When you are married in Australia, the civil marriage celebrant is required to say certain words, according to section 46 of the Marriage Act 1961, to make the ceremony legal and binding.

The words your celebrant must say during your ceremony are:

"I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to the law. "Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. "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."

The celebrant is not allowed to alter or change these words except in minor ways that do not alter the meaning of the words. For example, the celebrant must say "a man and a woman" and cannot say "two people" instead. If you have any questions about this part of the ceremony, you are welcome to email me.