As a professional wedding celebrant in Sydney, one of the most common questions I get from engaged couples is, “How do we choose the right celebrant for our wedding?”. With so many options, finding the perfect person to conduct your ceremony can feel overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve compiled this guide to the top 7 questions you should ask any celebrant you’re considering for your big day. Knowing what to ask upfront will help give you confidence you’re making the right choice.
Here are the key things you will want to learn from your wedding celebrant before booking them.
What is a Wedding Celebrant?
First things first – what exactly is a marriage celebrant? Here in Australia, celebrants are responsible for officiating and performing legal wedding ceremonies.
Unlike other countries, we don’t have ministers or priests to conduct marriages. Celebrants are appointed civil marriage officiants with the legal authority to solemnise marriages per Australian law.
Some celebrants have backgrounds in ministry or religion, but many come from all walks of life. The diversity ensures you find a celebrant that suits your personality and wedding style.
Where Can I Find a Wedding Celebrant Near Me?
Once you know what a celebrant is, finding options is next. Here are some tips on hunting down great wedding celebrants in your local area:
- Search Google Maps or wedding directories – a simple search for “wedding celebrant near me” or “wedding celebrant Sydney” will bring up lists of officiants you can filter by location.
- Ask your wedding venue – many venues have celebrants they recommend and regularly work with. For example, I am a preffered supplier at Moby Dicks, Dunes Palm Beach, Bethers Pavilion, Pasadena Sydney, Mali Brae Farm, Waldara Farm, Zest, and Long Reef Golf Club.
- Get suggestions from other suppliers – your photographer, florist, or planner may have celebrants they love working with at weddings.
- Read reviews – Online reviews will give insight into a celebrant’s ceremony style, personality, and past client experiences.
Making a shortlist of potential celebrants for your wedding? Great! Now, let’s get into the key questions you should ask them.
7 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Celebrant
1. Are You Available on Our Wedding Date?
First, double–check that your celebrant is accessible on your wedding date before going any further. The last thing you want is to find the perfect person to discover they’re already booked or unavailable on your big day.
Contact them to check their availability to avoid disappointment down the track.
2. Tell Us About Yourself and Your Celebrant Journey
A great celebrant will be passionate about what they do. Ask them why they became a marriage celebrant and what led them down this career path.
Their response will give insight into their personality and wedding ceremony experience. Do they love working with people? Have they conducted 100s of weddings, or are they just starting?
You’ll get a feel for whether they’re the right fit to conduct your special ceremony.
3. What Style of Ceremony Do You Deliver?
An important factor is choosing a celebrant whose ceremony style matches your wedding vision.
For instance, are you after a modern, personalised ceremony script? A traditional service? Or a relaxed, casual celebrant?
Be sure to ask upfront so you can find someone to deliver the type of wedding you’re after. The right celebrant will work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your personality and love story.
4. Do You Have Videos of Your Ceremonies?
Asking to see videos of past real weddings your celebrant has conducted is a great way to get a feel for their style in action.
Many celebrants will have videos on their website or social media you can view.
For example, here’s a video conducting a recent ceremony on Sydney’s Northern Beaches so you can see firsthand my celebrant style.
Watching a real wedding video will give you a good sense of their delivery, charisma and how they interact with couples.
5. What’s Included in Your Wedding Celebrant Costs?
When comparing celebrants, be sure to ask upfront exactly what’s included in their fee.
Some questions to ask:
- How many meetings or rehearsals do you provide?
- Will you help us write our ceremony script and vows?
- Do you charge travel fees?
- What’s your process on the wedding day?
A clear understanding of what to expect will help avoid any surprises regarding cost.
For More info about my Wedding Celebrant Services, click here.
6. What’s Your Backup Plan if You Become Unavailable?
Hopefully, your celebrant will be healthy and ready for your wedding day. But it’s wise to ask what their backup plan is, just in case of an unexpected illness or emergency.
A professional celebrant will have contingencies, like an agreement with colleague celebrants to cover each other if needed. It’s reassurance that you’ll still be cared for, even in unlikely worst-case scenarios.
7. Can You Explain the Legal Process for Officially Booking You?
Finally, discuss the legal requirements they’ll guide you to ensure your marriage is properly recognised. In Australia, couples must submit official Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) paperwork within the required timeframe before their wedding. Your celebrant will advise you to complete all the necessary legal documents and submit your NOIM.
For the legals in Australia Click Here to visit the Attorney General’s website.
Finding the Perfect Wedding Celebrant for Your Big Day
Choosing the right celebrant is one of your most important wedding decisions. Take the time to do your research and get to know potential officiants before deciding.
If you have any other questions for your wedding celebrant, don’t hesitate to ask! A good celebrant will happily address your concerns well in advance to give you peace of mind.
This guide helps you find the perfect person to solemnise your marriage. I’d love to chat more if you’re looking for an experienced celebrant who will get to know you as a couple and deliver a heartfelt, personal ceremony in Sydney.
Contact a Celebrant Here to see if we’re a good fit.
Wishing you all the best as you plan your dream wedding and the next chapter of your lives together. Your love and commitment are so special – let’s work together to create a meaningful ceremony reflecting everything you are as a couple.
Conclusion
Choosing the celebrant who will officiate your wedding is an important decision. Take the time to research options, read reviews, and interview potential celebrants. Most importantly, ask the key questions above to find the right person whose personality, style and approach fits your wedding vision.
The perfect celebrant will make your ceremony smooth, stress-free and uniquely tailored to reflect you as a couple. With the tips above, you’ll be well on your way to finding that particular person to solemnise your marriage. All the best in planning a wedding ceremony that celebrates your love perfectly!
Special Thanks
Wedding Celebrant For Hire
Gary’s goal is for you to have the best wedding day possible! He is an enthusiastic, grounded, fun-loving and relaxed Wedding Celebrant and Professional Wedding MC based in Australia.
He was an electrician who loved his wedding so much, he quit his job and became a full-time celebrant.
He’s here to help you plan your wedding and get the party started!
