How Much Does a Marriage Celebrant Cost in Melbourne

People often ask me, “How much does a marriage celebrant cost in Melbourne?” It’s a fair question, especially when you’re weighing up all the moving parts of a wedding budget.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a wedding in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria.

Typical celebrant fees in Melbourne

In Melbourne, most marriage celebrants charge between $1200 and $3000 for a wedding ceremony.

The average celebrant fee in Victoria hovers around $1800, but well-known celebrants in Melbourne often charge over $2200, reflecting the experience, demand, and the extra effort that goes into crafting a ceremony that feels truly like you.

Why are Melbourne celebrants often more expensive?

Melbourne weddings usually cost a bit more, simply because the cost of living and the demand is higher. But you’re also paying for a professional who:

Spends hours preparing, meeting, writing, and guiding you through the process
Handles all your legal paperwork (and there’s a surprising amount of it)
Crafts a tailored, personal ceremony, not a copy-paste script
Brings reliable sound equipment and backup plans

A registry office wedding at the Victorian BDM in Melbourne costs around $410 for a basic weekday ceremony. It’s a great option if you want to get married in a government office.

But if you’re after something more personal, hiring a private celebrant is an investment in a ceremony that actually feels like you.

Packages and options in Melbourne

Most celebrants in Melbourne offer different packages to suit different needs.

Elopement in Melbourne CBD: Often lower cost, shorter ceremony, limited guests
Full custom ceremony: Includes planning meetings, script writing, ceremony delivery, travel within Melbourne
Travel outside Melbourne: If you’re planning a wedding in Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or Daylesford, many Melbourne celebrants (including me) will travel for your wedding, sometimes with an added travel fee.

And yes, you absolutely can elope in Daylesford, under the gums, by the lake, or in a cosy Airbnb with your closest people. (If that’s on your radar, check out my post about eloping in Daylesford for more details.)

Why do celebrants cost what they do?

It’s easy to look at the 20-minute ceremony and think, “How is that worth over $2000?” But here’s the thing: a good celebrant doesn’t just show up and read a script.

They spend 17–20 hours per wedding on:

Meeting with you (in-person or Zoom)
Crafting a ceremony that fits you, not a template
Lodging and managing legal paperwork
Performing your ceremony with energy, warmth, and professionalism
Ensuring the tech and sound are right so everyone can hear every word

Plus, there’s the legal responsibility. Your celebrant is legally responsible for ensuring your marriage is valid under Australian law. It’s a big deal, and you want someone who knows what they’re doing.

Final thoughts for Melbourne couples

Your wedding ceremony is the moment you actually get married. It’s worth investing in a celebrant who will make it meaningful, personal, and clear.

My best advice? Meet with celebrants you vibe with. See who feels like the right fit for you, and who can offer the experience you want at the price you can afford.

Whether you’re marrying at the Melbourne Registry or under the oak tree at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a celebrant-led ceremony can set the tone for the rest of your day in a way that’s warm, relaxed, and uniquely yours.

If you’re looking for a celebrant who’ll make your ceremony the best part of your day, get in touch, I’d love to be that guy for you.