What Does a Celebrant Do?

OUR FIRST MEETING

I offer my couples a no-obligation first meeting to get a sense of who you are, toss around ideas, and ultimately check out whether I match your wedding vision and personality as a couple. It’s a great opportunity to help me understand what you want and see if I am a good fit for you as a couple, to deliver your dream ceremony.

These sessions usually go from half an hour to an hour over a hot cuppa or a glass of wine. If you can’t physically meet up, there are other options such as Zoom, Teams or FaceTime.  

WRITING YOUR CEREMONY SCRIPT

After we’ve met and if you’ve decided we’re a good fit, I will provide you with a couple’s questionnaire to fill out. This will give me a greater sense of who you are and what chapters make up your unique love story. I will talk you through the different types of ceremony options and we will work out together what best suits your vision.

Based on your questionnaire and initial chats, I will write up a personalised ceremony script for you, and welcome any changes or feedback you may have.

ASSISTING WITH YOUR VOWS

While some couples wish to write their own vows with little or no outside input, if you aren’t a wizz with words or prefer a little extra help — I am your go-to wordsmith! I will read through your initial thoughts and ensure your vows authentically represent your true feelings.

One thing you might not think about is how your vows match one another in tone, style, and even length. I can act as a great third party for you and your partner to ensure they work together without you seeing what the other person has written.

ADD PERSONALISED TOUCHES

If you want your wedding ceremony to scream individuality, I can help facilitate this!

I can naturally incorporate your chosen cultural traditions and rituals into your ceremony, and join in on the fun and quirky aspects. From costume party weddings, a celebration of your children and pet involvement, to formal, traditional affairs — I will add as many special touches as you desire.

I can suggest possible verses, poems, and readings that you may wish to include in your ceremony. I will also be able to suggest other suitable rituals that you may like to include, always ensuring your wedding goes smoothly, with compassion, humour, and love!’

FOLLOW-UP MEETINGS

I offer couples unlimited communication in the lead-up to the wedding. If you have any questions, fears, or details to finalise — I am always willing to discuss and put your mind at ease.

I will provide whatever quality time is needed to assist you as a couple to develop a ceremony that meets your needs and values. The time is provided in face-to-face, zoom, or mobile settings.

There’s so much more to the role of a celebrant than simply marrying a couple and taking care of the legalities.

View me as your number one fan and supporting character throughout your wedding experience - someone who should align with your overall wedding vibe and personality.

From your initial wedding planning stage to the big day and beyond — I handle a wide range of duties and extra special tasks. From assisting with music and ensuring your family knows what they’re doing, to emceeing and liaising with your vendors.

The level of involvement during your wedding day can vary, depending on your wedding style. If you’re after a simple yet magical elopement with little fuss — I am willing to get the basics done for you and leave it at that.

If, however, you’re planning a more personalised ceremony, I will go above and beyond to craft a highly engaging, unforgettable moment for you and your guests.

You’re investing in my creativity and expertise to ensure everything goes to plan.

If you’re still unsure as to what I – as your celebrant offer you throughout your wedding experience, here’s everything I do before, during, and after your big day.

TAKING CARE OF THE LEGALITIES

I, as your celebrant will take care of all the nitty-gritty legal details,

so you don’t have to worry!

These include:

Lodging a Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)

Organising Declaration of No Legal Impediment to Marriage

Ensuring all legal documentation is submitted to the

Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages

Acquiring a legal Certificate of Marriage (Can be organised upon request)

Ensuring all information is correct

PROVIDING EQUIPMENT

I come prepared with my own high-quality equipment, including the latest Bose PA system, Sennheiser cordless microphones, a signing table and chairs

(at the request of the parties), and other optional decorative items.

LIASE WITH VENDORS

Weddings are definitely a group effort! As your celebrant, I will liaise with your other vendors, so we are all working together as a team, ie. stepping aside while your very expensive photographer gets those beautiful shots of you both! I will ensure everything runs smoothly and works like clockwork.

From your wedding planner and photographer to your florist — I will assist, coordinate, and help wherever needed.

EMCEEING

I will act as your ceremony MC — accompanying your guests to their chairs, letting people know when your ceremony is unplugged, and announcing when photos will be taken. 

SUPPORT AS NEEDED

For couples who haven’t booked a wedding planner or coordinator, your marriage celebrant is the supplier who will be there throughout the entire wedding process — I am eager to support you physically and emotionally. Marriage celebrants are one of the first suppliers you’ll book, and we are there from ideation to execution. This means that we are the best source of support and knowledge for you throughout your entire wedding planning process. Throughout your wedding day, if you need reassurance, a few laughs, or even a hug before your ceremony — I will be there for you.

I am your go-to for pretty much everything, including moral support leading up to and during the ceremony, playing your music, checking your guests are okay, and informing your parents where they are sitting. If it happens to rain I will even run around and wipe the seats for your guests.

I promise to be your number-one fan and source of support. I will help guide you through the wedding planning process and ensure you feel your most comfortable, confident selves on the day!

COORDINATING FAMILY AND GUESTS

You don’t want to be running around coordinating all your friends and family during your wedding — leave this to me!

I give guidance to the bridal tribe, guidance to family and friends as to what happens next or where to go for group photos. One of the most important actions for you to rely on from your celebrant is to keep everyone relaxed, calm, and ready to participate. 

AFTER THE WEDDING

My job doesn’t finish at the wedding ceremony. While you’re off enjoying your honeymoon, I will submit all your legal forms to Births, Deaths, and Marriages for you to ensure your marriage is officially recognised!