If you’re considering a career as a wedding celebrant, you’re probably wondering: How much does it actually cost to become a celebrant in Australia?

The short answer is — more than people think. But it’s also a worthwhile investment in a flexible, meaningful career. (Also see my post ‘How to Become a Celebrant in Australia).

Below is a clear breakdown of the main costs involved in becoming a legally registered celebrant, from training to setting up your business.

Certificate IV in Celebrancy

Course Fees

The biggest upfront cost is your Marriage Celebrant course in Australia, called the Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015). This is the only qualification that meets the legal requirement for registering as a marriage celebrant.

💰 Expected cost: $1,500 – $2,500
This will vary depending on the training provider, whether it’s in-person or online, and how quickly you complete it.

✅ Tip: Make sure your provider is listed on training.gov.au and offers support for your celebrant application.

However, once you’re a registered celebrant, ongoing professional development (OPD), insurance, and business expenses may be tax-deductible if you’re earning income from your celebrancy work.

For personalised advice, it’s always best to check with an accountant or tax agent familiar with small businesses or sole traders.

Application Fee with Attorney Generals Department

Once you complete the Cert IV, you’ll apply to the Attorney-General’s Department to become an authorised celebrant.

📝 Application fee: $600 (non-refundable)
This covers assessment of your eligibility and legal obligations under the Marriage Act 1961.

Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance

Once you’re authorised, insurance is essential — especially if you’re performing ceremonies in public spaces or venues.

📋 Approximate cost: $150 – $400 per year
Look for celebrant-specific packages that include:

• Public liability insurance (minimum $10M recommended)

• Professional indemnity (for legal and admin protection)

Essential Equipment

🎤 PA System

You’ll need a portable speaker, preferably with a wireless mic for ceremonies.
💰 Cost: $400 – $3,000 depending on quality and brand

Marriage Certificates

As a registered celebrant, you are legally required to provide each couple with an official Form 15 Certificate of Marriage on their wedding day.

These certificates must be purchased from an authorised supplier — currently, CanPrint Communications.

📄 Cost:

• $44.95 for a pack of 25 Form 15s (as of 2025)

• Plus shipping (typically $10–$15)

You can order directly from the CanPrint celebrant portal once you are authorised

✏️ Tip: Order your Form 15s shortly after being registered so you’re ready for bookings — they’re a legal requirement for every wedding you perform.

Website and Branding

While optional, a website is hugely helpful for getting bookings, showing off testimonials, and helping couples find you online.

🌐 Basic website setup:

• Domain + hosting: $120/year

• Website design or DIY theme: $0 – $5000

• Logo/branding: Optional, but great for professionalism

Ongoing Costs to Maintain Registration

Celebrant registration fees Australia- each year, you’ll need to:

• ✅ Complete OPD (ongoing professional development) through approved providers

• ✅ Pay a registration fee (currently $240 annually)

💡 These help ensure you stay updated on your legal responsibilities and industry standards.

Extras

• Marketing materials if you are going to be attending wedding expos

• Office equipment- laptop or PC, printer

• A wardrobe to fit diverse dress codes and colour schemes

• Online advertising: As little as $10/month on Facebook or Google Ads

• Networking events or celebrant memberships: $100–$500 annually

🧮 Total Estimated Cost to Become a Celebrant in Australia

🧾 Typical Startup Range $3,500 – $10,000+

💡 Remember: Many of these costs (like website, wardrobe, and equipment) are scalable — you can start lean and upgrade over time.

🧾 You can spread these costs out over several months — and many celebrants earn their first 2–3 weddings back quickly.

Civil Marriage Ceremonies and Celebrant Numbers in Australia

In 2023, there were 118,439 marriages registered in Australia, with over 80% of these being civil ceremonies conducted by registered celebrants. This equates to approximately 94,751 civil marriages nationwide.

As of December 2023, there were 10,244 Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants authorised to perform civil ceremonies in Australia. 

📊 Average Ceremonies per Celebrant

Dividing the total number of civil marriages by the number of registered celebrants:

94,751 civil marriages ÷ 10,244 celebrants ≈ 9.25 ceremonies per celebrant per year

This average suggests that, on a national level, each celebrant officiates approximately 9 to 10 weddings annually.

📍 Regional Variations and Market Competitiveness

While the national average provides a general overview, it’s important to note that the distribution of weddings and celebrants varies significantly across different regions:

• High-Demand Areas: Urban centres like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as popular wedding destinations such as Byron Bay, often have a higher concentration of celebrants competing for bookings.

• Lower-Demand Areas: Rural and remote regions may have fewer celebrants and weddings, potentially offering more opportunities for those willing to travel or relocate.

These regional differences mean that the number of ceremonies a celebrant performs annually can vary widely based on location, marketing efforts, and networking within the community.

💡 Implications for New Celebrants

Given the average of approximately 9 ceremonies per celebrant annually, it’s crucial for new celebrants to:

• Develop a strong marketing strategy: Building an online presence and networking can help attract clients.

• Consider niche markets: Specialising in certain types of ceremonies or offering unique services can differentiate you from competitors.

• Be flexible with travel: Willingness to travel can open up opportunities in less saturated markets.

Understanding these dynamics is essential for setting realistic expectations and developing a sustainable celebrant business.

Note: All statistics are based on the latest available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Attorney-General’s Department as of 2023.

FAQs

❓ Is the celebrant training course tax deductible in Australia?
💬 Generally, the cost of a celebrant training course is not tax-deductible if you’re taking it to enter a new profession — such as becoming a celebrant for the first time. The ATO usually considers that a capital expense, not an allowable deduction.

❓ Do I have to pay to renew my registration as a celebrant each year?
💬 Yes. If you’re an authorised marriage celebrant in Australia, you’ll need to pay an annual registration charge, which is currently $240 (as of 2025). This fee is paid to the Australian Government each year to maintain your registration under the Marriage Act 1961.

❓ Is public liability or professional indemnity insurance mandatory for celebrants?
💬 It’s not legally required by the government, but most celebrants do choose to have both public liability and professional indemnity insurance — especially if you’re working at venues that require it. It also gives couples peace of mind and protects you professionally.

Final Thoughts

While becoming a celebrant isn’t free, it’s a relatively low-cost way to build a flexible, joyful, and meaningful business. Think of it as a one-time investment in a role that brings you face-to-face with love stories, celebrations, and lifelong memories.

And the best part? You’ll be building a business that fits your lifestyle and values — whether that’s full-time or just a few weddings a year.

If you are looking for a wedding celebrant for your own wedding get in touch with me HERE!