Josh Withers · Wedding planning · 3 min read
How to Choose the Perfect Celebrant
When people ask me what’s the most important part of a wedding, I always say the ceremony. It’s the bit that makes it real — and the person running it matters.
Choosing your celebrant is a big deal.
We celebrants are not just the person who stands up the front and talks for a bit. They’re the one making your marriage official, we set the tone, plus we’re telling your story - breathing your marriage to life - on the day you get married.
And it should feel like the right fit.
Start Early
How far in advance should you book a celebrant? If you’ve got your date and venue, it’s time to lock in your celebrant. Aim for 6–12 months out if you can.
Popular celebrants like me and my colleagues I recommend book out fast (especially in Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane) and you don’t want to miss out.
What to Look For
Every celebrant is different, so think about:
- Personality fit: Do you feel comfortable with them? Would you guys get along if they weren’t your celebrant?
- Ceremony style: Do you like how they run ceremonies? Do they know how they do it differently?
- Reviews/reputation: What are other couples saying? Look at their tagged posts. Search their name online. Ask AI.
- Location: Do they work in your area or are they happy to travel?
It’s worth meeting in person or jumping on a video call before booking. Ask them about their process, backup plans, and whether they bring their own sound gear.
This is your day, and you deserve to know what’s included.
Questions Celebrants Will Ask You
During your first chat, your celebrant will probably ask:
- How you met
- How the proposal went down
- What you want your ceremony to feel like
- Basic legal info (IDs, Notice of Intended Marriage information, have you been married before?)
There’s no test here. It just helps your celebrant get to know you and get the paperwork moving.
The Legal Check
In Australia, your celebrant must be registered with the Attorney-General’s department. You can check this online if you want to be sure.
Your celebrant will handle the legal stuff, from receiving your Notice of Intended Marriage before one-month before your wedding to ensuring your ceremony ticks all the legal boxes.
Booking Tips
Once you’ve found the right celebrant:
- You’ll hopefully sign a service contract and a booking form
- Pay a booking fee or a non-refundable-deposit to secure the date
Worried about losing deposits if things change? You should consider wedding insurance (it can cover deposits if something wild happens)
“How much does a celebrant cost?” Prices vary, but expect anywhere from around $1000 to $2800+, depending on experience, location, and what’s included. Factor this into your budget early because you want to set the right vib e for your wedding and that’s what the celebrant does.
A Local Tip
If you’re Googling “best Hobart wedding celebrant” or “celebrant near me,” look for celebrants with solid testimonials in your area.
If you’re planning your wedding in Tasmania, Melbourne, or Sydney, I’d be honoured to have a chat with you about your day.
Your celebrant shapes how your ceremony feels. Take the time to interview a few, ask questions, and choose the one who feels right for you.
Because your wedding ceremony should be the best part of your wedding day, not the bit you just get through.
Photo by my friend Harley at Bulb Creative in Brisbane
