How to Choose the Perfect Marriage Celebrant for Your Wedding
When people think about planning a wedding, they usually jump straight to the fun stuff: the venue, the dress, the flowers, the champagne tower, the playlist that absolutely must include at least one iconic dance-floor banger.
But one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your wedding day is choosing the right celebrant.
And no, I’m not just saying that because I am one (BUT, if you're dreaming of a wedding ceremony that’s happy, upbeat, vibrant, heartfelt and just downright drowning in love, I would LOVE to be your third wheel!).
Your celebrant is the person standing beside you during one of the biggest moments of your life. We're the ones telling your story, those pre-ceremony nerves, guiding you through the legal requirements, setting the vibe and tone for the ceremony, and creating a moment that your guests will remember long after the last dance.
So how do you choose the right one?
Find Someone You Actually Connect With
This is probably the most important thing of all.
Your celebrant shouldn’t feel like a random stranger reading from a script. You want someone who feels approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely excited about your wedding. If your first chat feels relaxed and natural, as though you're chatting with someone you’ve known forever, that’s a very good sign.
After all, your celebrant will hear all the stories — how you met, the proposal, your favourite memories, the quirks you adore about each other, and all those little details that make your relationship uniquely yours. You need to feel comfortable to share them openly!
Trust me, couples who feel relaxed with their celebrant almost always have more enjoyable, authentic ceremonies.
Think About the Style of Ceremony You Want
Not all celebrants have the same vibe, and that's a good thing!
Some are super formal and traditional. Others are relaxed and modern, funny, quirky, romantic, or a blend of everything in between. Find the fit that feels right for you.
Think about the atmosphere you want your ceremony to have:
Short and sweet?
Emotional and heartfelt?
Fun and lighthearted?
A beautiful mix of romance and laughter?
Completely unique and unconventional?
The best ceremonies never feel like a copy-and-paste wedding template. They feel authentic to the couple.
Your celebrant should be able to tailor the ceremony to reflect your personalities, values, and love story.
Read the Reviews (Because People Tell the Truth There)
Reviews are absolute gold when it comes to choosing wedding vendors.
Look beyond comments that simply say the celebrant was "great." Pay attention to the themes that appear repeatedly.
Do couples mention feeling calm and supported throughout the process?
Do they talk about guests laughing, crying, or telling them afterwards how much they loved the ceremony?
Do they describe the experience as personal, meaningful, and memorable?
These details often reveal far more than a polished website ever can.
A celebrant can have beautiful photos and a fancy website, but reviews usually provide the clearest insight into what it's actually like to work with someone.
Ask Questions Before Booking
A good celebrant will happily answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Some helpful things to ask include:
How personalised are your ceremonies?
Can we write our own vows?
Do you help with vow writing?
What’s included in your packages?
Do you provide a PA system?
How do you handle nervous couples?
What happens if you’re sick on the day?
Remember you’re not being “too much” by asking questions.
This is your wedding day, and you deserve to feel informed and confident about who you’re choosing.
Make Sure They Understand the Legal Side Too
A celebrant's role extends far beyond delivering a beautiful ceremony. There is important legal paperwork that needs to be completed correctly behind the scenes, and your celebrant should be able to guide you through it with confidence.
Your celebrant should clearly explain:
The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
Required identification documents
Legal wording during the ceremony
Marriage registration process
A great celebrant makes the legal side feel simple and stress-free, allowing you to focus on the exciting parts of wedding planning.
Energy Matters More Than You Think
This one is often overlooked.
Your celebrant sets the tone for the entire ceremony.
If they're warm, engaging, calm, and confident, your guests will immediately feel comfortable and connected to the moment.
An experienced celebrant knows how to read the room, adapt when unexpected things happen, and keep the ceremony flowing naturally.
And let's be honest, weddings are wonderfully unpredictable.
There might be happy tears, forgotten vows, nervous laughter, rings that briefly go missing, or a flower girl staging a tiny protest halfway down the aisle.
The right celebrant knows how to navigate every moment with grace, humour, and ease.
Trust Your Gut
Sometimes it just comes down to a feeling.
You’ll probably know pretty quickly whether someone feels like “your person.” If you leave a meeting feeling excited, comfortable, supported and genuinely looking forward to having them there on your wedding day, that’s usually your answer!
Because at the end of the day, your ceremony shouldn’t feel like the formal bit everyone sits through before the party starts… it should feel meaningful, personal, joyful, and a true reflection of the two of you and your relationship.
And the right celebrant helps make that happen.
If you’re looking for a loved-up celebrant in the Gold Coast or surrounds (actually, right across Australia, or the world!)I'd love to chat about how we can make your wedding remarkably the two of you.
