General News
10 January, 2025
Time for change for Noelle
Noelle Mason has been a celebrant in Maryborough for over a decade, and now taking a step away, is planning to give back and help others join the field.
For 11 and a half years Ms Mason has worked at many local weddings and funerals, she has even attended baby naming ceremonies and vow renewals, but she said that now was the right moment.
“I have thought that maybe it was time, I’m still registered as a celebrant, I’ve just chosen not to take on any more weddings,” she said.
Ms Mason said that working closely with a range of people during her time as a registered nurse influenced her to become a celebrant.
“I started because it was often suggested to me that I speak well and have already met a whole range of people, so I undertook the training course when I was still nursing,” she said.
Since the beginning of her role, she has had many memorable moments, including relocating brides from a flooded creek, tents blowing away during a storm, and kids stealing microphones.
“But each wedding is unique,” she said.
“I’ve had some beautiful brides of all ages, some even into their eighties.”
She said that presentation is an important part of her role. She has worn the same patent leather shoes to every wedding.
“They were my wedding shoes and they matched everything, they were gorgeous, I wore them to every single one,” she said.
She also never worked at a wedding without her husband Colin.
“He has always worn a tie, he’s walked brides down the aisle, and been to rehearsals, he has probably enjoyed them as much as I have,” she said.
Ms Mason now plans to support locals who wish to become a celebrant.
“For people who are interested in becoming a celebrant, I can build a network for them here in Maryborough, otherwise they have to go to Bendigo or Ballarat. I am planning to do that in February,” she said.
“It is time to step back, but I am wanting to assist.”
She said that for those who wish to become a celebrant, it is best if they don’t do it alone.
“When you are doing the course, you really are all by yourself,” she said.
“So I want to share my knowledge and experience,” Ms Mason said.
By hosting a session to assist local celebrants, she said she wants to guide others through the positives and negatives of the role.
“There are times when you need that debrief, or be laughing about it, but I could only talk to a celebrant about that,” she said.
“It has been lovely, and I would never have not done it. I feel like this is something I have completed, I am so glad I have, but I know it is the time to stop,” she said.