Lapstone marriage celebrant Susan Artup has seen a lot of change in the industry in her 20-year career.
Two decades ago the language teacher decided to extend herself beyond the classroom, and thought becoming a marriage celebrant seemed like a thrilling idea.
She was surprised to be accepted into the industry quickly and conducted her first marriage in July 1995 in Sydney.
She has married couples in gardens and venues all over the Mountains and as far afield as Kangaroo Valley. Some of the more unusual locations include the bottom of Jamison Valley, the RAAF base and a Winmalee backyard decked out as a winter wonderland.
And of course there’s the theme weddings which could mean anything from medieval attire to Jane Austin period clothing.
As she speaks multiple languages - German, French and Indonesian - Ms Artup doesn’t always conduct the ceremonies in English, thus attracting many overseas couples. Germans find the Blue Mountains particularly appealing.
Over the years she’s heard hundreds of variations to what couples choose to say during the ceremony, but what the celebrant must say in solemnising the marriage has become stricter.
In 2004 then prime minister John Howard changed the marriage act to state marriage as being “voluntarily entered into and the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others”.
Prior to this, the term marriage was just between two people. Ms Artup believes it’s only a matter of time before same-sex marriage is legalised.
“Bring on the day when that can happen for everybody,” she said.
Part of her services include conducting commitment ceremonies.
“I think that to commit to someone in an exclusive relationship beyond convention and the words of law is an even greater commitment,” she said.
Being part of one of the most important events in a couple’s life is something Ms Artup doesn’t take lightly.
“To leave people with a beautiful day ... It’s nice to think that I did contribute,” she said.
Ms Artup also conducts baby namings and reaffirmations of vows. For more information visit her website: www.ceremonybydesign.com.au.