Having A Friend Perform Your Wedding Ceremony

A Better Way Than Becoming a Celebrant

Are you or a friend considering becoming a marriage celebrant just to perform one special ceremony? While the sentiment is beautiful, there’s a simpler, stress-free solution that saves time, money, and effort.

Why Becoming a Celebrant Isn’t the Best Option

Becoming an authorised marriage celebrant in Australia is a significant investment of time, money, and ongoing responsibility. While the idea of officiating your loved one’s wedding is heartwarming, here’s what it really takes to qualify:

Training and Certification

Certificate IV in Celebrancy: This nationally recognised qualification costs between $2,500 and $5,000 and takes approximately 12–18 months to complete.
Application Process: Applying to the Attorney-General’s Department requires submitting fees and extensive paperwork, with up to three months of processing time.

Ongoing Costs

Annual Registration Fees: Even after qualifying, celebrants must pay yearly fees to remain registered.
Professional Insurance: Celebrants are required to hold public liability and professional indemnity insurance.
Ongoing Professional Development (OPD): Celebrants must complete regular OPD courses to maintain their registration.

Business Expenses

Running a celebrancy business comes with additional costs, including:

Marketing and Advertising: Building an online presence and promoting your services.
Equipment: Professional PA systems, microphones, and ceremony materials.
Travel Costs: Covering travel to and from ceremonies.
Administration: Time spent managing bookings, paperwork, and communication with clients.
Ongoing Education: Staying updated on legal and industry changes.

While these steps are necessary for professional celebrants, they’re excessive for someone planning to officiate just one ceremony.

Our Simple Solution

Instead of investing thousands of dollars and months of effort, we offer a service that allows your friend or family member to perform the ceremony while we handle the legal requirements. This innovative approach gives you the best of both worlds: a personal ceremony and complete legal compliance.

Three Flexible Options

We offer three ways to structure your celebration:

1. Legal Marriage Before Your Ceremony

A short legal marriage is conducted with us in a simple 5–10-minute service.
Your friend or family member conducts your main ceremony on your chosen date.
There are no legal restrictions on the ceremony content, giving them full creative freedom.

2. Legal Marriage After Your Ceremony

Your friend performs the ceremony on your wedding day.
The legal paperwork is completed with us at a later date.
This option allows for a completely personalised celebration with no constraints.

3. Legal Marriage at Your Ceremony

We discreetly attend your ceremony to meet legal requirements.
Legal elements are completed privately, while your friend officiates the full ceremony.
Our presence ensures compliance with the Marriage Act without interfering with the special atmosphere.

Benefits of Our Approach

For Your Friend

No need to invest in costly qualifications.
Avoid the stress of legal responsibilities.
Freedom to focus on the emotional and creative aspects of the ceremony.
No ongoing commitments, registration, or professional expenses.

For You

Professional handling of all legal documentation.
A personalised ceremony led by someone who knows you best.
Save thousands of dollars compared to celebrant training.
A quicker and easier process, with flexibility to design the ceremony your way.

What Your Friend Can Do

By letting us handle the legal aspects, your friend has complete freedom to:

Write a customised ceremony script.
Share personal stories, memories, and anecdotes.
Incorporate meaningful rituals or symbolic elements.
Perform symbolic ceremonies like a sand blending or candle lighting.
Sign a ceremonial certificate to commemorate the event.
Design a celebration that truly reflects your love story.

What We Handle

We take care of all the essential legal requirements, including:

Preparing and lodging the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM).
Ensuring the completion of all required legal declarations.
Managing all legal documentation.
Registering your marriage with Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria.
Providing official marriage certificates.
Ensuring compliance with the Marriage Act 1961.

How to Get Started

Getting started is easy. Follow these simple steps:

1. Initial Planning

Decide on your ceremony date and location.
Choose the timeline that works best for you (before, after, or during your ceremony).
Confirm your friend or family member’s involvement.

2. Legal Requirements

Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) at least one month before the wedding.
Provide all necessary identification documents (e.g., passports, birth certificates).
Arrange two witnesses for the legal process (or use our Witness Service).

3. Ceremony Planning

Collaborate with your friend to design the ceremony.
Include personal touches like stories, readings, or symbolic rituals.
Finalise your plans for the big day and enjoy the process.

Common Questions

Q: Will guests know about the legal arrangement?

A: Only if you choose to tell them. Many couples keep this detail private, and guests often assume the entire ceremony is legally binding.

Q: Can our friend still sign something during the ceremony?

A: Yes, we can provide a ceremonial certificate for signing during the ceremony to mark the occasion.

Q: What words does our friend need to say?

A: None! Your friend has complete freedom to write and deliver a unique and personal ceremony script.

Q: Can we still have traditional elements like a ring exchange or vows?

A: Absolutely! Your ceremonial celebration can include any traditional or symbolic elements you like.

Let your friend or family member focus on creating a heartfelt, meaningful ceremony, while we ensure everything behind the scenes is legally perfect.