Horsham's Mavis Kirsopp was appointed the Wimmera's first civil marriage celebrant in 1979. After 35 years and more than 2000 weddings, Mrs Kirsopp is set to retire in December. She spoke with Mail-Times journalist SARAH SCULLY about the need for civil celebrants and the honour and privilege the role brings.
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MAVIS Kirsopp was counselling fatherless families in the late 1970s when she realised Horsham needed a civil marriage celebrant.
Many of the women she met through the Australian Birthright Movement - a civilian version of Legacy - wanted to remarry but could not do so under church law.
Mrs Kirsopp approached several high-profile people to suggest they become civil celebrants.
They all told her the same thing - Horsham was far too conservative to accept one.
Mrs Kirsopp's husband Bob, who was mayor at the time, encouraged her not to give up.
"Bob told me if I felt so strongly about it I should apply to become one," she said.
"So I did."
Mrs Kirsopp lobbied then attorney-general Peter Durack for months and was rewarded for her tenacity on September 2, 1979, when she was appointed a civil celebrant.
Despite her bravado, Mrs Kirsopp was nervous.
"There was no training in those days. You got a book on the rules and regulations of the Marriage Act and that was it," she said.
"As the first civil marriage celebrant in the area I was flying by the seat of my pants.
"But I knew it was okay if my knees were shaking - as long as my hands weren't."
During the past 35 years, Mrs Kirsopp has officiated at more than 2000 weddings.
"Time has proven the need for couples to have a choice between religious and civil ceremonies for their special day," she said.
But the early days were tough, with many people opposing Mrs Kirsopp's profession.
"People would say to me, 'you're making divorce too easy' and 'you're taking people out of the church'," she said.
"They thought what I was doing was wrong. What they didn't know was I felt guilty if a marriage failed.
"It took me a long time to realise it wasn't my fault. I'd done my job - it was up to them."
For almost 25 years, Mrs Kirsopp travelled an average 5000 kilometres a year to marry couples.
"I never thought of it as a job, but as an opportunity to share important times in people's lives."
- Mavis Kirsopp
She has officiated at weddings in South Australia, NSW and Queensland, along with many locations throughout Victoria.
"Bob bought me a GPS in case I got lost," she said.
"For the past two years he has been my chauffeur."
Mrs Kirsopp said different weddings were special for different reasons.
"I have been involved with people of all ages, from 16 years to a young 93-year-old, and from many walks of life," she said.
"I've done private weddings in my loungeroom with just four people to ceremonies with formal tails and top hats and more than 250 guests.
"Each wedding is meaningful to the couple."
Mrs Kirsopp said being a civil celebrant was a privilege.
"It's an honour for me to have been involved with couples, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future, helping them prepare for their wedding and sharing their happiness as they celebrate their wedding day," she said.
"I never thought of it as a job, but as an opportunity to share important times in people's lives.
"I still have couples drop in to see me when they are in town and send me photos of their children."
Mrs Kirsopp has also led naming ceremonies for babies and officiated at funeral services.
"I always feel very humbled and privileged to be trusted by families at such an important time in their lives," she said.
"The words 'thank you Mavis for your comfort and support' mean more than I can explain.
"My intention is to remain a funeral celebrant for those who should need my service."
Mrs Kirsopp will officiate her last wedding in December.
She plans to spend more time with Bob, doing a bit of travelling and pottering around the house.
"With everything I've ever done in my life, I've done what felt right at the time," Mrs Kirsopp said.
"That's why I became a celebrant and that's why I know it is now time for me to stop and smell the roses."