which she said is ‘such a privilege’.
Her career highlight includes a particular themed wedding that she said is a ‘particular standout’.
“The bridal party, guests and I all dressed for the occasion in steampunk attire.
“The attention to costume detail was a visual extravaganza as in a Baz Luhrmann movie,” she said.
Apart from the required legal components, each ceremony is uniquely tailored to the wishes of the couple.
Ms Cottrell said it’s a great opportunity to effectively listen, write and present a ceremony which will be remembered for the right reasons for those she brings together.
When asked what marriage meant to her, Karen said it’s a public declaration by both parties that they readily commit to be part of a union which will continue to evolve.
“Many couples have been in previous relationships, have cohabited for some time and choose to marry their partner because that person is “the one”.
She said before she writes a ceremony, each partner is given an in-depth questionnaire as to why they want to marry.
“The constant in replies is that this person is the one they love, trust, respect and want to share life’s journey with, whatever it brings,” she said.
For Ms Cottrell, the 50 year anniversary of Civil Celebrants in Victoria is a milestone recognition of those who came before us and enabled this movement to advance to its present status within the community.
She said Lyn Knorr, the first Victorian civil celebrant appointment, Dally Messenger 111 and Sally Cant, who trained her in her role as a celebrant, are some names who have done so much for ceremony in Victoria.
“There are many others who continue to elevate the role of the celebrant and rightfully challenge the regulator for beneficial change.
“The decision for me to train and be appointed as a Marriage Celebrant has brought so many rewards and happy memories, something for which I will always have immense gratitude,” she said.
The committees of the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants Victoria, Celebrants Australia, and the International College of Celebrancy, Alumni and Friends invite all celebrants, partners, friends, members, non-members, retired, practising, beginning and aspiring celebrants to join them on Sunday July 23rd at the Sandown Park Hotel Function Room in Noble Park.
For those who wish to attend this all-inclusive celebration contact acmcv@bigpond.com
