Becoming a marriage celebrant in Australia is one of the most rewarding paths you can take — and no, it’s not just about showing up on the wedding day for 20 minutes! If you’ve ever dreamed of guiding couples through one of the most meaningful moments of their lives, this guide is for you.
As a full-time civil celebrant based in Byron Bay, I’ve had the joy and honour of marrying hundreds of couples across the Northern Rivers, Tweed Coast, Gold Coast and beyond. When I first started out, I had a million questions — and not many clear answers. That’s why I’ve put this blog series together: to help aspiring celebrants understand exactly what’s involved and how to get started, based on real experience (not just theory).
And if you’re just starting out, I’d love for you to follow along with this blog series — it’s designed to support new celebrants like you every step of the way. For instance, HERE is another blog post I’ve written about the upfront and ongoing costs of being a celebrant. Got questions? Reach out anytime — I’m always happy to help!
Step One
Understanding the Role of a Celebrant
Before diving into the training, it’s important to understand what being a marriage celebrant in Australia actually involves. Celebrants aren’t just performers or storytellers — we are also legally authorised professionals.
As a marriage celebrant, you are registered and regulated by the Attorney-General’s Department under the Marriage Act 1961. You’ll need to thoroughly understand the legal requirements around marrying couples — from lodging the correct forms and delivering the legally mandated wording, to registering the marriage with the relevant state authority.
When a couple books you, they’re not just engaging a creative professional to write and deliver a beautiful ceremony. They are also engaging a legal service provider who is responsible for ensuring their marriage is valid in the eyes of the law.
It’s this balance of legal responsibility and personal storytelling that makes celebrancy such a unique and fulfilling profession.
Step Two
Complete the Certificate IV in Celebrancy
To legally perform marriages in Australia, you must obtain the Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015) from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Most RTOs deliver the course online, in person or blended.
This nationally recognised qualification covers:
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Legal obligations under the Marriage Act 1961.
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Ceremony planning and delivery.
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Working with diverse clients.
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Business and marketing skills for celebrants.
Do I Need any Other Qualifications
No additional formal qualifications are required — but you’ll also need to:
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Be 18 years or older
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Be a fit and proper person, as assessed by the Attorney-General’s Department
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Be committed to completing annual professional development once registered
How long does the course take
You can expect 12 to 18 months to complete if done part time with 12 core units and several electives. There is a focus on both legal aspects and creative ceremony work. Some units will feel very “legal and technical,” while others are more about communication, storytelling, and planning.
I can highly recommend the Celebrant Institute as a reputable RTO offering this course, and you can find out more about the prerequisites and course structure here
When choosing an RTO, be sure that it is listed on training.gov.au
Step Three
Apply for Registration with the Attorney Generals Department
After completing your qualification, apply to become a registered marriage celebrant through the Attorney-General’s Department. The application process includes:
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Submitting your Certificate IV in Celebrancy.
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Passing a “fit and proper person” assessment.
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Paying the application fee (currently $600).
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Agreeing to adhere to the Code of Practice for marriage celebrants.
Once approved, you’ll be listed on the Register of Marriage Celebrants.
Step Four
Set Up Your Celebrancy Business
With your registration in hand, it’s time to establish your business:
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Obtain an Australian Business Number (ABN): Essential for invoicing and tax purposes.
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Secure Insurance: Public liability and professional indemnity insurance protect you and your clients.
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Invest in Equipment: A quality PA system ensures your voice is heard during ceremonies.
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Create a Website and Social Media Accounts: An online presence helps clients find and learn about your services.
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Develop a Marketing Plan
- To support your professional growth, it’s important to join industry associations. For example, I am currently a member of both the Celebrant Institute and The Celebrant Society. These groups not only provide access to valuable resources, but also offer regular networking opportunities, professional development, and community support. As a result, they help celebrants stay connected and continually improve their practice.
Step Five
Engage in Ongoing Professional Development
To maintain your registration, you must complete annual OPD activities as mandated by the Attorney-General’s Department. These activities:
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Keep you updated on legal changes.
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Enhance your skills and knowledge.
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Ensure you provide high-quality services to clients.
OPD can be completed through approved providers or associations.
FAQs
Question: How long does it take to become a celebrant in Australia?
Answer: On average, it takes 6 to 12 months to complete the required Certificate IV in Celebrancy and go through the authorisation process with the Attorney-General’s Department. Timelines may vary depending on how quickly you complete your course and submit your application.
Question: What qualification do I need to become a marriage celebrant?
Answer: You’ll need to complete the Certificate IV in Celebrancy (CHC41015) through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This course covers both the legal requirements and ceremony planning skills needed for celebrancy work.
Question: Is there a test or interview to become a celebrant?
Answer: Yes. There are modules within the Cert IV that you must pass. In addition, after completing your course, you must apply to the Attorney-General’s Department, which may include a knowledge test and/or an interview to assess your understanding of the Marriage Act and your suitability for the role.
Question: Can I be a celebrant part-time?
Answer: Absolutely. Many celebrants work part-time or alongside other careers. It’s a flexible profession that allows you to take on as many or as few ceremonies as you’d like — though building a sustainable business often takes time and marketing effort.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a career as a marriage celebrant in Australia is both rewarding and impactful. As a result, by following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating memorable ceremonies and celebrating love in all its forms with confidence and clarity.
Ready to take the next step? Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, where we’ll delve deeper into topics like crafting personalised ceremonies, marketing your services, and more.
