Top Questions to Ask Your Marriage Celebrant Before Booking
Choosing the right marriage celebrant is one of the most important steps in planning your wedding. They don’t just handle the legalities, they help tell your story, set the mood, and make sure your ceremony feels completely yours. To help you feel confident before booking, here’s a refined wedding celebrant checklist with essential questions to ask a marriage celebrant.
Are you available on our wedding date?
This might seem obvious, but it’s the first question to ask. There’s no point diving into details if your celebrant is already booked for your date.
What training, qualifications and experience do you have?
In Australia, a celebrant must be authorised under the Marriage Act 1961 to perform legal weddings. Beyond that, ask about their years of experience, the number of ceremonies they’ve conducted, and the variety of wedding styles they’ve handled.
What’s your ceremony style and approach?
Every celebrant has a unique style. Some specialise in formal and traditional ceremonies, while others prefer a relaxed, light-hearted feel. Ask if they create each ceremony from scratch or follow a set format.
Can we meet first without obligation?
Meeting your celebrant in person (or online) before making a decision is invaluable. You’ll quickly get a sense of whether you connect and feel comfortable with them.
Are you inclusive of all couples?
It’s important to know your celebrant values diversity and is happy to create a ceremony for couples of all backgrounds, beliefs, and orientations.
How do you personalise your ceremonies?
Ask how they’ll get to know you as a couple. Do they provide key questions? Will they help you write your vows? The more they learn about you, the more authentic your ceremony will feel.
What’s included in your services?
Clarify whether their fee covers everything from vow assistance and legal paperwork to travel, rehearsal attendance, and sound equipment. Understanding exactly what you’re paying for prevents any hidden expense later.
How much do you charge and how do payments work?
Ask for a clear breakdown of fees, including deposits, final payments, travel costs, and any extras. It’s also worth knowing if they offer installment plans.
Do you have a backup plan?
Even the most organised celebrants can encounter emergencies. Ask if they have a backup celebrant ready in case illness or unexpected events prevent them from attending.
What’s your process on the wedding day?
Find out how early they arrive, how they coordinate with other vendors, and when they leave. Ideally, your celebrant should be there well before the ceremony starts to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Have you worked at our venue before?
Familiarity with your wedding venue can be a big advantage. If they’ve worked there before, they’ll already know the layout, acoustics, and any potential challenges.
Can we see examples of your work?
Videos, photos, or past ceremony scripts can give you a good sense of your celebrant’s delivery style and presence. If they don’t have videos, testimonials from past couples are just as valuable.
How do you handle unexpected situations?
From noisy guests to last-minute weather changes, it’s worth knowing how your celebrant will handle disruptions while keeping the ceremony flowing.
What will you wear?
This might seem minor, but your celebrant will appear in many of your wedding photos. Make sure their attire complements your ceremony style and colour scheme.
Do you offer vendor recommendations?
Some celebrants have trusted connections with photographers, florists, musicians, and other wedding professionals. A good referral can save you time and stress.
Recap: Building Your Wedding Celebrant Checklist
Before booking, make sure you’ve covered:
- Availability on your date
- Legal qualifications and experience
- Ceremony style and approach
- Pre-booking meetings
- Inclusivity and values
- Personalisation process
- Service inclusions and costs
- Backup arrangements
- Day-of timing and coordination
- Venue familiarity
- Work samples or testimonials
- Strategies for handling disruptions
- Attire and presentation
- Extra services or recommendations
Conclusion
Your wedding celebrant isn’t just another vendor, they’re your storyteller, guide, and the person who legally seals your marriage. Asking the right questions helps ensure you find someone who truly understands your vision and can deliver a ceremony you’ll remember for a lifetime.
If you’re planning a wedding in the Mandurah region, Marriage Office Mandurah can help answer every one of these questions and guide you through your entire wedding celebrant checklist with care, warmth, and professionalism.
