Choosing the perfect marriage celebrant is a big and exciting step in your wedding planning journey; after all, they’re the lucky person who gets to stand up there with you on your special day and help you say ‘I do’!
In Australia, a marriage celebrant must be authorised to legally conduct your wedding, but they do much more than just officiate; they enrich the experience, making your special day memorable.
As a marriage celebrant, I have the privilege of talking to many couples taking the exciting step of choosing their wedding celebrant. I often have my couples tell me how daunting they found the process of finding, narrowing down and choosing a wedding celebrant for their big day. So, I’ve created this guide to help make this process easier for you.
This guide offers essential tips for choosing the ideal marriage celebrant, covering legal requirements, personalisation, and finding a celebrant who can make your wedding day truly special.
First, let’s start by looking at the different types of celebrants in Australia and the options you have, depending on the type of wedding you would like.
The Different Types of Celebrants In Australia
There are four main types of marriage celebrants in Australia. Understanding these can help you make an informed choice to pick the perfect wedding celebrant for you. The four main types of wedding celebrants in Australia are:
- Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants (non-religious ceremonies)
- Commonwealth-registered religious marriage celebrants (religious marriage celebrants)
- Minister of religion (religious marriage celebrants)
- State and Territory Officers (civil ceremonies).
What are civil ceremonies?
A civil ceremony is a non-religious marriage ceremony. Marriage ceremonies in Australia are either civil (non-religious) or religious.
Understanding the different types of authorised marriage celebrants in Australia
Each authorised marriage celebrant type offers different styles of ceremonies. Choosing any of these authorised marriage celebrant types will see you legally married in Australia.
Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants
Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants are the wedding celebrant type that you’ll usually see at a non-religious marriage ceremony. These marriage celebrants typically conduct non-religious wedding ceremonies, known as civil ceremonies.
Commonwealth-registered religious marriage celebrants
Religious marriage celebrants conduct religious weddings. These types of wedding celebrants may refuse ceremonies that do not align with their religious beliefs but must state their religious affiliation in their advertising. If you’re looking for a religious ceremony, choosing a religious wedding celebrant whose religion aligns with yours, or a minister of religion, is what you’ll likely want. Some civil celebrants are also able to customise your ceremony to cater for your religious beliefs, but may not be as religiously focused.
Ministers of religion
This type of authorised celebrant applies to ministers of specific religious denominations(those that are recognised in Australia. To meet the requirements of the Australian marriage act, the minister must be part of an officially recognised religion in Australia. Ministers of religion are religious marriage celebrants for those wanting a religious ceremony.
State and Territory officers
State and Territory officers can also perform civil (non-religious ceremony) weddings. State and Territory officers are often used for registry office weddings.
How to choose a marriage celebrant that’s perfect for you
Now that you understand the differences in the marriage celebrants in Australia, you may be wondering how to choose a marriage celebrant that’s the best fit, from the marriage celebrants that fit the category of wedding you’d like to have. Here are some of my best tips on picking the right celebrant for your wedding journey.
Top tips for choosing a great wedding celebrant for your big day
1. Identify your ideal celebrant’s ‘must-haves’
The perfect wedding calls for the perfect celebrant. So, the first step to choosing the right fit for your wedding is to identify what kind of celebrant style and approach will align best with your vision and style for your big day.
Celebrants do vary in their approach – some may bring humour, others a more serious yet sincere tone, others will weave in all those ooey-gooey romantic elements, while others will adopt a more casual and relaxed style.
Before you start meeting or researching celebrants, it’s a good idea to write down what kind of ‘feel’ you want your ceremony to have.
2. Pay attention to personal connection and compatibility
Your comfort with the celebrant is super important. The best wedding celebrant is usually going to be someone who genuinely listens and understands your vision.
It’s advisable to meet potential celebrants in person or via a virtual setup to gauge their style, approach, and your personal connection and compatibility with them.
You’ll want to make sure you ‘click’ so that they can understand and deliver the ceremony you envision.+
3. Read reviews and consider recommendations from others
One great way to know if a celebrant will be a good fit for you is to get a recommendation from someone who knows the kind of wedding you’re after, and has dealt with a few different celebrants, or has had a wonderful experience with a celebrant they had at their wedding (or a loved one’s wedding).
If there are any other vendors or suppliers, and even the wedding venues you’ve been working with and have a great relationship with, consider asking them for their recommendations, or if they’ve worked with the celebrant/s you’re considering before.
And, of course, you can do your own research or check out what others have had to say in the form of reviews. Positive reviews are a great indicator of a celebrant’s ability to create meaningful experiences. You can also hone in on what people say they love about how they perform ceremonies, so see if it sounds like what you’re looking for.
4. Look for good communication and engagement
A celebrant should be a great communicator, both verbally and in writing. After all, you’ll want to make sure you absolutely understand everything you need to about your big day!
Also, be sure to pay attention to how well they listen to your needs and whether they are able to integrate your ideas into the ceremony planning.
It’s a huge relief in planning your wedding when you have someone that you can reach out to ask your questions and let you know what to expect. Your wedding celebrant can play a big role in this way.
5. Ceremony personalisation options
When you get married, you want your wedding day to be about you and reflect your unique love story and personalities.
Personalisation and customisation options can make a huge difference to how ‘you’ your ceremony feels.
If a personalised ceremony is important to you, be sure to look at celebrants who offer personalised ceremonies that reflect your unique story.
Whether it’s including cultural traditions, religious elements, or specific rituals, your celebrant should be flexible and creative in incorporating these aspects.
6. Setting the tone
Decide on the tone of your ceremony and ensure your celebrant can deliver it. Whether you want a formal, traditional ceremony or a relaxed, informal one, your celebrant should be able to accommodate your preference. You can usually tell by meeting with and talking to your celebrant, in person or over the phone. You can also tell them the type of wedding you’d like and ask them directly if they feel they’re a good fit for that tone and style.
7. Availability and booking timeframes
It sounds so simple but can be easily overlooked in ticking off all of the different requirements you’re looking to meet; be sure to check that the celebrant/s you’re considering are available on your wedding date. It’s important to also check how early you need to book your celebrant.
Popular celebrants book quickly, so start your search early. Check their availability and be flexible with dates if necessary. Booking well in advance will ensure you secure the celebrant of your choice.
If you’re booking your celebrant close to your wedding date, it’s still worth a call, even if your wedding celebrant is in high demand – but do ask the question as soon as possible.
8. Choose a celebrant who cares about your wedding and your vision
Choosing a celebrant who understands your vision and recognises the significance of your wedding day is important. You want someone who can appreciate just how special your wedding day is (your wedding should never feel ‘just like another client’ to you, with any of your suppliers).
9. Celebrant services and equipment options
It’s helpful if your celebrant is equipped with the necessary tools, like a quality PA system and microphones, to ensure everyone can hear and participate in your ceremony. They should also offer other essentials like a signing table and chairs. Their PA system should be of high quality to ensure everyone can hear and enjoy the ceremony.
Now, of course, not all celebrants have these inclusions, and you may find the perfect celebrant for you might not offer these services. This is also something that most wedding venues or wedding hire companies will also offer. Your celebrant will also likely be able to recommend some hire suppliers for these, and what you’ll need, if they don’t offer it themselves.
10. Consider how happy they are to help
A good celebrant should be knowledgeable in marriage in Australia and well-versed in managing the legalities and paperwork of a marriage. They should help you with getting all of this sorted, and explain what you need to do and how they can help. The best celebrants are also able to connect with guests on the day to keep everything running smoothly.
What to Expect from Your Celebrant
In the lead-up to your wedding, expect your celebrant to work closely with you, gathering your stories and preferences. They should handle all legal paperwork and offer a ceremony rehearsal if needed.
On the day, the celebrant should arrive early to set up and manage the ceremony, ensuring a smooth flow.
After the wedding, they are responsible for submitting all necessary documents to officially register your marriage.
Look for a professional who is eager to get to know you and your story. They should offer a wealth of ideas and inspiration, aiding in vow writing, suggesting ceremony elements, and integrating your cultural beliefs and traditions. The celebrant should be someone you feel comfortable communicating with, and someone you can trust and rely on. Check their emergency plans for unexpected circumstances and ensure they have a backup strategy.
Planning and preparation your celebrant should help with
Your celebrant should help ease the stress of wedding planning. They should:
- Offer Ideas and Inspiration: From vow writing to ceremony rituals, a good celebrant will guide you through personalising your ceremony.
- Manage Logistics: Address family dynamics and ceremony logistics smoothly.
- Provide a Tailored Experience: Get to know you to create a ceremony that reflects your relationship.
Key questions to ask your potential celebrant
When meeting potential celebrants, asking the following questions can be helpful in determining if they’re the right fit for you, and what you can expect if you choose them for your marriage ceremony.
- Are you available on our wedding date?
- What are your fees, and what do they include?
- Are there any other costs that might come up?
- Can you perform at our chosen venue?
- How do you personalise ceremonies / how much flexibility and customisation can you offer?
- Do you have a backup plan in case of emergencies?
- What is your official registration and qualifications?
- What experience do you have in officiating weddings?
- What types of ceremonies do you specialise in?
- What’s the process of writing the ceremony: Is it a collaborative effort?
- Are there Options to review and personalise the ceremony script?
- What’s your approach to including your stories and personalities in the ceremony?
- What technical equipment provisions like PA systems, microphones, signing tables, and chairs do you offer?
- What are your insurance and ceremony rehearsal requirements?
- Do you have backup plans for emergencies or unexpected unavailability or illness?
- Can you help with things like writing our wedding vows?
- Do you support inclusive marriage?
- What are your motivations for becoming a celebrant?
- How do you handle unforeseen issues on the day?
- What are your booking policies, including deposits and final payment schedules
- Can you tell us about your passion for being a celebrant?
The final decision: trust your instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts in making your final choice. A good celebrant should make you feel confident and excited about your ceremony. The rapport you build with them is essential for a memorable experience.
Choosing the right celebrant is a deeply personal decision. Consider their personality, style, and how they resonate with your vision for the day. Trust your instincts and choose someone who feels like the perfect fit for your special day.
Remember, this decision is yours — it’s about finding someone who can create a meaningful and personalised ceremony, making your special day unforgettable.
Considering myself (Glenn) for your celebrant?
I hope this article has been helpful to you in figuring out how to choose a marriage celebrant. While it might feel overwhelming and like a big task, just remember that your day is all about you; you call the shots. My advice is to start with a phone call or a meeting, see how you connect, ask your questions and the rest will fall into place.
If you’re considering me, Glenn, for your wedding celebrant, firstly, I’d like to say a huge thank you. Marriage celebrancy is my specialty, and something I’m very passionate about. I find it a huge honour and privilege to be part of such a momentous occasion in someone’s life.
As for my personal approach to weddings, I offer an exceptionally personalised service, and am deeply passionate about making your big day memorable and as special as it should be. You can learn more about me and my style here, or give me a call, and I would love to chat.
Happy searching, and all the best for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
— Glenn Ritchie, Marriage Celebrant in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Surrounds.