
Photo by Waterfield Photography
Having married quite a few friends now, I can safely say there is no greater joy as a celebrant as marrying your friends. And, my friends have told me, time and time again, how special it is to be married by someone you already know and love, so it's no wonder there is a growing trend online of 'getting a friend to train as a celebrant' so they can be the one to stand by your side and 'marry you' on your big day. But there are a few things you (and your friends) should know...
1. It takes much longer (and is harder) than you think
To become an authorised marriage celebrant in Australia, you must complete a Certificate IV in Celebrancy. This is a 12-month course which includes written and practical assessments, such as mock rehearsals and wedding ceremonies with at least 20 guests. You must have a detailed knowledge and understanding of the legal requirements of marriage, as well as access to relevant equipment, technology and props for mock ceremonies.
Once your final assessment has been passed and you have received your Certificate IV in Celebrancy, you must apply for registration through the Attorney-General's Department. This can take up to 3 months to be processed, during which time you cannot advertise your services as a marriage celebrant, accept a Notice of Intended Marriage or solemnise a marriage.
2. It's expensive
A self-paced, online Certificate IV in Celebrancy costs between $1,800-$3,000, which is just one of many sizeable upfront costs to become a celebrant. You might like to check out The Celebrant Institute or The Unleashed Collective.
You must also pay a non-refundable application fee of $400 with the Attorney-General's Department to apply for your registration - all before you even become a marriage celebrant.
In terms of setting up for your first ceremony, you'll need Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity insurance - both included in many celebrant association membership fees such as The Celebrant Society ($395). You'll also need a high-quality PA system (my top of the line BOSE S1 Pro is valued at $999), a microphone ($529), carry-bag ($229) and stand ($129). And, for that professional touch, you might also like to kit yourself out with some vow card holders, a tri-folder for certificate signing ($200) and a folder or bag to carry them in on the day ($100).
Total set-up costs: <$6,000

Photo by Gavin Cato Photography
3. The costs are ongoing
Marriage celebrants are subject to a number of ongoing costs, including an annual registration fee of $170 and annual insurance or association membership ($395). If you plan on giving the whole marriage celebrancy business thing a red hot crack, then there are a few other subscriptions and tools you'll want to invest in too.
Studio Ninja or a similar Customer Relations Manager ($319 per year)
Calendly or a similar booking system ($151 per year)
A website ($299 per year)
A Premium Spotify or Apple Music subscription ($155 per year)
Advertising or directory listings (>$100 per year)
Ongoing costs: >$1,594 per year
4. Training is never over
While you learn a lot as you go, there is also compulsory online professional learning (OPD) issued by the Attorney-General's Department each year. This must be completed by December 31, or celebrants may be automatically deregistered.
Many celebrants also undertake their own professional learning for an additional fee to upskill in particular areas such as creative writing or funeral celebrancy, or work with business coaches to improve their business model.
5. There are other ways
Becoming a marriage celebrant is a HUGE investment of time, money and energy, if you're only planning on using it once. If you want to include a friend or family member in your wedding ceremony - or you want to co-pilot with someone who has already done the hard yards - then ask your celebrant about a co-pilot ceremony.
They are largely the same amount of work for celebrants - if not more - as we work with your chosen co-pilot to write, edit, refine and deliver the ceremony you deserve, but it is so special to have someone you love lead your nearest and dearest in a ceremony that is all about you.
Alternatively, invest in a celebrant who not only has the knowledge, skills, experience and ideas to pull off your perfect celebration, but will treat you like lifelong friends - you won't know how you ever lived without them.
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