How to Choose the Perfect Marriage Celebrant in Australia

21 Jun, 2025

Planning a wedding is a mix of excitement and decision fatigue — and while florals and favours matter, there’s one choice that’s legally essential and deeply personal: your marriage celebrant.

In Australia, you can’t legally marry without an authorised celebrant. But beyond the legal paperwork, a great celebrant sets the tone for the whole day. They bring your story to life, create a memorable atmosphere, and ensure everything flows smoothly during the ceremony — the moment that matters most.

Here’s how to find a celebrant who’s the perfect fit for your big day.

1. Know Why the Right Celebrant Matters

A celebrant isn’t just a “nice-to-have” — they’re the one person who must be there to legally marry you. But more than that, they set the emotional tone for your ceremony. Whether you want something relaxed and light-hearted, formal and elegant, or personal and quirky, the celebrant you choose shapes the entire experience.

So don’t treat it like a box to tick. Choose someone who feels right for you both.

2. Start Your Search in the Right Places

A good shortlist starts with trusted sources. Try:

The Australian Wedding Celebrants Association’s directory – a curated list of qualified, professional celebrants across the country.
Wedding expos – meet celebrants face-to-face and get a feel for their presence and energy.
Recommendations from friends – recently married mates can be gold.
Online – search for celebrants in your area, check reviews, and look through their websites and social media.

Create a shortlist based on people who align with your vibe and values.

3. Check Their Style and Personality

Every celebrant brings their own flavour. Some are warm and chatty. Others are polished and formal. Some love humour, others focus on heartfelt moments.

Look at their:

Website copy – does it feel like your kind of tone?
Photos and videos – do you like how they speak, move, and engage with couples?
Social media – you can often get a real sense of their personality here.

The goal is to find someone whose energy suits your vision.

4. Interview Potential Celebrants

Once you’ve narrowed it down, chat with a few. Many offer a free consultation (in person or via video call).

Here are some helpful questions to ask:

Are you available on our date?
What’s your ceremony style?
How do you personalise your ceremonies?
What are your fees, and what’s included?
Will you handle the legal paperwork?
Do you bring a PA system?
Do you have a backup plan if you’re unwell?

How they answer matters — but how you feel while talking to them matters more.

You want to choose a celebrant you vibe with. They set the tone for the whole day and make the day feel a certain way. Their worldviews, their “them” scenario shapes how your wedding feels!

5. Check Credentials and Reviews

Make sure your celebrant is an authorised marriage celebrant registered by the Australian Government (you can double-check this here).

Then, read:

Google reviews
Testimonials on their website
Social media comments or tagged posts

Look for signs of professionalism, warmth, and consistency.

6. Think About Logistics

A few practical things can help avoid stress down the line:

Will they travel to where your wedding is?
Do they have a quality PA system so guests can actually hear the ceremony?
Do they have a backup celebrant in case of emergency?

These details make a difference — especially for outdoor or remote weddings.

7. Trust Your Gut

This is one of the few decisions where logic and spreadsheets won’t help much. If you both feel comfortable with someone — if they listen, if they get you, if they make you feel calm or excited in the best way — they’re probably the one.

You want to look back at your ceremony and remember how right it felt. The right celebrant makes that happen.

8. Take Action: Find Your Celebrant Today

Great celebrants can book out months (or even years) in advance, especially for weekends and peak seasons.

Use the Australian Wedding Celebrants Association’s Find-a-Celebrant directory to search for qualified celebrants near you. Reach out early, book that initial chat, and start shaping the ceremony that feels like you.