V12 Lengths to go to for a wedding ceremony

On Saturday, 27th of March I was picked up at 7am by a lady, for whom I had performed 3 naming ceremonies.

The purpose for my journey was to accompany her niece to a Correctional Complex (gaol) to marry her inmate partner, and father of their little boy (a babe in arms). She has two lovely girls from a previous relationship, and he a lovely daughter from another relationship also.That's the easy part.

We arrived, and walked 2-300 metres along the footpath outside the wall covered on top by razor wire - before we entered the actual entrance, protected by security guards -  then into an area years overdue for a paint job. When it was my turn to approach the officials, who agreed with me that their computer system may have been a reject from the Ark. Yes, that one!

I had my fingerprints taken, and my photo, and my proof of ID. Then, with the others in our group, we passed thru a metal detector which was fun, as I have an artificial knee -buzz buzz!! Fortunately, I had informed the guards of this situation. No problems.

We then had to wait for the inmate to be called - another 10-15 minutes -  a steel door opened and we all went through. Then when we are all in this (the 3rd room) the steel door banged behind us, and the steel door in front of us opened."Are we there yet?" NO.

Up a ramp to another heavy steel door where a prison officer waited to unlock a huge padlock. The gate was opened and locked behind us with the big padlock. Bang!

We were now in the visitors area where those inmates expecting visitors are waiting - all of them dressed in long sleeve white overalls. Next we proceeded to the far end of this uninspiring room - also in need of some fresh paint - to where the young woman's partner was waiting, with a big smile on his face.

The ceremony was very low key, sitting opposite each other with witnesses close by. We had to talk quietly, so as to not draw attention to the occasion taking place - because the partner did not want to draw attention to himself or the fact he was getting married. All the legalities were observed. They were able to seal the moment with a kiss, but, again, he did not want to keep his ring for fear of unnecessary attention.

At the end of the visit, we all left together, after the bride and groom had a final hug and kiss..

The new husband is due for release on New Year's Eve 2011, and on New Year's Day 2011, they have booked me for a celebration of marriage ceremony.

Ah, ain't love grand!

Gordon Munday

Civil Marriage Celebrant
Western Sydney NSW