Send a note via the contact page, call or email with your preferred date and venue. We'll arrange a friendly, no-obligation chat in Balmain or on Zoom — with tea and chocolates if we meet in person.

Once you're ready, a booking fee secures your date. Current ceremony packages are listed on the site so you can see what's included before you decide.

Janet Lomax of Weddings I Do is an authorised Civil Marriage Celebrant based in Balmain. She officiates ceremonies across Sydney and surrounding regions, including the Inner West, Sydney Harbour and surrounds, Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Northern Beaches, Western Sydney, the Hills District, Sutherland Shire, the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley and Wollongong.

Tell her your venue when you get in touch.

Yes. Every ceremony is custom written around your story, personalities and the tone you want — romantic, light-hearted, traditional, modern, or a mix.

Couples receive a wedding planner packed with wording options for introductions, readings, vows, the ring exchange, blessings and personal rituals, with plenty of room for your own words.

To marry legally in Australia you must complete a Notice of Intended Marriage and give it to your authorised celebrant at least one month before the ceremony. The signed notice is valid for 18 months.

Janet guides you through the documents, explains what identification is required, and registers the marriage with NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages after the ceremony. A more detailed overview is on the legal requirements page.

You will need evidence of date and place of birth (usually a birth certificate or passport) and photo identification. If either of you has been married before, you also need a divorce certificate (decree absolute) or the death certificate of a late spouse.

Australian law requires two witnesses aged 18 or over at the ceremony. If you are visiting from overseas, see the overseas couples guide for how to complete the Notice before you travel.

Yes. Many couples write their own vows, and Janet is happy to help if you would like a starting point. Vows can be traditional, personal, light-hearted or a mix — they do not need to sound formal.

The wedding planner also includes a wide range of vow options you can use as written or adapt.

Absolutely. Every couple is welcome. Same-sex and LGBTQ+ weddings use the same Australian Marriage Act process as any other civil marriage, and the ceremony is written around your relationship — never treated as a special case.

Janet is an Equally Wed partner. You can also read more on the same-sex marriage ceremonies page.

Ceremony packages vary depending on the day of the week and the type of ceremony you choose. Current fees are listed on the ceremony pages so you always see the live amounts, rather than figures that can go out of date in an FAQ.

If you are comparing options, get in touch and Janet will walk you through what is included so you can choose with confidence.

Wedding ceremony packages typically include preparation and lodgement of your legal paperwork with Births, Deaths and Marriages, support through the planning process, use of a PA system and wireless microphone with music connections, a rehearsal, a handwritten marriage certificate, and a meeting to complete the legal documents.

Sydney venue travel and parking are included (excluding water taxis). Janet arrives early on the day so everything is prepared before your guests arrive. Current packages and inclusions are listed on the site.

Yes. Elopements and intimate weddings are legally binding marriages with a smaller circle — often just the two of you plus witnesses, or a handful of closest family and friends.

They work beautifully at harbour foreshores, lookouts and quiet gardens across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands. See the elopements page, or a Legals Only ceremony at Janet's Balmain home office if you want something even simpler.

If your ceremony is outdoors, Janet will work with you and your venue so a wet-weather backup is in place. Staying flexible on the day is often the key to keeping everyone relaxed, whatever the weather does.

Book as soon as you have a date and venue, especially for spring, autumn and popular weekends. Many couples book well ahead once the venue is confirmed.

If your date is sooner, still get in touch — Janet will let you know quickly whether she is available.

Yes. You do not need to be an Australian resident or citizen to marry here. The same Australian marriage laws apply, and Janet can have your Certificate of Marriage posted to an overseas address after the ceremony.

The Notice of Intended Marriage can be completed and witnessed in your home country before you travel. The overseas couples page steps through the process, documents and tips.

Couples often say they were looking for a celebrant who felt warm, genuine and easy to connect with. Janet's approach is relaxed and supportive, so you can feel present during the ceremony rather than overwhelmed.

Read what couples say on the testimonials page, or start with a no-obligation chat via contact.

Your ceremony is custom written around your story and the tone you want. Together you shape the introduction, readings, asking, vows, ring exchange, blessings and any personal rituals that matter to you.

Janet also takes care of the legal paperwork and registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages, brings a PA and wireless microphone, includes a rehearsal, provides a handwritten marriage certificate, and arrives early on the day so everything feels calm before guests arrive.

Yes. Couples receive a detailed wedding planner with wording options for every part of the ceremony — introductions, readings, the giving away, the asking, vows, the ring ceremony, blessings and many more rituals.

It makes shaping your ceremony feel inspiring rather than overwhelming, while still leaving room for your own words.

Absolutely. Sand ceremonies, candle lighting, tea ceremonies, Poruwa elements, family blessings, handfasting and other cultural or personal rituals are welcome.

Tell Janet what matters most to your families and heritage — those moments can be woven into a civil ceremony that still meets Australian legal requirements.

Yes. Janet regularly celebrates weddings at harbour foreshores, botanic gardens, parks, private estates, wineries and backyard celebrations across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands.

If you already have a venue in mind, share the date and location when you get in touch.

The Notice of Intended Marriage is the legal starting point for every marriage in Australia. It must be given to your authorised celebrant at least one month before the ceremony, and it remains valid for 18 months.

Janet guides you through completing it, checks your identification, and lodges the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages after the ceremony. See legal requirements for a fuller outline.

Yes. Same-sex and LGBTQ+ couples are warmly welcome. Since marriage equality became law in Australia, the legal process is the same as for any other couple.

You can start here, or visit the same-sex marriage ceremonies page if you would like a page written more specifically for LGBTQ+ couples.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date and venue. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom — no obligation.

From there Janet will guide you through the legal paperwork, help you shape the ceremony using the wedding planner, and book your rehearsal so you feel ready on the day.

An elopement is a legally binding marriage ceremony focused on the two of you — often with just the required witnesses, or a small circle of closest family and friends.

There is no single “right” size. If you are planning a larger celebration, a full wedding ceremony may suit better.

Yes. An elopement is a legal marriage under Australian law. You still complete a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the date.

Janet guides you through the documents and registers the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages after the ceremony.

As few as the legal minimum — you, your celebrant and two witnesses aged 18 or over — or a small gathering of closest guests.

If you are arriving without guests, Janet can often arrange witnesses for you. Mention this when you enquire.

Harbour foreshores, cliff-top parks, Inner West gardens, Blue Mountains lookouts and Southern Highlands estates all work beautifully for intimate ceremonies.

Tell Janet the feeling you want and she will help match it to a setting. Prefer something even quieter in Balmain? A Legals Only ceremony at her home office is another option.

Yes. Your vows can be short and simple or deeply personal. Janet will help you shape wording that feels natural in an intimate setting.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date, location ideas, and whether it is just the two of you or a tiny celebration. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom and shape the ceremony from there.

A Legals Only ceremony is a short, legally binding marriage — custom written for you and held at Janet's home office in Balmain, with a small number of guests or witnesses.

It is a simple way to marry without a large venue or a big guest list, while still having a ceremony that sounds like you.

At Janet's home office in Balmain. It is a calm, private setting designed for intimate ceremonies rather than a large celebration.

A registry wedding is typically a brief, standard script. Your Legals Only ceremony is personalised — written around your story, with warmth and care — while still covering every legal requirement.

This option suits a small gathering: you, your witnesses, and a handful of close guests. If you are dreaming of a larger day, a full wedding or elopement may be a better fit.

Yes. You still complete a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the date. Janet guides you through the documents and registers the marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Yes. Your vows can be simple, traditional or completely your own. Janet will help you shape words that feel natural in a shorter ceremony.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date and who you would like with you. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom and lock in your ceremony from there.

A vow renewal is a celebration of the love and commitment you already share. It can mark an anniversary, a new chapter, or simply a desire to say “I do” again in front of the people who matter most.

Unlike a legal wedding, a vow renewal is not a marriage under Australian law — which means the focus can stay on story, emotion and atmosphere.

No. Because you are already legally married, a vow renewal does not require a Notice of Intended Marriage or registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

That freedom lets you design a ceremony that feels personal and celebratory — intimate and quiet, or a larger gathering with family and friends.

Yes — and many couples love this part. Renewed vows can look back on the life you have built, look ahead to the years still to come, or simply say thank you for choosing each other again.

Janet is happy to help shape the wording so it feels natural and true to your relationship.

Almost anywhere that feels special to you — a harbour lookout, garden venue, family home, Blue Mountains escape or Southern Highlands estate.

Because there are no legal venue restrictions in the same way as a marriage ceremony, the focus can stay on the setting, the people and the moment you want to create.

Yes. Many couples use a vow renewal to welcome extended family into this next chapter — especially people who could not be at the original wedding.

Yes. Sand ceremonies, candle lighting and other personal touches are welcome. Together you can shape readings, renewed vows and any rituals that feel meaningful.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date, venue ideas and what you would like the day to feel like. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom.

Yes. Janet creates warm, inclusive wedding ceremonies for all couples, including same-sex and LGBTQ+ weddings across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands.

Your day is a wedding — written around your story, your people and the tone you want — not a special case.

No. Since marriage equality became law in Australia, same-sex couples marry under the same Marriage Act process as every other couple.

That includes a Notice of Intended Marriage at least one month before the ceremony, two witnesses aged 18 or over, and registration with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Yes. Your ceremony can feel classic, contemporary, romantic, light-hearted or a mix. You shape the wording, vows and rituals around who you are as a couple.

The wedding planner includes options for every part of the ceremony, with room for your own words.

Yes. Whether you want a full wedding, an intimate elopement or a simple Legals Only ceremony at the Balmain home office, you are welcome.

Of course. Family blessings, cultural traditions, sand or candle rituals and other personal touches are all welcome. They can be woven into a civil ceremony that still meets Australian legal requirements.

Yes. Janet is proud to be an Equally Wed partner, and supported marriage equality long before it became law in Australia — including marching in Sydney Mardi Gras with other celebrants who believed in marriage equality.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date and venue. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom — no obligation.

A commitment ceremony is a heartfelt celebration of your relationship and the promises you are making to each other. It can feel just as emotional as a wedding — with personal vows, readings and rituals — while remaining a symbolic ceremony rather than a legal marriage under Australian law.

No. A commitment ceremony is not a legal marriage, so it does not create the same legal status as marrying under the Marriage Act.

The focus stays on story, emotion and the celebration you want to share.

Any couple who wants to honour their relationship in a warm, inclusive way — including couples who want a meaningful celebration now, are blending families, or prefer a symbolic ceremony over a legal wedding.

Every ceremony is tailored to your story, values and the experience you want your guests to share.

Yes. Personal vows, readings, ring exchanges, family blessings, handfasting, sand ceremonies and other rituals are all welcome.

Because the ceremony is not tied to legal marriage wording, there is freedom to create something that feels completely authentic.

Almost anywhere that feels right — harbour foreshores, gardens, private homes, beach settings, the Blue Mountains or the Southern Highlands.

Tell Janet your venue when you enquire.

Yes. If you later decide you would like a civil marriage, Janet can guide you through a legal wedding ceremony and the required paperwork when you are ready.

Send a note via the contact page with your preferred date and ideas. We'll arrange a friendly chat in Balmain or on Zoom — no obligation.