Understanding the Role of Your Celebrant
- Carina Quinn
- Sep 3, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 11
What on Earth Do We Actually Do?
Hello, love legends! 🌟
On the socials, I often say that I’m your dedicated hype-girl, voice-over, timekeeper, and scriptwriter — basically, I’ve got you! That’s a lot of trust I’m asking for, so here’s the proof that I’ve got the goods to back it up.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what a marriage celebrant actually does, and the legal jazz, logistics, and love-fuelled responsibilities that come with the gig.
The Legal Jazz 🎷
What Makes Your Wedding Official
As a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant (that’s me!), I play an important role in ensuring your wedding is not only beautiful and meaningful but also legally sound. Here’s.
Marriage Act 1961 📜
This is the cornerstone of all things marriage in Australia. It covers who can marry, where, how, and what needs to be said. From checking your eligibility to the exact legal words that must be spoken during your ceremony, this Act is the rulebook.
Marriage Regulations 2017 📋
These regulations outline the professional standards celebrants must follow — everything from lodging paperwork correctly to upholding the highest levels of integrity and care.
Code of Practice 📘
This sets out the professional behaviour expected of celebrants — respect, inclusivity, and professionalism. It ensures that your experience is safe, enjoyable, and handled with care from start to finish.
Ongoing Professional Development 📚
Just like any other profession, celebrants are required to keep learning. Every year, from January to December, I complete Compulsory Professional Development (CPD) to stay up to date with all legal requirements and best practices.
Every year, from January to December, I must complete specific professional development activities. These activities keep me updated on the latest legal requirements and best practices in celebrancy.
What Happens If We Don’t Keep Up? ⏰
And if a celebrant doesn’t keep up? Let’s just say the government frowns upon that. Missing CPD can lead to suspension or deregistration — so rest assured, I’m always on top of my game!
📋 The Celebrant Checklist: What Actually Happens
When it comes to officiating a wedding, there’s a surprising amount of behind-the-scenes prep that goes into making it seamless.
Before the Ceremony
Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): Must be submitted between one month and 18 months before your big day.
Verification of Identity: I check birth dates, witness signatures, and make sure everything is correct and legal.
Declarations of No Legal Impediment: Both of you sign these close to the ceremony date — confirming there’s nothing stopping your marriage.
Marriage Certificates: Three are prepared — one for the registry, one for you, and one for my secure records.
During the Ceremony
Witnesses and Interpreters: Two witnesses (over 18) must be present, and if needed, a qualified interpreter too.
The Monitum and Vows: The legal bits that make your marriage official. I ensure these are said correctly — but don’t worry, I make them flow naturally within your ceremony.
Signing the Certificates: You, me, and your witnesses sign all three — and just like that, you’re officially hitched!
After the Ceremony
Submitting Documents: I send your official paperwork to the registry within 14 days to finalise your marriage.
Record Keeping: I securely store your records (yep, even years later) as required by law.
Bringing the Vibes: What Makes Each Celebrant Different
Now for the part that’s not written in any legal document — the vibe.
Every celebrant brings their own style, and I truly believe there’s someone for everyone. You should feel completely comfortable with the person standing beside you as you say “I do.”
All celebrants are unique and I truly believe there is someone for everyone.
You have to ask yourself do I like this person? Do we vibe? Do I feel looked after and safe. As Celebrants we are standing right up there with you as you make one of the biggest commitments of your life in front of your chosen people - it's a pretty big deal.
Will this person do our story and our vibe justice?
This is where I tend to thrive and I often focus all my chats with couples around. My goal isn’t just to tick boxes — it’s to create a ceremony that feels like you. I see my role as all the above but uniquely to craft a ceremony that reflects your story and vibes spot on!
I want you to wake up the next morning and think...
“Wow, that felt huge. That was us.”
And for your guests?
“That wasn’t just a wedding — that was a celebration of two absolute legends.”!
Whether it’s a quirky themed wedding, a big shebang full of colour and grandeur, timeless with traditional elements incorporated or an intimate elopement, I’m here to make it happen and here’s how I do it?
✨ How I Bring It All Together
Personalisation ✨:
I take a great deal of time getting to know you as a couple, to create a ceremony that’s truly yours. From crafting your story with ebs and flow and storytelling elements to incorporating special traditions, every detail is tailored to you.
Support and Guidance 👐:
I guide you through the entire process, from the legal paperwork to the ceremony script, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day. i take your lead on if you want to be super involved in the planning or hands off ready for the surprise.
Creating Memories 📸:
My goal is to make your ceremony not just legal but a milestone-worthy day of celebrating YOU!
So, whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, whether getting married is about the two of you and everyone else is the cherry on top or it’s about all your people in one place for one night only, know that I’ve got the legalities covered and the vibes ready.
Let’s create a ceremony that’s as unique and beautiful as your love story! 💖
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to start planning your big day. Follow me on Instagram for more insights and behind-the-scenes peeks into the life of a celebrant!
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References:
Marriage Act 1961
Marriage Regulations 2017 (including the code of practice for marriage celebrants)
Code of Practice for Marriage Celebrants
Celebrant Obligations Checklist
Happy planning! 🥂
Carina is a Perth based Marriage Celebrant living in the beautiful Swan Valley. She focusses on fun relaxed, charismatic wedding ceremonies staying true to her naturally bubbly and vibrant personality. Get in touch with her via her blog or email.
0417 923 760
Perth, Western Australia
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