Your celebrant sets the tone for your entire ceremony. Here's how to find someone who'll make your moment unforgettable.
Understanding Australian Marriage Law
In Australia, you can only be legally married by a registered celebrant — either a civil celebrant or a religious celebrant. You must give your celebrant a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before your wedding (but no more than 18 months before).
Types of Celebrants
Civil Celebrants
Government-registered celebrants who can perform legal marriages anywhere. They can create personalised ceremonies with no religious content, or include spiritual elements if you wish.
Religious Celebrants
Ministers, priests, rabbis, or other religious leaders registered to perform marriages. They typically conduct ceremonies according to their faith tradition.
What to Look For
Personality Match
You'll be spending time planning together and they'll be front and centre on your wedding day. Make sure you genuinely like them and feel comfortable together.
Ceremony Style
Some celebrants are warm and casual, others are formal and traditional. Watch videos of their previous ceremonies if available. Do they speak too fast? Use too many clichés? Does their style match yours?
Flexibility
A good celebrant will work with your vision, whether you want traditional vows, a handfasting ceremony, a wine box ritual, or something completely unique.
Organisation
They need to handle legal paperwork correctly and guide you through the process. Ask about their process and timelines.
Questions to Ask Potential Celebrants
- Are you available on our date?
- Have you worked at our venue before?
- What's your approach to creating a ceremony?
- Can we write our own vows? Will you help us?
- How many meetings will we have before the wedding?
- What do you wear on the day?
- What happens if you're unwell on the day?
- Can we see/hear examples of ceremonies you've conducted?
- What's included in your fee?
- Do you use a PA system?
Red Flags
- They're not interested in getting to know you
- They insist on using only their standard script
- They're vague about legal requirements
- They have no backup plan if they're ill
- Reviews mention them ad-libbing inappropriately
Typical Costs
Civil celebrant fees in Australia typically range from $500 to $1,500, including:
- Initial meeting
- Preparation of ceremony script
- Rehearsal (sometimes extra)
- Travel to your venue
- The ceremony itself
- Lodgement of marriage documents
The Legal Bits
Your celebrant will guide you through these requirements:
- Notice of Intended Marriage — lodged 1-18 months before
- Declaration of No Legal Impediment — signed before the ceremony
- Official certificates — signed on the day by you, your celebrant, and two witnesses over 18