Absolutely! Donna is based in the Mornington Peninsula and the King Valley, but is more than happy to travel for your special day.

Donna can officiate marriages anywhere within Australian airspace and Australian waters, so whether you're dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony, a beach wedding, or something truly out of the ordinary, the possibilities are wide open.

From introductions and speeches to key formalities and transitions throughout the evening, Donna helps create a celebration that feels smooth, enjoyable and genuinely connected. She collaborates closely with venues, photographers, planners and suppliers to ensure seamless communication and flow throughout your celebration. Her calm, organised approach and extensive experience across events means she's equally comfortable supporting the atmosphere in the room and managing the logistics behind the scenes — so you can fully relax and enjoy every moment.

Absolutely! Every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated, no matter the size or style. Whether it's just the two of you eloping, an intimate gathering of your nearest and dearest, a commitment ceremony, or a vow renewal marking a special milestone, Donna brings the same warmth, care and personalisation to every occasion.

Yes, Donna offers both ceremony and reception services. Having the same person guide you through the entire day brings a lovely sense of continuity, and Donna's warm, professional style is equally at home in both settings.

Every ceremony is unique, but as a general guide:

Signature Wedding Ceremony — 20 to 30 minutes of speaking time. We recommend allowing around 45 minutes in your schedule to allow for guest arrival, the ceremony itself, and those special congratulations, hugs and photographs straight afterwards.

Micro Wedding Ceremony — Perfect for smaller, intimate celebrations. Generally 15 minutes while still capturing the full significance of the occasion.

Legals Only — A simple, no-fuss ceremony completed in 10 minutes, including all legal requirements to make your marriage official.

A number of elements can influence the overall timing, including the processional and entrance of the wedding party, your personalised love story and any readings, personal vows and ring exchange, cultural or symbolic rituals, and the signing of the official marriage documents.

Whatever you choose, the goal is always the same, a ceremony that feels authentic, relaxed and perfectly suited to you.

There are a few important steps to take care of before the big day. Your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged at least one month before your ceremony and can be submitted up to 18 months in advance, so the earlier the better. You'll need to provide proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of any previous marriages ending (divorce certificate or death certificate if applicable), and a completed NOIM form. Don't worry though, Donna will walk you through every legal requirement and handle all the paperwork and marriage registration after the ceremony, so nothing falls through the cracks.

As soon as you have your date and venue confirmed, it's worth reaching out. Popular dates, particularly weekends in spring and autumn, tend to book out well in advance, so getting in early ensures you don't miss out.

Donna will meet with you at least twice before your ceremony, first to get to know you and your vision, then closer to the day to finalise your script and details. She's always available between meetings via phone or email if anything comes up. And yes, personalisation is absolutely encouraged! From personal vows and readings to special rituals and the overall tone and flow, Donna will work with you to create something that feels entirely and authentically you.

As your celebrant, Donna will guide you through all the legal requirements and paperwork, including:

✦ Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
✦ Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage (DONLIM)
✦ Official Certificates of Marriage
✦ Marriage Certificate

Donna takes care of the details and makes the process simple, so you can focus on enjoying your wedding journey.

Yes. Hope Celebrancy is operated by Donna Hope, a registered Authorised Marriage Celebrant through the Australian Government Attorney General’s Office. Donna is also a member of the Australian Marriage Celebrants Inc (AMC) and holds $20 million Public Liability Insurance, providing peace of mind and protection for couples, their families and guests throughout their ceremony.